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Jaguar Repair Questions and Answers

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Question:    1998 Jaguar XK-8 mileage: 76,000. Hi, I own a 1998 Jaguar XK-8 it has been a great car for years but now when I take my car out first thing in the morning it runs rough, seems low on power and sometimes backfires. When it warms up it seems ok. I have had all regular service work done at the dealer so I took it in. They charged me $122.00 to tell me they didn't know what was wrong. They scanned the computer but it didn't show anything and they couldn't get the car to duplicate it. What do I do now?

Answer:    Yes, we just had this problem in the shop. This is difficult because the computer can't detect a problem, your car thinks everything is ok. In reality what is happening is the electrical component inside the MAF sensor becomes contaminated by the impurities in the air (heavies) These containments imbed themselves to electrical component that senses the air flow causing the sensor to be slightly off, but not enough to trigger the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp). Replace the MAF sensor with a new sensor and you're problem will go away, plus your car get better mileage and performance. (Mass Air Flow MAF sensor or Air Intake Sensor AIS, depending on manufacture. It does the same thing with different names).

Question: 1998 Jaguar XJ8 V8 mileage: 87,000. The engine suddenly stalls with no warning. It seems to happen within 5 miles of starting the car, usually in cool weather (45-50F). The dealer has not been able to isolate the cause, but has replaced the throttle body and a relay.

Answer: We would suspect the fuel pump has failed. Replace with a quality factory replacement.

Question:  2000 Jaguar XJR  mileage: 105,000.  I have had this car for about 4 years and I love it and want to keep it for many more years, but dealing with the Jaguar dealership service people is HORRIBLE so I thought I'd ask you first.  My car has been running great until last night and it seems like its energy level has been turned down a notch.  It starts fine and runs ok, but it doesn't run smoothly like before.  It wobbles now when it idles and runs with a slight wobble too.  I just need an idea of what to expect before I take it to anybody.  It's pretty costly if I don't know what they are talking about. By the way, I am a female Dale.  Thank you for any help you can offer.  Dale

Answer:  Scan computer with an Engine Scanner and check for trouble codes. Check for a bad plug wire or a fouled spark plug.  Also, you should check compression and a for plugged catalytic converter.

Question: 2000 Jaguar S-type. This car was hit lightly, not enough to buy new body parts (front fender) however, the car will not start. It turns over and the lights work but the car will not start. I have tried much research, however do not know where to start with this problem, any advice would be helpful.

Answer: Your car is equipped with an inertia switch that was probably tripped when your car was lightly hit. It is probably located in the trunk. Your owner’s manual will have the location.

Question: 1999 Jaguar XJR 8 cyl mileage: 96,000. While driving at high speeds on the freeway, there is wind noise coming from the driver's window. I was told this problem is in relation to the design of the left mirror. The car has been in the shop twice and the problem has not been corrected. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: Ask the dealer if you can test drive another model like yours to see if it has the same wind noise. If no noise is present in the test driven vehicle, then your problem could be the window seal.

Question: 1997 Jaguar XJS  mileage: 125,000. I would like to change my own oil, but I can not find the right oil filter wrench to do the job. The filter is in a very small space and way up in the engine compartment. A conventional one will not work. Do you know where I might find the proper wrench that would get into that tight of an area and give me a type or name for it?

Answer: The tool you need can best be described as a spring that wraps around the oil filter. On the bottom of the spring assembly is a hex bolt that can be driven by a socket wrench. It should be available at most auto parts stores.

Question: 1996 Jaguar XJ6 mileage: 97,400. I just purchased this car. Most people I know have said that 97,000 miles on a Jaguar engine is not a lot. The car runs fine and looks very good. Are they right?

Answer: In evaluating the condition of a used car, the maintenance practices of the prior owner are very important. If the normal recommended services were performed, your car should have many miles left in it. However, if the engine has ever been overheated, long-term damage could have occurred which would shorten the life of the engine.

Question: 1991 Jaguar XJS V12 mileage: 83,000. My car caught on fire. The gas goes right through one of the banks on the block because there is no spark. It will still run on the other 6 cyl. I was wondering where I could get the schematics for the ignition. Or if you have any suggestions please help me.

Answer: We cannot understand how you can only have spark on 6 of the cylinders on one bank. This would require every other cylinder to misfire. What more than likely is happening, is that the fire damaged the wiring loom, which caused 6 of the fuel injectors not to fire.  A Mitchell, Chilton or Haynes auto repair manual or a manual from the dealer will have diagrams showing what you are looking for. The manuals also give step-by-step instructions.

Question:  1991 Jaguar V12 mileage: 63,000.  The horn in my 1991 Jaguar XJS stopped working how can I fix it also where can I purchase a repair manual for a 91 Jaguar? Chilton’s & Haynes don't sell repair manuals for 91 Jaguars.

Answer:  On the steering column two contacts ride on the steering wheel shaft for the horn.  Check those contacts, as they may have gotten loose or worn keeping them from making a good connection. Your Jaguar dealer should be able to order a manual for you.

Question:  1984 Jaguar Sovereign XJ6 6 cyl mileage: 85,000.  I have a 5-speed transmission Jaguar clutch that pedal goes to the floor.  What could be the problem? 

Answer:  It is possible that you are merely low on clutch fluid and refilling it may cure your problem.  Alternatively, you may have a leak in the clutch master or slave cylinder.  Remotely possible, your clutch assembly may have failed.

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