CD Article: Jaguar XJ, 1995-2003

[articsteve]

Jaguar 1995-1997 X300 (AJ16) Checklist
Common Problems/Weaknesses after 10 years/100,000 miles

1. Cracks in exhaust manifold.
2. Faint LCD clock display segments.
3. Leaking automatic dimming rear view mirror – free replacement from Magna Donnelly (improved model).
4. Oil pressure sender fails – early models only.
5. Seat memory (small changes?) and stiff front to back movement switch.
6. Fuel sender only showing 3/4 full when tank full – clean or renew
sender unit.
7. Rust spots along windscreen rubber area - visual check.
8. Failed steering wheel motor, either the up/down (tilt) or in/out
(drive coupling shaft fails).
9. Leaking camshaft cover seal - check the front of the head for oil
leaks – renew seal.
10. Cylinder head gasket – slight oil loss near oil galley – renew with
improved version.
11. Front lower wishbone bushes worn - renew.
12. Split on front downpipe – repair by welding.
13. Rust on rear wheel arches (pre ‘95 models).
14. Radio fails to recognise CD player (NOT CONT) – (re)solder SMD
component.
15. Rough idle – use correct sparking plugs.
16. Dirty throttle body – can lead to stiff throttle/rough idle – clean.
17. Corroding rear bumper supports - renew.
18. Mouldy smell when air conditioning switched on or off – clean
evaporator.
19. Timing chain rattle – fit new-style tensioner.
20. Worn front shock absorber isolators cause clunking noises from front of car - renew.
21. Worn lower radiator mounting bushes - renew.
22. Leaking power steering high-pressure hose – renew every 100,000 km.
23. Petrol tank takes ages to completely fill – clean pipe to charcoal
canister.
24. Failed J-gate lighting – renew bulb or use a green 12V LED.
25. Premium sound rear woofer cone detaching from voice coil.
26. Sagging headliner (hot climates only).
27. Cable(s) through boot lid hinge can fracture.
28. Worn driver’s seat bolsters.
29. Corroded valve cover.
30. Loose flex (Jurid) driveshaft fitting – tighten.
31. Broken fins on rear centre-vent.
32. Bad brake/park microswitch – adjust.
33. Heater water pump fails – renew brushes (brushes not available from Jaguar).
34. Interior lights flicker – clean or renew rear door microswitch.
35. Boot lock barrel seized – clean and lubricate (graphite powder) -
use regularly to avoid problem.
36. Worn A-frame bushes cause knocking noises from rear of car – renew.
37. Supercharger pulley bearing fails – renew.
38. Dash lights fail or intermittent – renew/repair ECU in steering column.
39. Bowden cable to open driver’s door fails – renew or repair.
40. Dull/misty headlamps – clean the INSIDE of the glasses using a
polishing compound,
41. Cracked seat frame – weld together.
42. Leaking oil bypass O-rings - renew.
43. Leaking CPS O-ring - renew.
44. Loose upper steering column.
45. Loose front undertray.
46. Play in driver’s seat tracks.
47. Corroded bulkhead post terminal.
48. High level brake light comes unstuck – re-glue.
49. Bonnet insulation rubbing on valve cover.
50. Door stay breaks away from door.
51. Crankshaft position sensor fails - renew every 100,000 miles.

Also, A/C compressor robust, but $3K from dealer to replace weaker condenser, drier and proprietary A/C lines.  An A/C-Delco shop can do it for half this.

Eric Green
95 XJ6 VDP owner

Of all those above items only number 10 (head gasket) is a real disaster.  Most of the others are normal wear and some you can just live without repairing.  Lots of access with the straight six.

[Eric Green]

arcticsteve:

Agreed, which is the only reason I have kept the car. The intangible benefits of driving a big Jag outweigh (for me and a handful of hair-shirt-wearers) the 51 niggling, small problems. These are large, elegant, fast cars that still get me at least one offer to purchase monthly.

Fortunately, the XJ16 I-6, backed up with a ZF 4 speed and quality other mechanical bits and full German/Ford electrical system, means the car is generally very reliable. Preventive mintenance and quality servicing is key. I can't say that I have heard as positive things about the later V8 cars.

And <i>nothing</i> matches the smell of Connolly hide, IMO.

[safristi]

Eric ya can say that again...and the HEADLIGHTS are Magnificent too.....

[Annie]

I am looking for an used car and saw a XJ8  , do you mean I can drive thisone  in the snow of Quebec city ?

Is this possible ?

If you like to answer please write me at zouzou@gmx.net

Thank you !

[toolatecrew]

Wasn't the solution to JX12 engine problems to swap in a GM 350 cubich inch V8 and tranny.
http://www.jaguarspecialties.com/v8_kit.asp

[stodge]

I saw, or rather heard, one of these drive past me the other day. The occupants dressed like they were driving a Rolls Royce. The Jag was emitting the unbearable noises when the wheels were turned at low speed (10km/h). I laughed out loud - mutton dressed up as lamb! Or rather.. suckers!!

[Giant Dwarf]

My cousin apparently just picked up an '03 XJ8 on eBay from Florida  for $8900 and it's only got give-or-take 50,000 kms on it!  Sounds like a hell of a deal even if you do have to put some repair bucks into it.

I haven't seen it yet, but it might be quite a steal for a luxury car.

[Turbo Bob]

My cousin apparently just picked up an '03 XJ8 on eBay from Florida  for $8900 and it's only got give-or-take 50,000 kms on it!  Sounds like a hell of a deal even if you do have to put some repair bucks into it.

I haven't seen it yet, but it might be quite a steal for a luxury car.

Definitely a steal for that money!! Cool car...

[Mitlov]

My cousin apparently just picked up an '03 XJ8 on eBay from Florida  for $8900 and it's only got give-or-take 50,000 kms on it!  Sounds like a hell of a deal even if you do have to put some repair bucks into it.

I haven't seen it yet, but it might be quite a steal for a luxury car.

Make sure it wasn't flooded in Hurricane Katrina.  There are a lot of unbelievable deals on luxury cars coming from the Gulf Coast.  They're unbelievable for a reason.  Submersion in salt water and sewage does a whole lot of damage to a car, but people will put in a new interior and sell it for an "unbelievable" price and still make a hefty profit.

[Giant Dwarf]

My cousin apparently just picked up an '03 XJ8 on eBay from Florida  for $8900 and it's only got give-or-take 50,000 kms on it!  Sounds like a hell of a deal even if you do have to put some repair bucks into it.

I haven't seen it yet, but it might be quite a steal for a luxury car.

Make sure it wasn't flooded in Hurricane Katrina.  There are a lot of unbelievable deals on luxury cars coming from the Gulf Coast.  They're unbelievable for a reason.  Submersion in salt water and sewage does a whole lot of damage to a car, but people will put in a new interior and sell it for an "unbelievable" price and still make a hefty profit.

Hadn't thought of that... and likely my cousin didn't either.  Wouldn't surprise me if that was the case.  Oh well, she always was impetuous with her spending of her husband's money (she doesn't work). 

[ktm525]

Timely article. I have been eyeing a used 200 XJR in the BC interior. 130k, well maintained, no nikasil and about $13k.