Just bought my 1998 XK8. Engine sounds great but no record of changing the timing chian tentioner. Should I worry? Also thecruse control is no longer operating is it simple to fix? L yes can the telephone be converted to a chip mobile

part off the module fixed to the pump modulator assembly on lhs under bonnet. common problem, check pump motor resistance should be low 3ohms or less if ok module may be at fault.somtimes you have to change both
but it normally the motor brushes stuckworn out

I do fear that you may have broken a timing belt, due to a faulty tentioner or idler. The top timing cover just clips off, take it off and take a look inside with a torch.
Also check that it is tentioned sometimes it may seem as if all is well but when you apply some pressure to the belt you may find it has broken.

It should not go out of control. It might still be the damper, if not nstalled properly OEM dampers are not great. The last time I replaced one I bought a heavy duty ARB damper and it solved my problems

could just be a vacuum leak or the throttle plates are dirty

Fix your car right away, by clicking the link I attached
JAGUAR XK8 1996 2006 WORKSHOP REPAIR SERVICE MANUAL

That's a load of **** they are feeding you.The timing chain tentioner has a fault and not tentioning the chian.I think you have done a good thing keeping it on synthetic oil.That causes less wear on moving parts than other oils.

Just a quick mention - for about a month my XK8 low coolant light came on intermittently. This week with no notice while driving normally I got Stability Control Fail and FailSafe Engine Mode and wtih great difficulty got the car back to where I started from (less than a mile). Two days later (when got time) and after a bit of research, I tried it again - same problem and a very unhappy engine. I then disconnected the battery for 15 minutes (probably more) to clear the engine codes as well as check all the wiring and vacuum stuff I could under the hood (at a Jaguar master mechanic's recommendation). No problems found but the car would start and immediately stall with the air intake hose disconnected from the intake butterfly. After I reconnected the air intake hose, she started and purred like normal. The problem is the BATTERY... It is low - I've known it for a LONG time BUT it always started right up and never skipped a beat. I intend to replace it tonight but fully expect that's the issue. I've had the car 6 years (it's a 98) and had NO problems except a dead taillight asembly.

Hope this is of value...

Sounds like an ignition switch to me...

Claire it should be in the engine compartment and it is usually a yellow dipstick and dont forget to check you must let your engine run zas you check the level

artielou, I assume that you've checked the fuse panel in the passenger compartment. There is a fuse and relay panel under the hood in the engine compartment. Get a 12 volt test light or multimeter and start tracing the lines from the master panel under the hood to the panel inside until you find the broken conection or blown fuse. Try to have as much patience as possible in that electrical systems sometimes have a mind of their own. Good Luck, quicbric (the volvo man)