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XJ FAQ

XJ Frequently Asked Questions & Technical Advice

Excerpts From the XJ-Lovers Email Discussion List

Started 1 June 1997 - Last Updated 19 April 2003
Chuck Renner, XJ Admin


Quick Reference: Top Twenty Most Common XJ Repair Issues

A British/American Visual Translation Guide

Preventative Maintenance

Engine
Emission Control
Fuel System (General)
Fuel System (Carburation)
Fuel System (Fuel Injection)
Cooling System
Manifold and Exhaust System
Clutch
Manual Gearbox
Automatic Gearbox - Borg-Warner Type 66
Automatic Gearbox - GM 400
Propeller and Drive Shafts
Final Drive
Steering
Suspension (General)
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Brakes
Body
Body Repair
Heating and Ventilation System
Air Conditioning
Wipers and Washers
Electrical System
Electrical Circuits, Bulb and Fuse Charts
Instruments
Anything Else


Those items that describe repairs or modifications have been subjectively rated by difficulty from 1 to 3 stars where: 1 star is a job for even the novice DIYer with a basic set of tools; a 2 star job calls for someone with modest experience and might require a few special tools; a 3 star job is not for the faint of heart. A 3 star job requires patience, experience and might require special tools. Please remember that the advice and opinions offered are not those of experts or professionals. The advice is of the sort that one friend might offer another based on personal experience. The categories are similar to those used in the Haynes repair manual Jaguar XJ6.


PLEASE, before doing any service on your Jaguar which requires it to be off the ground, read the "Jacking And Supporting Your Jaguar" section under the "Maintenance" topic. The XJ is an extremely heavy car, and requires special care in jacking and supporting while off the ground. Jacking the car up in an unsafe manner can result in severe injury or DEATH.

No, we are not kidding. We have had list members killed by what they thought was a properly supported car - which fell on them. That's right; read that again - killed. Dead, finished, kaput. Again, failure to read and follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. We cannot emphasize this enough. You have been warned, and we take no responsibility for your actions.


Preventative Maintenance


Difficulty

Jacking And Supporting Your Jaguar (Doug Dwyer)


Preventative Maintenance Schedule (Henry Fok)

Engine Oil And Filter Routine Service (Doug Dwyer)

Drive Belt Routine Service (Doug Dwyer)

Spark Plugs and Ignition System Service (Doug Dwyer)

Fuel Filter and Fuel Hoses, Routine Service, Series III (Doug Dwyer)

Cooling System Routine Service (Dwyer)

Automatic Transmission Routine Service (Doug Dwyer)

Wheel Bearings, Routine Service (Doug Dwyer)

Brake System, Routine Service (Dwyer)

Door Lock Mechanism Maintenance (Shane Mantoszko & Brian Radovich)

Top


Engine


Difficulty

Engine Will Not Crank Checklist (Dwyer)

A Radiator Shroud Mod to Help Manual Crank Turning (Tony Gardner)

Spark Plugs and Ignition System Service (Doug Dwyer)

Compression for the 8:1 Engine (Neil Young)

Flexplate Clatter (B.J. Kroppe)

Oil Control: Consumption & Leaks (Michel Carpentier)


When the Oil Pressure Gauge Hits Zero (Steve Chatman)


Rebuilding the Oil Pressure Sender (Peter French)

Low Oil Pressure Readings (Dwyer, Stephenson, etc.)

Engine Rebuild and Other Costs (B.J. Kroppe)


Replacing the Engine (Paul Gover)


The Series 3 Stakedown Kit (Lawrence Buja et al.)

Replacing the Cam Cover Gaskets (Greg Price)

Replacing the Rear Main Seal (Chad Bolles)

Removing the Head (Dan Welchman & Tom Graham)

Removing the V12 Valve Cover (Jan Wikstrom)

Tightening the Upper Timing Chains; 4.2L Engine (Carlos Robert)

Top


Emission Control


Difficulty

Fuel Vapor Canister Cleaning (Bruce Beckman)

Diagnosing and Replacing the Catalytic Converter (Deano Paige)


Air Pump Rebuild (Harry Trafford & John Napoli)

Function of Vacuum Delay Valve (Vilas)


Air Rail -- Removing and Plugging Holes (John Napoli)

Top


Fuel System (General)


Difficulty

How to Drain & Remove Fuel Tanks (Shield, Stanford, & Kamna)

Dual Fuel Tanks -- Why? (Jan Wikstrom, Jacques Watson, David Litchfield, Anders Backlund)

Fuel Tank Switchover Checklist, Series III XJ6 (Doug Dwyer)

Top


Fuel System (Carburation)


Difficulty

Auxiliary Enriching Device (Larry Lee)

Carburetor Choke Check-Up (Larry Lee)

Carburetor Oil (L. Lee, the Warrens, & Lou D.)

Top


Fuel System (Fuel Injection)


Difficulty

ENGINE CRANKS BUT WON'T START, Series III (Dwyer)

Fuel Pump Circuit Checklist, Series III (Dwyer)

Adjusting the AFM (Hunt Dabney)

Fuel Filter and Fuel Hoses, Routine Service, Series III (Doug Dwyer)

Descripton and Function of Auxiliary Air Valve, Series III XJ6 (Spitzer)

Dark Fumes at Start? (Hal Rogers)

Fuel Hose Shopping Guide (Tom Whitney)


Diagnosing Fuel Pressure Problems at Start-Up (Dan Fitch)

How To Remove Fuel Injectors (Alex Cannara)

Idle Adjustment Tip (Dwyer, Cannara, Knappe)

Rough Idle (Ted Macklin)

Clearing and Checking Injectors (Hep Aldridge)

Cold Start Problems (Napoli, Parkhurst et al.)

Cold Start Injector Problems (T.R. Gregg)

Testing The Coolant Temperature Sensor (Dwyer, Cannara)

Black Smoke and Backfire When Cold (Capacitor Mod) (Brian Pel, Cannara)

V12 White Smoke (Tom Russ)


Fuel Smells (Alan Howard)

Replacing the Fuel Pump (Larry Lee)

Checking the Fuel Pressure Valve (Tom Wagner)

A Fuel Condenser Modification (Matt Wehrle)

Number for a K&N Filter (Marguerite Luczay)

Test the O2 Sensor (Rick Kirchoff)

Reset the O2 Warning Light (Randy Wilson)

Converting To a Three Wire Oxygen Sensor, Series III XJ6 (Doug Dwyer)

Sudden Reduction in Mileage -- MPG (Dave Graves et al.)

V12 Distributor Cap Vents (Alan Howard)

S3 Vacuum Diagrams (Thomas Schuch)

Cold Start Troubleshooting Checklist (Dwyer)

Troubleshooting Rich Mixture on EFI Systems (Dwyer)

Top


Cooling System


Difficulty

Cooling System Routine Service (Dwyer)

About the Auxiliary Radiator Fan (Tom Golodik)

Aux Electric Cooling Fan Checklist, Series III (Dwyer)

Radiator Fan & Clutch Questions (Fitch, Orlando & Shield)

Converting to an Electric Cooling Fan (Cannara)

Replacing the Radiator (Paul Spitzer)

Radiator Flush (Paul Gover)

Radiator Shroud Modification (Tony Gardner)

Why Not To Use a Used Radiator Fan (B.J. Kroppe and Paul Gover)

Function of Rearmost Sensor on Coolant Rail, Series III XJ6 (Dwyer, Golodik)


Creating an Air Filter for the Radiator (Cannara)

Top


Manifold and Exhaust System


Difficulty

Top


Clutch


Difficulty

Top


Manual Gearbox


Difficulty

Top


Automatic Gearbox - Borg-Warner Type 66


Difficulty

BW 66 Check-up & BW(All) Fluid Flush (Chatman, Knappe & Stanius)

Automatic Transmission Routine Service (Doug Dwyer)

Borg Warner 66 Transmission Adjustment (Buja, Napoli, Chatman & Jeff)

BW-66 Delayed Upshifts Solved (Dan Jensen)

Top


Automatic Gearbox - GM 400


Difficulty

Automatic Transmission Routine Service (Doug Dwyer)

Top


Propeller and Drive Shafts


Difficulty

Checking U Joints (Doug Dwyer)

Replacing U Joints (Dan Welchman)

Replacing Driveshaft Center Bearing (Mark Stephenson)

Top


Final Drive


Difficulty

Changing the Differential / Final Drive Fluid (Steve Chatman & Loren)

Replacing the Half-shaft Oil Seal (Steve Chatman)

Top


Steering


Difficulty

Replacing the Steering Rack Bushings to Control Wobble (Steve Chatman)

Turning Radius -- Reduction After Changing Steering Rack (Dan Jensen)

Top


Suspension (General)


Difficulty

Diagnosing Suspension Problems (Jan Wikstrom & Randy Wilson)

Wheel Bearings, Routine Service (Doug Dwyer)

Top


Front Suspension


Difficulty

Ball Joint Replacement (Wellington Allen, John Napoli & Jim Warren)

Front Subframe Removal (Ian Corrigall)

Replacing the Springs (John H.)

PictureFAQ - Front Spring Replacement (Henry Fok/Larry Karpman)


PictureFAQ - Front Shock Replacement (Henry Fok/Larry Karpman)


PictureFAQ - Upper Wishbone Bushing/Ball Joint Replacement (Henry Fok/Larry Karpman)


PictureFAQ - Sway Bar Bushing Replacement (Henry Fok/Larry Karpman)


Top


Rear Suspension


Difficulty

Routine Differential Service (Doug Dwyer)

Adjusting Bearing Endfloat (Victor Zilinskas & John Napoli)

Rear Subframe Rebuild (Larry Thackston)

Dropping the Rear Subframe (Jan Wikstrom)

PictureFAQ - Rear Shock And Spring Replacement (Henry Fok/Larry Karpman)


Top


Brakes


Difficulty

How to Remove the Rear Caliper Without Dropping Rear (Loren)

Brake System, Routine Service (Dwyer)

Top


Body


Difficulty

Adjusting the Pins So the Bonnet Will Not Pop Up (Lawrence Buja)

Replacing Door and NDV Seals (Chris Mortimer, David Q. & Hunt Dabney)

Door Lock Mechanism Maintenance (Shane Mantoszko & Brian Radovich)

How to Remove the Bonnet for Access (John Napoli)

Replacing the Fender (Wing) Plug (Tom Russ)

Replacing the Headliner (Ralph Allen)

Replacing the Series 1 Headliner (Lou Danzico)

Adjusting the Sunroof (Dwyer, Channell)Replacing Sunroof Weatherstripping (Dwyer)

 

How to Re-Dye Cracked and Faded Leather (Greg Meboe, Rob Weiss-Malik, and Ralph W. Allen)

Recover the Center Console (Dave Zane & Ralph Allen)

Removing the Center Console (Sean McCormick)

Removing the Center Dash (Chip Lamb)

Removing the Rear Door Panel (Dennis Smith)

Restoring the Front Seats (Jeff White)

Stopping Those Darn Cowbells (Bill Trimble, BJ Kroppe & Michael Stanford)

Replacing the Cracked and Faded Dash (Gregory Andrachuk and Wellington Allen)

How to Remove the Power Mirror to Clean Contacts (Stefan Knappe)

Removing the Radio (Carl Ratner)

Installing a DIN-Type Radio (Helliesen, Shield, & Gover)

Removing the Front Seats (John Littler)

Sunroof Issues: General (Several Contributors)

Trunk Access If Locked Out (Kevin Campbell)

Wet Feet? (Hunt Dabney & Steve Adams)

Wind Screen Leak Repair (Mark Bialzik & Tony Gardner)

Wind Screen Replacement for the Series 2 (Mike Thompson & Nick Johannesen)

Replacing the Wind Screen from the Inside (Hunt Dabney)

Wing Badge Removal (Marv Green & Per Stenius)

Series 3 Wood Trim (Gregory Andrachuk)

Top


Body Repair


Difficulty

Top


Heating and Ventilation System


Difficulty

Replacing Climate Control Diaphragms (Mark Stephenson)

XJ12 Heater Repair (Rob Reilly)

S1 Heater Core Replacement (Marv Green)

Blower Fan Repair (Ralph Allen)

Top


Air Conditioning


Difficulty

Air Conditioning -- General (Moburg, Shield, Lee, Stanford, Stern & Bristow)

AC -- Converting to R134A (Mark Bristow)

Replacing the AC Amplifier (Brent Smith)

Replacing the Evaporator on an 83 Series 3 (Alex Lynch)

Modifications to Climate Control (Gardner, Mantoszko, Napoli & Andrachuk)

Another Series III Climate Control Modification (Tom Bernett)

Top


Wipers and Washers


Difficulty

Wiper Motor Test (Gardar Larusson)

Top


Electrical System


Difficulty

Fuse Amperage Rating Conversion Chart (Kirby Palm)

Alternators: Removal, Repair & Replacement (Wilson, Fitch, Stanius & Napoli)

Headlamp Circuit Checklist (Dwyer)

Parking/Marker Lamp Circuit Checklist (Dwyer)

Highbeam Headlamps Inoperative (Hodges, Dwyer)

Charging and Starting System: Routine Service (Dwyer)


Rear Defogger Design Changes, Series III (Gibson)


Alternators: Replacing with a GM Alternator (Kirby Palm)

Adding Oxygen Sensor Ground (Alex Cannara)

Accessing the Power Antenna Motor in a Series I (Jan Wikstrom)

Manual Control of Power Antenna (Tony Gardner & Gunnar Helliesen)

Ballast Resistor Function (Marvin)


Disabling the Buzzer (Randy Wilson & Greg Price)

Door-mounted Interior Light Switch Repair (John Corso)

Fixing a Sporadically Functioning Antenna (BJ Kroppe)

Adding Foglamps (Gregory Andrachuk)

Boot Solenoid Unlock Mod (Michael Stanford & Harold Rabbie)

Charging System Check (Barrie Dawson & Lew Plummer)

Cigar Fuse Location (Dan Fitch)

Diagnosing the No Start Condition (Randy Wilson)

Starter Will Not Disengange (BJ Kroppe)

Power Window Circuit Description and Diagnosis (Dwyer)

Starter, How to Replace (BJ Kroppe and Paul Gover)

Changing to 7 Inch Outboard Lamps (Cannara, Chatman)

Poor or Intermittent Climate Control etc. Lighting (Ken Kemp)

Add a Reminder to Turn Off Headlamps (Norman Angerhofer)

Series 3 Mirror Control Rebuild (Craig Van Steenburgh)

Series 1 License Lamp Upgrade (Victor Breen)

Horn Circuit Checklist (Doug Dwyer)

Special Caution About Series 3 Switch Light Replacement (Bruce Sawyer)

Window and Other Jag Switches (Michael Stanford)

Electrical Problem with Windows & Sun Roof (Jack Fulford & Tom Wagner)

Gas Tank Sending Unit Replacement (Shane Mantoszko)

Diagnosing ECU vs. Power Amp Problem (Jon Schrock)

Reading the ECU Pins (Craig Sawyers)

Ignition Upgrade (Hellberg, Annett, & Vonk)

Ignition Coil Usage on Series III XJ6 (Gibson, Wells, Boyd, Dwyer, Neal)


Starting Ballast Resistor Problems (Jan Wikstrom)

Modifying Boot Lighting (Trunk) (Gregory Andrachuk)

Removing The Ignition Lock (Alan Howard)

Converting Shifter Indicator to LED (Cannara)

Improving Taillamp Appearance (Cannara)

Top


Electrical Circuits, Bulb and Fuse Charts


Difficulty

Stefan Knappe's Guide to Hidden Line Fuses and Electrical Components Layout

Recommended Schematic (Dan Fitch)


Top


Instruments


Difficulty

Speedometer Fix (Michael Stanford, Doug Dwyer, others & Greg Price)

Veglia vs. Smiths Instruments (Andrachuck)


Tripcomputer Acting Up? (David Shield & Hunt Dabney)


Odometer Fix (Michael Stanford)

Top


Anything Else


Difficulty

ATF to Restore Crazed Finish? (Chatman, Cann & Anderson)

How to Add a Cup Holder (George in Orlando)

How to Request a Missed or Lost Digest (Gunnar Helliesen)


Why Isn't the Glove Box Light On? (Tony Cook)


How to Lift and Support the Jaguar (Paul Gover & Steve Chatman)


The Leaping Cat Bonnet Ornament (Steve Chatman & Many Others)


Millenium Problem (2000) (Hunt Dabney)


Add a Remote Starter Switch (Dan Fitch)

Sealants (B.J. Kroppe)


Smoke Diagnosis (Jan Wikstrom)


What Octane to Use (Steve Chatman)


Gas Tank Gasp (Jan Wikstrom)


Unleaded Fuel (John Horner & Randy Wilson)


What Features Distinguish a Vanden Plas? (Mark Moburg and Several Others)


Series 3 VIN Decoding & Production Date (Eric & Stefan Knappe)


Series 3 Paint & Trim Decoding (Rick Ashworth and Tom Russ)


Waking a Sleeping Cat (Steve Chatman)


Correct Transmission Cooler Hoses (Blackwell, Dwyer)


Winter Storage (Mack Kamna & Lou D.)


Witworth Sizes (Craig Sawyers)


Wood Refinishing (Charlie)


Tire Sizes, What Will Fit? (Steve Chatman)


Aftermarket Wheels For Your XJ (Doug Dwyer)


Production Changes For 1987 Model Year, USA models (Doug Dwyer)


Adjusting Backup Lamp Switch, Series III XJ6 (Doug Dwyer)


Wire Wheel Discussion (Boyd, Downes, Wells, et al)


Books and Manuals, Series III (Doug Dwyer)


Top




Please let us know if you have comments or suggestions.

Last updated on 23 October 2002 by Chuck Renner.



 

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