XK8 2001 won't start after a short drive
 

My 2001 XK8 starts right up every time, but once in a while after a drive it won't start. It won't even turn. I usually wait for 10-15 minutes, and the car will start up.

Last week, it refused to start at all. I had to unplug the battery to reset the car. The car started right up after that.

The battery is pretty new, so I don't think it's the reason.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jay

Have you attempted to start it in "N"?

This might help.JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

I couldn't put it in N. I tried several time hitting the brakes and shifting to N. I keep getting a beep.

Probably a defective brake interlock solenoid.

Graham

Do you know how to unloch the shifter lock manually? You need to try that.

I don't really know. Any help would be appreciated

The procedure is in the owner's manual, but if you don't have a copy:


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...f8b9e011f7.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...859a4e41c0.jpg

Thanks, I'll try this next time.

Any idea why this happens occasionally?

Thanks

Does anyone know why the car starts right up and once in a while after driving and stopping won't start again? All lights come on, the battery is almost new, but no crank. It starts after 10-15 mins.

I will try to move the shift to N and start it, but any idea what the cause of the problem may be?
Thank you all for your help.

It could be that the shifter selector switch is not making contact correctly. Could an adjustment or deeds adjustment. Try the "N" position first.

This is a problem that could have many possible causes.

Gus is giving good advice.

There are also a few areas where poor connections on the power mains can cause similar problems.

-Power mains crimps: Squeeze the battery cable crimps tightly with a pair of vise-grips.

-Check that the bolts for the heavy power connections to the two megafuses in the trunk (behind the spare) have not loosened.

-Go to each fusebox and make sure the power mains connection bolt is clean and tight.

Remember to disconnect the battery for safety whenever putting a wrench on a positive battery connection or you can be burned by an accidental short.

I will try that. Thank you gentlemen for your advice

System Check
 

I do not know why, I run into a similar problem unless I turn key to the on position till the " System Check" goes off on the dash, then start. Just assumed a lazy something. Rich

My 2000 XK8 (83K miles) has done the same thing twice. Won't crank and gives a CEL following system check. Tried to read the code but only get the P1111 followed by P1000 which are telling me everything is OK. Wait some period of time, CEL goes out and car starts. Both times this failure has happened, it was a hot day if tat means anything. Battery is about two years old.
Appreciate any thoughts.

Hi Gus,

It happened again today. I put it in 'N' using the override, but still didn't start. I'm now getting transmission failure.

Thanks

Fought this problem for several years, did all the recommendations listed, still happened for no apparent reason. Finally replaced the key exciter ring and have not had a reoccurrence in over a month, knock on wood.

Thanks Richard. I had to unplug the car battery and plug it back to get the car started. Very frustrating. How complicated is replacing the key exciter?

It could be the exciter ring but first do you have another key for the car and have you attempted to start the car with it when it will not start?

This is about a $30.00 part that could fix your problem. It is located at the ignition switch and it has 2 wires. Ohm it and it should read 33.4.

Thanks Gus. Unfortunately, I don't have another key. I'm going to try replacing this part