It started for a second, and I quickly put it into drive, and then it stalled.
So it took me about 5 minute to get my 2001 XK8 started after that stall. I thought maybe the battery was going bad, or maybe it was too cold the night before, or maybe I flooded it.

Fast forward to today, car wont start again.
Sounded like this:
http://youtu.be/RNMIX8GO-so

I put the jumper cable on it, and got the same kind of no start.

Then I feathered the gas pedal while cranking and it started, like this:

http://youtu.be/2kNO15hqJpY

I know that with a fuel injected car, you are not supposed to touch the gas, but in this case it worked.

Is this common for the Jag?

Thanks,
Hal

 

If you are not experiencing a CEL/MIL then the first thing to check is the fuel pressure. Almost everything failing on this car will set a CEL EXCEPT the fuel system. Without sharing a OBDII code with us I would suggest that you test the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. Less than 41psi would indicate a failed fuel pump or electrical connection to same.

 

No codes, or CEL. Although I did get an interment ABS/Trac on the display last week. Oh, and I have a bum top front shock mount. Just figured I'd share that too!

 

I know a weak battery wreaks havic on these vehicles, how old is the battery.

Have you replaced the fuel filter? At 82,000 miles might be a possibility as well.

But what do I know........

 

I would say you have a weak battery. Judging from the pulse of the tone on the door chime and the slow roll on the engine tuning over. Since it did not start the first time you now have raw fuel in the cylinders. You flooded it. The way to get these cars started when they are flooded is to push the accelerator to the floor and hold it there while cranking. If all else is good this will flush the system of fuel and it will cough and sputter but it will start.

Have you been having any problems with having to reset your windows? If so this is usually the beginning of the battery checking out.

Have it tested, if it is more than three years old with winter coming you may just want to replace it.

That's my three cents worth, yeah I got a raise.

 

No window problems, just had to reset them after taking the battery out (convertible).
The radio didn't lock either! Thank heavens, because the car didn't come with an owners manual or radio code.
I'm heading to autozone later. Hopefully they can do an accurate load test, and maybe get me a new battery.

I was going to drop it at the dealer, but for a $125/hour diagnostic fee, I may as well just try a new battery from $150 from autozone. I'm not sure if that is solid rational, but it sounds good to me!

We did a hydrometer test in the shop, and 3 of the 6 banks came up "fair".

 

Weak/dieing fuel pump will do this.
Check your fuel pressure, when I had one die on another car, it would not go over 50 mph, then one day sitting at a redlight (in rush hour) it just died.

 

Your battery sounds fine to me, don't waste your money. Plus you said the jumper cables didn't help.

I agree with the others, most likely a fuel system issue. It's easy to check the fuel pressure.

 

The Fuel Pressure Fitting is located at the Rear of the Right Fuel Rail on XK8s:

 

This link might help Jaguar fuel pressure testing

 

I'm interested to see how this one turns out. Because that sucker sure did crank slow compared to what I'm use to.

 

It sounded like the starter was able to spin the motor FASTER in the second video possibly? But, I have been through a similar problem-both fuel pumps (on my '86 SPG) were failing at the same time, AND, the battery was weak, causing intermittant starting; that said, your battery most certainly sounds weak in the first vid. Please tell us how it tested, and I'm VERY interested in the pressure test, i.e., what instrument you will use to measure the fuel pressure. I would love to have engine-mounted gauges for oil temp & pressure, coolant temp, battery voltage, and anything else one might need, fuel pressure, maybe even coolant pressure.

 

The battery load tested good.
I have a feeling the fuel pump is failing.
I sometimes get a slight rough idle for a few seconds.

I bought an aftermarket warranty with the car, and luckily the fuel pump is covered. I just have to wait for it to crap out.

I will do a fuel pressure test in the autoshop at school next week.

Details to follow.

Thanks for all the input!

 

While you are at it, check the fuel pressure regulator - it's the round item right next to the schrader valve in the drawing on this post. Make sure the vacuum hose to it is tight and not dry or cracked at either end. Mine went south at about 70,000 miles/10years and I had periodic warm starting problems. Easy DIY replacement.

 

Guys: Very helpful thread, particularly the YouTube clip. My newly purchased 99 XK8 (89k) wouldn't start this morning and sounded exactly like the first clip did. Batteries are pretty new so that shouldn't be the problem. Tried to get the car inspected (Md.) the other day and there are a number of items that needed fixing but the fuel pump wasn't identified as one of them. Will try feathering start when I get home.

 

You should also read the fault codes if that does not work.