I have an S Type Jaguar 3.0Lt manual - problem is I keep getting a warning message on dash board in orange saying FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE - a red light comes up next to the message and cuts the excelatator - no power to the engine although the engine remains on tick over. It has been on a diagnostic machine but shows no fault. I cannot drive the car anywhere. I would be grateful for your help. KEVIN

get someone with a code reader to check the dtc, thats the the way to go to help you sort it out,could be lots of things, common probs are air leaks in the induction system or ignition coils/spark plug issues

Check fuel filters.

the message "fail safe mode" is telling you that there is a fault in either the engine or gear box. In your case the problem is in the transmission. Run the fault codes and check for a torque converter servo/solenoid failure or a TCM problem. Check that there is oil in the transmission.

Between the air filter and the throttle body. If the large plug is loose you will get a warning on the dash and it will go into limp home mode.

Hi, fail safe engine mode means that the ECM (Electronic control module) or computer box as some know it, is running in a mode whereby it is bypassing a particular component in the engine that has gone faulty in order to keep the car from cutting out, or has picked up an erratic function in any component, which is more than likely an electrical problem and could be one of the following which have to be checked by computer analysis equipment at the Jaguar agents or any one else that is familiar with the process that is required to trace the fault. Here are the possible causes: 1.Erratic wire connection 2, Engine cooling Fan thermal switch. 3. Control module 4. CKP sensor 5. Computer box not functioning correctly (a rare fault) 6.Engine coolant fan not working, or running erratically. Unfortunately only a computer analyis will depict the location of the fault and if the repair man is very experienced will be able to sort it out quickly with the computer analysis.( Although I strongly suspect it to be the cooling fan thermal switch which is working erratically and will soon fail completely.)
So get your car to the experts as soon as possible especially if it could be the cooling fan thermal switch, which could cost you a major expensive engine repair job if your Jaguar overheats.
Have a good day.

On the X-Type dash display,

Located above the message center are two lamps, red for warning and amber for caution. When a message is displayed, the appropriate lamp will illuminate to attract the driver's attention and to signify the importance of the message.

Hello! Fail safe mode is when the vehicle's computer detects a serious problem an allows you to "limp" off the road or highway safely.

Fail safe mode on a Jaguar is mainly caused by a dirty and gummed up throttle body. The throttle body on your auto has a protective coating, so you can not use just any cleaner. It requires a throttle body cleaner that states "safe to use with a protective coating". The butterfly valve in the throttle body will actually "stick out". This causes fail safe mode to kick in reducing the amount of power your engine can produce.

Also check the plugs on your ECM (computer) and make sure they are all seated properly.


Guru...............saailer


I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_6df67de3b14de867

I do not know about a Jag. But the "fail safe engine mode " on my GMC means the Engine Controll Computer has quit working.

fail safe mode is something the vehicle computor will go into when there is a problem with the vehicle it allows u to get off the highway or road safely you need to take vehicle to repair shop or your dealer which ever u prefer Failsafe engine mode on a 2000 jaguar s type is caused by a stopped up throttle body. Jaguar says not to clean the throttle body since it has a protective coating to help keep deposits from accumulating. You can clean the throttle body as long as you use ONLY throttle body cleaner that states it is safe to use with a protective coating. The butterfly valve in the throttle body will actually stick not allowing air to flow into the manifold causing failsafe engine mode to kick in reducing the amount of power your engine will produce. To solve the issue just clean out your throttle body, it will cost you around $5 dollars and take 1 hour of your time.

abs warning light stays on jaguar s type 2001 can you help