Hello all, I am new to this forum having just bought my first ever Jaaaaaaaaaaag... It’s an XK8 1997 convertible, bit of a risky ebay purchase but so far all is pretty good. A few things I need to mend but nothing too major luckily. (First thing discovered was that it had no locking wheel removing key! Big hammer and socket rammed onto it sorted that one!)

I do have a question that some forum members may be able to help me with.

I know that when I press the brake pedal when it is in Park it triggers a solenoid which allows the gear lever to move out of park. The trouble is, every time I press the brake pedal when driving the solenoid keeps on clicking away. I think it is an issue with one of the two micro switches than run along side the shift lever so the car doesn’t know it is out of Park and keeps on firing up the solenoid each time I press the brake.

So, removed the gear lever surround ok and discovered that the small micro switch nearest the dashboard (there are two micro switches) both its wires had been severed by something, so the switch simply wasn’t connected to anything. SImple solder job undertaken and back to normal? Er no. Now when I start the car, press the brake, turn the key, the dashboard lights come on but the engine doesn’t turn at all! bizarre. Disconnect the micro switch and it starts as normal. Any clues you Jag experts out there?? I haven’t yet tried replacing either of the two micro switches. It just seems odd that with the micro switch resoldered the car just refuses to turn over!

many thanks for any advice..

regards.

I think I did try starting in neutral but can’t be sure. I’ve left it disconnected for now to get it back to how it was. I’m going to wait for a better day weather wise so I can spend some real time on it.

many thanks for your reply.....