Jaguar XJ-Series

rbrenton88

Ship it over to me, if you wouldn't mind. Do you have layaway?

bhill2

Thanks for answering, even though I addressed the question to the wrong person. Do every Jag lover a favor and scrape off what's left of the dreadful aftermarket pinstriping before you put it on the lot.

seamcg

I am looking into 1996 XJ12. Any info on problems or things I should look for or be aware of? Thanks

im_brentwood

Well.

Yes. My suggestion is to buy a Vanden Plas!
The 12s are pricey for regular maintinence and serious gas guzzlers. They have nearly double the running costs of a 6, and they arent all that much faster.

Also.. Where ya at? Miles? Color? Price?

Other than that, aside from the obvious.. check the steering column tilt motor, all electrical options, decklid key-lock (ONLY DO IT WHEN CAR IS UNLOCKED!) to make sure it works, umm.. radio. check the radio.

Bill

netranger4

Bill: Have seen your other posts in Classic cars and thought you might be interested in seeing some examples of Hupmobiles from the 30's. hymanltd.com has '34 and '35 127"wb 8 cyl Hupps. If you're interested in Raymond Loewy (Studebaker) early styling, check them out.

im_brentwood

Neat stuff!

Now, dont ANY OF YOU BID ON THIS OR I WILL FIND YA! heheheh..

Here's my next target:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=599143092

But Hupmobiles are really cool looking. I just have this thing for Vauxhalls

Bill

litlrivr

Help! Just drove my '01 XJ8 in the snow. The P-6000s are a total disaster. I thought I could duck buying snows, but something must be bought tomorrow. Thinking of Mich. Artic Alpine or a Blizzak, if one will fit. Snow-ice control trumps all. (Northern MI) Suggestions?

im_brentwood

These puppies do real well in the white stuff.. but you DO need snows.

None of the XJs have ever floated over from the UK with all-season tires so you will most certainly need snows.

What I use/like are the Pirelli WIntersports as they're V-Rated and based on a high-performance casing, so the car wont be a pig on dry roads (Like it will be on Q-Rated tires).

Also The Michelin PILOT Alpin is the one that you want to look at as its' also a high-performance snow tire.

OK, So ya wont be going 140 in the snow (God I hope not) but I've found that the hi-po snows make the car much much more stable in the dry/wet.

My mother's new Jag has the Wintersports on it. SHes happy with them so far, but they havent yet seen snow (Shes in NJ and Im in FL so I dont run snows.. last snows I used up here were Pirelli Winter 210Ps which I liked a lot, but its been a couple years and they dont make em anymore.. new ones are supposedly much better)

Hope this helps!

Bill

coolmatt44

Hello all, I don't believe I have ever posted on this bored before but I have a few minutes right now so I thought I would introduce myself. To start happy/healthy holidays to all, I know it was for me, my Christmas present (which I picked out) from my wife was an XJR. I have taken it only for a short drive so far, but I love it. I know the design is changing to that ford taurous looking design next year which is the reason I wanted this car so much, I have always loved this design. Well nice talking to you. Merry Christmas!
Matt

litlrivr

Mark. Thanks. I'll look at the Michelin PILOT Alpin.
Somebody around here should have them in stock.

[Deleted User]

You might want to thank Bill, in addition to "Mark". ;-)

[Deleted User]

Hey Bill! That XJS was gorgeous! Did you get access to your email yet?

97vdpguy

Does anyone have an opinion on Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires for a VDP? The dealer suggests that these will handle pretty well in winter and be a good overall tire.

The tread design is interesting. Do you know if these tires are 1) any good? 2) quiet or noisy?

After getting nails and flats in two of my P4000e's, I'm going to be replacing them soon. They have 37K miles on them. I'm not looking for any more noise than the P4000's deliver.

Thanks for your input.

im_brentwood

Good luck, theyre gret tires.. me likes.

Thewm or the Pirellis oughta be real easy to get..

Coolmatt: Welcome! Great car BTW..

Bill

im_brentwood

Not yet.

That nice, eh? )

Hmm/// I think I know where this going...

Bill

im_brentwood

Yes.

Excellenbt tires.

Like all all-seasons though, only fair in the snow tho. If you live where a lot of snow is a fact of life, I'd look at snows myself..

But the P4000Es suck in the snow anyways, they're not M+S tires like the P4000 SuperTourings (Similar tread design, different casings and rubber compounds..)

Bill

willngayle

Perhaps someone out there can help me with a JAG problem.
I have a 99 XJ8L that(I think) may have some front end problems that involve the brakes & steering mechanism. I get the sensation that the steering system is very loose whenever I hit the brakes upon entering turns. The steering column then feels very shaky, as if the rack & pinion gear is getting loose. I get the same feeling when backing (and turning)out of the garage and I have the steering all the way over to the lock position. I don't know if it's the brakes or perhaps something like the power steering pump that causes the loose steering sensation. The thing is I feel this loose sensation in the steering column as well as the brake pedal. That's why I say I'm not sure if it's steering or brakes.

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions. I have an appointment with the Jag rep on Jan 2 but I wanted to get some advanced knowledge before the rep and and the dealer start to sing their BS song. Thanks,
Bill

im_brentwood

Could be a problem with the Servotronic system.. or braking.. or maybe something loose in the front end.(What I sorta suspect)

Sounds VERY tough to diagnose sight unseen Im afraid..

Bill

[Deleted User]

Are you back home yet?

im_brentwood

Yup!

litlrivr

Apologies to Bill, Garypen, Mark et al. for not mentioning them in my last post. But you know we old farts do get forgetful and make mistakes.
I now have Dunlop Winter Sport M-2 s on the XJ8. They are "H" rated, quieter than I expected and decent in snow. (Also the only reasonable thing available here in late December.)
"H" rating is adequate where I live in northern MI. We have upwards of 50,000 car-deer accidents a year here and over 100mph will get you half way to a lost license if it doesen't loose you anything more important. It is also very unlikely that you could do 120mph plus for more than 20 minutes without attracting the attention of a citizen with a cell phone if the fuzz does not spy you first. Bad odds.
Thanks "all"

willngayle

My recent post (#969) talked about some vibrations as well as braking & steering problems on my 1999 XJ8L. The local dealer & Jag rep found the braking & steering problems were due to a faulty lower steering column. They originally checked the sway bar bushings but found them to be okay. Then they checked the lower steering column and found it to be screwed up. The steering problems felt like brake problems because they were most obvious when braking and turning at the same time.

However, now for the VIBRATION issues. The svc mgr at the dealer and the Jag rep stated that ALL Jaguars have an inherent engine vibration starting around 48-52mph and continuing up the speed line. I was appalled that they would make such an admission. Clearly I have this problem. The thing that amazes me is that I have not heard of anyone else complaining of a vibration issue. Why would the Jag rep admit such a problem (which I clearly have)if it didn't exist? Can Bill at Brentwoodvolvo or anyone else offer some comments or suggestions. I'm not an automobile hypocondriac, but I really have a vibration problem that Jaguar says is inherent in the car. I don't have ultra sensitive hands, feet or fanny to feel this sensation. It's real. I'm at my wits end trying to resolve this issue. Would Jaguar say that's how our cars are, you're stuck with it? Does anybody want to buy a "cherry body" 1999 XJ8L? Can anyone offer some help. Thanks, Bill

im_brentwood

AllJags have a Vibration issue?

Bull...poop.

Umm... you may know I deal in a bunch of these suckers.

Hmm.. Pirellis can be VERY tough to balance on occasion. Michelin MXV4s can cure this, but I think they grip like crap.

OK, so the steering column issue is fixed (That was a first for me).

Find a quality shopto balance your tires. Where do youlive? Iknow some great shops inNorthern NJ..

Bill

willngayle

RE: My vibration, I already have the MXV4's. The dealer recently sent them to the local tire dealer (Town Fair Tire in New Haven, Conn.) for balancing on their "Hunter" balancer. They said the tires were okay. I am still amazed that the Jag rep out of NJ would say all Jags have an inherent vibration problem. Why would anyone buy one if that was the case? This vibration is driving me nuts.

rea98d

He said all Jags do that because he was too lazy to put forth the time required to fix it correctly. Get him to say that again, then challenge him to prove it by letting you drive another XJ on his lot (Or even an XK or 4 Liter S-Type, since he claims its in the engine). I bet he comes up with some hairball excuse why you can't.

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User]

You had mentioned previously that there is an inherent problem with XJ6 EGR valves, I believe. Am I remembering correctly?
I seem to have read something about air injection relays, as well.
Is that stuff accurate? Do you recommend simply replacing those parts in a 94 XJS?

im_brentwood

My e-mail blows...

Did ya pick her up yet?

You know the REAL way to reach me dammit!

And, No. Not unless there is an issue.

Bill

97vdpguy

There is a recall out for XJ6's and XJ12's. I'm having my service done on Monday. They are supposed to replace the EGR valve and I think the throttle cable. Something about engine hesitation at speed that the repairs are supposed to fix. My VDP had one "episode" on the highway about 4 months ago, but it was just a momentary engine sputter. Could have also been water in the gas line. At any rate, they're going to fix me up for free.

Nice thing will be the free car wash when they're done. This road salt sure makes a pretty car look ugly...

The recall is discussed in this forum, but it's a couple hundred messages back.

im_brentwood

The recall... duh...

Bill the dummy

[Deleted User]

I guess you just didn't recall it.
Har har hardy har har (In my best Ralph Kramden voice.)

im_brentwood

Dont be a jagoff.. lol )

So, did you buy the XJS or what???

Inquiring minds would like to know..

Bill

[Deleted User]

Yup. I'm flying down to pick it up, and driving it back, tonight!

pat

If we should have a separate XJS discussion, anyone is free to make one....

Nice car, garypen!! :-)

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

im_brentwood

NICE!

Dont drive like me!!!

Congrats man, about time ya found one.

Now jointhe JCNA!

Bill

[Deleted User]

Thanks! I'm gonna join JAG, the Bay Area group first, I think.
Today, I'm going to detail the interior, including a good steam cleaning. I'm also gonna replace the air and fuel filters, and the wiper blades.
As soon as the parts arrive, I'm gonna replace the O2 sensor, air injector relay, and front cat.
Right now, I'm gonna check the EGR solenoid. I just got a check engine code FF37. I may replace the solenoid and EGR valve too, considering the way uou, and evryone else, says the original valves stink.
Well, it is 8 years old, and has lots o' miles. But, it doesn't look it, and only cost $10K.

im_brentwood

FF 37?

That's easy!

Open the hood. See those two little blue boxes marked "DENSO" on them?

OK. There's 2 of them. Only one is really used and it can clog up a tad.

Flip-flop them.

Code should go away! Its' a common faultand that's the smart way to fix it (It'll come on again around 250K miles or so and then you'll need the $75 part)

JAG is a good organization. Front cat is bad? That sucks. Are you sure tho?

Bill

im_brentwood

When ya flip-flop them, you have to bend one bracket and unbend the other...

Call meor e-mail me iof you get stuck on it.. I can always e-mail you pics.. I think I have.. shoot.. 4 or 5 4.0 XJ40s floating around at the moment, and they have the same engine/engine management system.

Bill

jarmstrong2

I recently purchased a 98 VDP for my wife. We love the car. I am trying to put a Escort radar detector in the Jag by direct wiring. I have pulled out the overhead lighting tray shown when replacing a bulb( using the instructions in the manual)Could you help me find a hot wire to splice into for the direct wiring? I was trying to find one on the five wires going to the rear view mirror. Which one would you use? I thought I would ask before splicing into just any wire I found. Sould I direct wire this directly to the fuse box under the rear seat instead?

And now for the final question. I really want a 98 or 99 XK8 convertible. Almost all the used cars that I have seen have wear in the drivers seat boster. Is this normal? Can you replace the boster to match the rest of the seat? Or do you have to recover the whole seat? Can Jaguar do this ? Thanks so much for all your help

JMan

im_brentwood

OK..

I think there is an acessory provision for this, however...

I remember these giving ourt installers fits when the 98s came out (Remember, these cars have a multiplex wiring system!).

I'd try and find an installer who's done a 98+ Jag before... If I remember right (And I could be, and often am, wrong.. but at least I admit it hahaha) you can do some expensive damage by hitting the wrong wire.

That being said, rumor is that you can tap most any 10amp fused hot feed, but DO NOT EVER tap anything related to instruments, engine management, etc.

How friendly are ya with yer dealer? Ask them..

As far as the seats go, its somewhat common. I dig up 4-5 Ragtops a month, and at least 2-3 of the older (3-4years old) ones have bolster wear.

$75 at the detail shop fixes that. Replace a leather panel? $300+ and I'd be surprised if most shops could match it properly. Have the seat sprayed.

Hope this helps!

Bill

[Deleted User]

I knew which part it was. The solenoid on the driver's side, top rear of the engine, with the vacuum hose leading to the EGR valve itself. Right? I checked to make sure voltage was going to it. It checked out OK.
I saw the other one on the drivers side front. I wondered what that one did! Do they just put it there as a spare? Doesn't it do something?
I'm not really sure if the front cat is bad. I may not replace it. I am replacing the O2 sensor, though. I don't get an engine fault for it. But, I tested the voltage, and it shows a range of 45-65 mV. Shouldn't it be 0-5V? It should arrive in the mail tomorrow.
Today, I changed the fuel filter and spark plugs, flushed the engine, changed the oil and filter, and cleaned the throttle body and injectors. It's definitely running better. Seems to have more power.
Yesterday, I thoroughly detailed it, inside and out, except for steaming the carpets. I'll have to wait till next weekend for that.
If I don't do the cat(s), I'll use that money for a steeo upgrade. New Alpine head unit, so I can manually choose CD's while driving, and new speakers, probably Alpines, as well.
I'm so psyched! My first Jaguar! Everybody thinks it's beautiful. A couple of car-ignorant friends actually thought this 8 year old XJS was new!

[Deleted User]

In your post to JMan, you mention $75 for a bolster. Is that the seat bottom cushion? Is the $75 for an entire new cushion with leather surface, or just to re-upholster the leather surface?
Even though my driver's seat was recently re-upholstered, the passenger and rear seat bottoms are a tad worn and cracked. Shoot. If it's only $75 each, it's not worth my time to buy the filler, dye, and stuff from Leatherique, and spend hours doing it myself.

im_brentwood

Swap those two blue thingies... will fix da "FUEL FAIL 37" Code.

Very nice work finding them btw

As far as CDs go, why not just get a 6cd changer that plugs into the factory harness? Alpine CHM S-620s sure as hell do and they go for $189 on eBay!

That $75 was to have a "Leather Fixer Guy" re-spray the seats... NOT reupholster them in leather...

Bill

[Deleted User]

Will he fill the cracks, too? It's still a bargain compared to buying all the stuff, and trying to do it myself. Where do I find a leather fixer guy?

I already have a changer in the trunk. That's why I'm gonna get a new CDM series head unit to go with the it. I want to be able to swap CD's while I drive. I can't seem to get 'em to fit in that little slot on the existing head unit. ;-)

How the hell to I remove the old unit? I don't want to damage any of the trim, wood, or climate controls.

im_brentwood

A good one will fill the cracks too.

Ask your local Luxury Car dealer who they use.

Many upholstery shops do it too. I got a great guy but he's in Orlando...

Radio? I got no idea honestly... I'll see if I can find out tho. I know how on the sedans..

Bill

[Deleted User]

Someone on an XJS forum told me how to remove the trim panel. It sounds like a piece of cake.

There's an auto upholstery specialist near me. They charge about $95 for a re-dye. I don't know if it includes filling the cracks. They also don't offer a guarantee on dye jobs, only on re-upholstery.

I'll check with the local Jag and luxury brand dealers. Maybe there's someone better/cheaper.

BTW, I'm going to switch those solenoids tonight, when I swap the O2 sensor. Wish me luck!

im_brentwood

When ya do the 02 sensor..

DO NOT GET ANY ANTI-SEIZE ON THE TIP OF THE SENSOR OR YOU ARE SCHTUPPED!

Just a friendly warnin!

Bill

vusic

Beautiful car Gary, congratulations.
Hey Bill, is there a special trick to freeing the headlight bulb in a '99 VDP? I tried to futz with it but didn't want to force anything. It seems it wants to remain clipped in the reflector.
FYI: Our cracked wood panel is going to the folks in Santa Monica for repair through my service dealer. Thanks again for the tip.

DC

[Deleted User]

I had a feeling about that. I'll be careful!
BTW, shtupped is Hawaiian for unhappy, right?

I got a weird one. I was noticing a shimmying in the steering wheel which was even worse when I braked, which also caused a pull to the right. I assumed it was some front end thing like wheel bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints, bushings, etc. Maybe even warped rotors. Reasonable assumptions, right?
Well...tonight I noticed the steering reservoir was low, so added some fluid to the mark. Guess what? The symptoms appear to be gone! As Phil Rizzuto would say, "Holy Cow!"
Have you ever heard of that before?

Oh yeah. I also cleared the fault codes by disconnecting the battery. They haven't come back. Does it take a while, or are things OK? I only ran the engine in idle for maybe 10 minutes, and drove another 5 or 10. But, the gauge showed a warm engine. (It was still a little warm from earlier.

im_brentwood

Hmm..

IIRC, Ya just twist it and pull it out. Odd... Maybe there's a retaining ring to unscrew first?

If all else fails, try a sledgehammer. That will remove it.

Gary: If ya dont fix it, the CHECK ENGINE light willcome back. Trust me. MEGA Weird onthe PS fluid tho!

Hawaiian? Yeah. Lower East Side Hawaiian ))

Bill