Today, I replaced the J-plate around the shifter on my 2003 XK8. I made the mistake of starting it while I had some things disconnected. Now, it flashes red in whatever position the shifter is in and manual shift mode is locked out. Everything is connected now and the car is running okay other than a strange new noise at times when shifting. Any way to pull a fuse or something and reset this code? Will it damage anything driving it like this? Thanks!

 

Disconnect the negative battery terminal for 30 seconds and then reconnect it and see if that solves the problem.

You will also need to reset the windows afterwards as described in the owners manual.

 

I will try that first thing in the morning. Thanks

 

If you are unplugging or plugging electrical equipment ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE! This car does not like change with the battery connected.

 

Well, I tried disconnecting the battery. I lost my radio stations and had to reset the windows but still have the red lights flashing.
When I changed the J-gate plate, I disconnected the sport shift button, the top button and pssibly had the wheel on the J-gate out of position when I started the car one time. I never unplugged the wheel as I could not seem to get the wire to disconnect. I am not sure if what looks like a plug for the wires on the circuit board actually unplugs and did not want to try and risk breaking something. Anyway, I checked the connections, placed the shifter through the double brushes on the wheel and reassembled everything. Still got a flashing red light. Thanks to WhiteXKR for the idea. Any other ideas out there? Will it hurt the car any to drive it like this? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

 

Time to get any thrown codes read. A generic code reader may not be able to pick them up....

 

If it is the security light then you may have a problem. Have you used your remote to see if the light goes out?

 

Demote works. Just the light at whatever shift position is used blinks red. Do I have to go to a Jag dealer for tranny codes?

 

Remote not demote works.

 

Tried my code reader. All I got was a P1111 and a P1000. Probably because I disconnected the battery earlier this morning. Not sure who would have nor where to read a tranny code.
Dealer only??

 

You have 3 micro switches one on the shifter selector and two mounted on at the shifter lever you need to check that they were not bent. Also check to see that your plugs are connected correctly and do it with the battery disconnected. I have a few photos if I can find them.

What made you replace the top selector indicator?

 

The J-gate plate was cracked. That is why I replaced it. Any photos are appreciated. I remember a switch that is activated when the shift lever is in either reverse or park. Not sure which. Another activated by the wheel on the J-gate assembly when in manual shift positions. There is a white plastic fork assembly that the shift lever rides in and moved with it. There is a connector on a circuit board on the wheel of the J-gate assembly. Is there something else? A blue and white or black wire pair also goes to the wheel on the J-gate assembly. All look intact.

 

Gus, I'd appreciate seeing the photos, too. Have a new plate ready to install to replace a cracked one on my 06XK8, and would like to avoid issues.

 

See if this helps

 

Gus
I see something interesting in you photos. I have the switch on the wheel but only one of the two for the shift lever. I can see where the other one goes but it does not appear to be there. I noticed that earlier an figured it was for some option that my car doesn't have. Do you know what it does? I have the one closer to the front of the car but in the other position, I remember seeing an empty bracket. Ideas?

 

I would need to look it up. It appears that the 2003 had a few changes and i do not know about all of them. Just make sure your plugs are goo and that the switches are adjusted giving you the open / close. also remember that the shifter may need to be adjusted.

The shifter operated the linkage to the trans on the left then internal to the trans to the right it goes to the shifter selector switch (electrical) from that it sends an electrical signal to the trans control module then to the ECM then it sends the signal to the trans valve body that changes the gears. If the cable is out of adjustment it might give you the blinking lights but that is my guess. have you attempted to put the old unit in to see if it does the same thing?

 

Gus
I only replaced the J-gate plate. I did not replace the complete assembly. So, there is nothing to change back and try. I removed the wheel from the J-gate assembly and then removed the four screws holding the upper plate in place. Hope that helps. Thanks

 

Forgot to mention. I have not touched the cable.

 

Check your PM

 

Unable to find my photos on the cable but this is the TSB

Link http://www.jagrepair.com/images/TSB/307-01-1.pdf