Hey guys,, I'm new in all this hunting down problems and chasing codes on vehicles. But I am trying my best here to find out what my girls problem is.. my boyfriend is not really help.think hes over my car an too busy with his ( to make it faster). But anyways I have a 2004 xj8 just pass 60k miles. Head gasket went.. think we temp fixed it. But she has obd codes coming up 2 po405 codes,, po174,,an p1000.. if I could get any help it will be much appreciated.. thank u

SOURCE: white smoke at startup

Hi michelle,

Smoke signals:

• White smoke = water vapor
• Blue smoke = Oil
• Black smoke = unburnt fuel

If it's only white smoke and it's only on start up (when its cool) its most likely condensation burning off from inside the exhaust pipes, manifold, muffler, etc. If water was in the cylinder(s), on the spark plugs there would be no smoke, exhaust or a running engine.

If oil was leaking into one or more cylinders the smoke would be blue.


There are things you can check for:

• Is there any loss of power? Does it start and drive normally with no odd sounds or symptoms?
  
• Check your coolant level daily (do it safely, never when hot, OK?). Is it dropping?
  
• When you check the coolant, do you see any oil mixed in (floating on top)
• Check your oil level. Is it dropping?

If you answered no to all of these, whats the problem?

As far as your friendly mechanic is concerned:

• Has a compression test been performed? on each cylinder? What were the results? Get it in writing.
  
• Better yet, take it to someone, anyone else for a second opinion. If you have a friend that tinkers with cars, have them perform the same test. see if they match.
• If you need to bring it to another shop, don't tell them something is wrong. (I'm sure you understand why)
  
• A good story is: you can no longer afford it, you are putting it up for sale and to avoid any complications you want to document the engine was recently checked out (specify you want a compression test to be performed as part of this). Since you are trying to get rid of the car, it's less likely a different 'Problem' will appear ;-), Get it? We want straight answers. See what they come up with.
  

I don't like to speak ill of someone I've never met, but from what you've posted, something smells fishy. You don't replace an engine because of a known blown head gasket. I'm not convinced yet that this is your problem. If it was, I'd be replacing the head gasket, not the engine.

It's unlikely anyone trying to sell you a $7,000.00 engine based on what you've described is looking out for interests other than their own.

Ask around, friends of friends, find someone trustyworthy. Get a second opinion, a third. It's a LOT cheaper than a new (yeah right) engine. Sorry about the sarcasm, but how would you know that it was new?

Please reply to me with a full list of symptoms, the results of your tests and any other details on whatever you may consider pertinent. This will help me help you.

But my most immediate advice is:

1. Don't buy this engine
2. If your car is in their shop, get it out, ASAP.
3. Get a second impartial opinion.
   

These may be reputable mechanics, but every warning light in my head is screaming RIP OFF!! Don't let it happen!

I sincerely hope this helps you out.

Mike

Remember: Good things come to those who Rate!!

SOURCE: 2004 Jaguar XJ8 AC

first i would try checking relays,fuses, and the ground cables. replace as neccesary....now for checking the ground cables.....i would disconnect them and try scuffing them up with a wirebrush or something that will scuff up the metal a little bit then re-attach them.....test the blower and see if it works.....let me know what happened.

SOURCE: 2001 XJ8 Vanden Plas engine light

I've had the same problem on my 2001. It turned out to be the battery. Apparently the voltage had dropped to the point that the computer began to malfunction. I'd first go to a battery shop and have it checked under load before looking for other solutions.

SOURCE: car shuts off while driving.

You might want to try a new fuel filter, if its been a while sense its had a new one, when they start to plug it will act like that. You may also want to chk. the fuel pressure to see if the pump is getting weak, pumps going bad are a common problem on G.M. cars and trucks. but don't loose sight that it could be electrical, with todays cars anything is possible, but sense the light did not come on leads me to believe its the fuel thing.

SOURCE: my head gaskets gone and the car makes a nasty knocking noise

if you think the head gasket is blown,and now you have a knocking in the engine,replace engine, bearings are probably bad due to water in the oil.you will need special tools to even do the head gasket and timing belt. sorrry no good news