Hi all,
My dad has recently purchased a 2000 xk8. It ran well yesterday when we picked it up and drove well all yesterday, apart from a engine warning on the dash that showed for 30 seconds before clearing. It drive well again this morning, but when trying to park wouldn't select reverse without restarting the engine. When we drove away it pulled away but wouldn't change out of first. After 2 or 3 more restarts it drove perfectly again for half hour, selecting all gears well until we stopped in traffic and it stuck in first. The garage are taking it back in on Monday but before that we'd like some advice if anyone has any ideas on what's causing this. We do not want to let the car go but feel this may be the only option. It also has a load knock from somewhere on the back which a local garage cannot find, only happens on rough roads and sounds like a suspension part but all seems tight.
Thanks you in advance, we hoped out first post would be a more positive one!

 

John, don't give up too early or at all. Check for trouble codes by hooking her up to an OBD II code reader. Check the battery's state of charge. Have the ECU (electronic control unit) and TCM (transmission control unit) reflashed by a Jag or independent shop. Until 2003, the Oft. Problematic Ford 5 speed gearbox was used. Hopefully it's ok. The intermittent 1st gear issue may involve sticking trans. Solenoids. That the dealer is taking her back for inspection is a blessing. let's see what pans out on their side.

 

The knock at the rear is likely to be the lower shock mounting bushes. They will knock long before there is any movement. It would be worth getting the garage to replace those. You will find plenty of information and advice relating to this issue elsewhere on the forum.

 

It sounds like you have a few issues that need dealing with but not to worry. Electrical problems can be minor but cause all sorts of issues. More importantly, you really need to change the gearbox oil every 50K max. Even if this has been changed before it may have been replaced with cheaper oils (IIRC the correct oil alone will cost 300USD equiv in the UK). Changing the oil can turn a rough changing gearbox into something that feels like new!