20 Most Recent Jaguar 1998 XJ8 Vanden Plas Questions & Answers

Question edited for clarity. Question moved to model category. One a manual shift, not enough clutch clearance or a worn clutch plate. On an automatic, you need to look at fluid levels. ..

I have a suggestion for you to pursue. This is not specific to your Jag, but any car with the symptoms you described. When the engine starts it needs the battery to crank the starter motor and to power the ignition system. Once it's running, the alternator provides the power to run everything. If the battery is weak and only good enough to get things started, but the alternator is not powering the system, the weak battery dies within seconds as the ignition system drains it down. ( Thus - the ignition dies.) Put a volt meter across your battery terminals while cranking & with engine running. If it doesn't read over 12 volts ( engine running ) you might look into a charging system problem! That would also explain the weak battery - no charging. Otherwise, suspect a bad fuel pump. I've had new replacements fail on me right away. Some auto parts are just poor quality and don't last. How to know?

Hello. The car is getting to be warmer then normal. The termastate could be getting bad and the water pump also could be getting bad. Better be safe then sorry, have some one check them out before big bad problems happen. Good Luck.

Apparently you have a leak, but failed to disclose where. An internal leak would come out of the exhaust pipe and would be white smoke.

Hi there:The PCM (also called ECU or ECM) is located under the pollen filter housing in the passenger corner of the engine compartment.

Dealerships are normally robbing lying b*****ds. You should get 2-3 quotes from around the place, trying to find a mechanic somewhat familar with Jags .

when you pressure was a car meaning engine or under you have to wait till is fully dry you may have short circuit your ecm or ignition depending where is located or is the alternator due to the water .

A fuse is designed to fail if a short or high amp draw condition occurs, a fuse can not cause a secondary safety(breaker) to trip.The unit has developed a short and must be replaced.

what are the gauge readings?

what year is the jag.

Just two things without equipment. (That I know of). Is the clutch pulled in and the compressor running? If so, is the larger line coming from it cold? DON'T touch the small one! It could be very hot. If the clutch is not engaged, follow the larger tube from the compressor toward the fire wall. There is a low pressure safety switch that could be bad and can easily be by passed to check. Unplug the two wire connector and jumper those two wires. Be sure the AC control is set to "MAX COOL" and your thermostat is as low as it will go. Let me know if the clutch is engaged or the compressor running. You could have a 12 volt compressor with no clutch. They are out there. Roger

If it is low on Refrigerant, it will cycle the clutch off. When the pressure rises from the lines equalizing, it will come back on. When it does stay running, does the larger line get cold? If not, it is probably low on refrigerant. Roger

Hi, There is air trapped on refrigerant line. Please release it and add refrigerant and retry.Check also recommended refrigerant for your air conditioning system. Regards, Jay

If it only happens when the ac is on maybe it doesn't have as much power as before? Bad batt or possibly a bad alternator. Also check for a good seal on the intake for the air.Also check the IAC valve on throttle body.Also check if fuel injectors are cracked or got clogged.If yes? Clean the injectors and check.Also it sounds like a coil pack is on the verge of dying. The a/c is putting more load on ignition and it can't keep up.And this is causing the problem. --------- But if all checked ok then it can be anything from a recharge (which indicates a leak) to from compressor.Or its weak compressor.-------------- Get this possibilities checked.This will point towards the faulty part causing this issue.-------This should help.Thanks.Helpmech.

CHECK THE CAPACITOR MAKE SURE THEIRS POWER GETTING TO THE FAN IF BOTH ARE GOOD REPLACE MOTOR

Most air conditioners require a calibrated heated charging cylinder to add a charge, which should only be done by someone who is certified to do it, and has the proper equipment. Sorry, but this is NOT a do it yourself job.

Yes, it is against the firewall under the dash. It is probably the single hardest part of the a/c unit to replace.