Fuel Tank Switchover Checklist, Series III XJ6
Doug Dwyer
This checklist will describe the operation of the fuel changeover and
provide a diagnostic checklist to aid in troubleshooting. This
information specifically applies to Series III 6 cylinder cars but may
also be applicable to the later Series II models with fuel injection as
well as fuel injected 12 cylinder cars.
Circuit Description
The fuel system uses three solenoid operated valves to direct fuel. The
dashboard switch applies or removes voltage from all three valves
simultaneously. The changeover valve dictates from which tank fuel is
drawn when the fuel pump is operated. The left and right return valves
dictate to which tank unused fuel is returned to. When the left tank is
selected there is no voltage applied and fuel is drawn from, and returns
to, the left tank. When the right tank is selected, voltage is applied
to all valves and reverses the flow. The left and right valves are
identical except their mounting brackets which orient them in opposite
directions. A single electronic event (application of 12 volts)
effectively "closes" the left valve but "opens" the right. Actually, the
same mechanical action takes place in both valves....only their
orientation is different.
The fuel gauge reads each tank separately as the switch is changed.
Wires from both tank sending units go the the changeover switch.
Movement of the switch connects the proper wire to the fuel gauge to
obtain a reading.
Diagnostic Checklist
This checklist is intended to diagnose only electrical faults within
this circuit. It is common that the valves may be OK electrically but be
contaminated, broken, or stuck, thus rendering them inoperative. A 12
volt test light is required.
1) The easiest place to start is with the valves themselves. The
change-over valve is in the boot next to the fuel pump. The return
valves are located in the rear wheel wells behind semi-rectangular sheet
metal covers. Turn the key "on", select the right tank, and using your
test light check for voltage at the white/purple wire for each valve.
Your light should show 12 volts at all three valves. Now, select the
left tank and make the same voltage tests. There should be no voltage at
any of the valves. If these checks are OK and the valves won't switch
over then the valves are mechanicallt faulty or not properly grounded.
Check for proper grounding, if the ground is good then the valve(s) must
be condemned.
2) If voltage is present at the valves with the left tank selected then
the dashboard switch is faulty and must be replaced.
3) If voltage is not present at the valves when the right tank is
selected then the circuit must be checked. The easiest place to start in
the inertia switch mounted at the right side front kick panel (on LHD
cars). With the key "on", use your test light to check for voltage at
both sides of this switch. Voltage from the ignition switch enters the
inertia switch on a white wire and exits the switch on a white/orange
wire (turns into solid white down the line). If voltage is not present
on both sides then you have a wiring fault from the ignition switch
and/or an open circuit in the switch itself. Try pressing the rest
button before replacing the switch. If voltage is OK here then.....
4) Remove the fuel switch and check for voltage to the switch on the
white wire. If no voltage here then you have a wiring/connector fault
between the inertia switch and the fuel switch. If the voltage is OK
going into the fuel switch.....
5) Select the right tank and check for voltage at the white/purple wire.
If voltage is not present then the switch is "open" and needs to be
replaced. (Incidentally, if you select the left tank and the switch
still carries voltage to the white/purple wire then the switch is stuck
"closed" and should be replaced.) If the voltage is OK on the
white/purple wire (with right tank selected) but the three valves do not
receive any voltage then you have a wiring/connector fault between the
changeover switch and the valve(s).
Interestingly, the electrical guide shows that this is an un-fused
circuit.
Well, that's it for fuel valves 101. Jaguar did a fine job of keeping it
simple.