Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-90, 91-93
1998 Jaguar XJ8 - my problems are identical to most every comment on this page.
The stalling problem is a HUGE SAFETY ISSUE and I believe Jaguar has it as a recall item to be fixed at no cost to the owner. My Jaguar dealer, tried to fix this problem a couple of years ago. It is not fixed, and I didn't pay for it.
We have tunnels here in the Baltimore area - the stalling problem can be costly to lives. It only happens to me when at the beginning of a trip at highway speeds, almost always decelerating, like going down a decline. I have learned to (while "coasting at 65mph!) : Calmly turn off all electrical components (radio, AC/Fan), put the car in neutral, turn off the ignition, turn on the ignition, and continue to drive. This is a crazy and unsafe way to drive, but the procedure works every time, and I don't have it again (however, these are only 15 miles trips to work and back).
I only drive the car 1 per week - otherwise I have to buy a new battery. For some reason it drains while sitting. The web is full of diagnostic procedures (parasitic drain test).
This morning, after sitting a week, I was going to drive it the 15 miles to work. The air was humid and dew and moisture everywhere. I turned the ignition on, it was apparent the battery was low, but the engine sounded like it was going to start, then POP! Now when I try to start the engine, I only hear a click -- one click. I hope it's only a starter or starter solenoid, and not this belt/chain breakage tensioner thing I am reading about.
Yup - I replaced the bearings in the front.
The interior roof fabric is peeling off.
What is the status of the law suit?
Here is the the Jaguar recall for the throttle body on the XJ and XK8. I went to the NHTSA, clicked the recall database hyperlink, typed in the information (such as "XJ8") and got one hit for a filter. Look below - the throttle recall is for the XJ and XK8. Perhaps the listing below for XJ includes the XJ8. here is the NHTSA website to check for recalls for all vehicles including tires and car seats:
Http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
JAGUAR / XJ 1998.
JAGUAR / XK8 1998.
Manufacturer : JAGUAR CARS Mfr's Report Date : FEB 09, 1998
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 98V022000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A.
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 5379
Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE CABLE ADJUSTER BRACKET NUT ON THE OUTER SLEEVE OF THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME DISPLACED FROMTHE CABLE ABUTMENT BRACKET ON THE ENGINE.
Consequence:
SHOULD THIS OCCUR, LIMITED OPENING OF THE THROTTLE WILL OCCUR, EVEN WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND MODIFY THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.
Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 16, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-4JAGUAR (1-800-452-4827), OPTION #3. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
My husband gave me my dream car, a used 1998 Jaguar XJ8L for Valentine's Day four years ago. The money we have spent on repairs on that car, I probably could have purchased a new car cash. However, I need a little help today. The latest is, it does not start if I do not drive it for two days. It starts when I give it a jump start and would perform quite well, but if I do not drive it every day, it would not start for me on the second day. Has anyone ever had that problem?
Right now it is in the repair shop (not Jaguar) and I was told that something is running down the battery. The mechanic is running a test of fuses to find out what actually is running down the battery. Also, A few years ago I had to replace my transmission. I was told that every year the transmission needs servicing. A family member that's a mechanic did the changing of the transmission oil and filter. I read in one of the previous letters that a special transmission oil is to be used. I went to Auto Zone and based on their comparables suggested that I purchase an oil that they sold me oil that costed $2.85 a liter. Please advise if this oil is OK or do I need to replace it with the $15.00 oil from Volks/Audi. Please e-mail me with your response at: www.beverlyrembert@yahoo.com Thanks.
I own a 98 XJ8L, and yes I have the same problems. I don't know what to do. My car stalls on the freeways going around 60 miles per hour. My car is in the shop, it will not start and my A/C is not working. I was told that I need a new fuel pump. $ 318.00 and $ 280.00 to put in. The A/C is looking like $ 1,200.00 to fix it.
I have spend so much money on:
1. Water pump
2. Heater hose
And other things I can't remember anymore.
Someone please help me.
OK - I own 2 1998 XJ8 Jaguars - over 90% of repairs I do on one, I do on the other.
One black XJ8
One white XJ8L.
First of all, these are one of the classiest looking automobiles on the road. People either want to compliment the look of the Jags, or I have had the cars spit on or cigarettes thrown on the car. Some people think I should race them, one guy ran through a downed railroad crossing to show how his car could go faster than the Jag. I still did not race him, but he could have been killed, he did destroy the paint on his auto.
I have about 90,000 miles on both autos.
My plan is to drive both of them to at least 300,000.
Repairs are part of owning used vehicles.
Some repairs common to both.
Wheel bearings - New ones have been re-designed.
Thermostats & some hoses - about 60,000 miles - OK it happens.
Gas tank - only one car.
Tensioner - the white XJ8L - Jag should cover, definitely since it can destroy the engine, mine was about 2,200 at the dealer before critical failure.
Transmission - OK the engineers that design a completely closed transmission, unacceptable. The trans itself is great, but the fluid breaks down at about 10 years or 90,000 miles, I have had both replaced. The Jasper Company is the best; they warranty the trans for 3 years or 100,000 miles, but installed cost about 5,000 dollars
The trans has been modified to allow the fluid to be changed.
Broken cup holders - the Europeans do not drink as many beverages in the vehicles as the US.
Another problem - the US Jaguar dealers serve the worst.
Tea without real milk or cream, pathetic really.
Jaguar could create the greatest amount of positive press and loyalty if they would fix the tensioner problem with the engine.
Reliable autos increase sales, profits, loyalty, resale value, reputation and by the way get some decent TEA.
Cheers.
Hi, I'm looking to buy a 1998 Jaguar XJ8L for $3,200 with 116,000 miles. It runs great, drives great and looks great.
The only issues that I see are the information center says:
1. Low coolant
2. Traction control
3. Stability control
The dealer says that the codes are due to replacement of the front wheel bearings. They said all that has to be done is to clear the codes (not a Jaguar dealer). Does anyone have any suggestions or comments (to buy or not to buy)? Any help would greatly be appreciated!
My father has a 5yr old 2003. XJ8 295hp Jaguar and for the past year it started to stall on highways.
It only happens when decelerating. The engine does not shut off, it just won't accelerate.
He went to a Jag service many times, but they didn't find the solution to the problem.
I have read something about the throttle-body cleaning solution, but the man who wrote it can't be reached on his email.
My father is in great danger every time he goes on the highway, so if anybody can help or give any info about the solution, please contact me on marko.urbic@email.htnet.hr.
I recently purchased a 2000 XJR with 63K miles. This is my third Jaguar purchase. A truly beautiful car in appearance and performance. I spoke with my mechanic this morning regarding an XK8 that I am looking at for my wife. I mentioned the XJR to him and he informed me that I needed to have the vehicle updated to replace the plastic tensioner and water pump. I have seen references on this site to this potential problem. My mechanic says it runs about $1700. If anyone has had experience with these issues, I would appreciate a response. Thanks. Dale.
I can't express how bad I feel for people who bought these cars. A total shame!! I read every comment from the original post and found it extremely startling. Whats even more ironic is what Motor Trend Magazine had to say about the Jaguar when they first came out in 1998.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/jaguar/112_9801_1998_jaguar_xj8_l/index.html
WOW!!! That's what Motor Trend had to say in 1998, just look at what a bloody mess these cars are now!!! Every time new technology and engineering was introduce to Jaguar models it always ended up as pure trash. Bloody rubbish!!
SHAME on you FORD... You screwed up the mechanics.
SHAME on you JAGUAR.... You sell crap and won't stand behind them!!
I've read all the previous comments. Now I have a 1998 Vanden Plas and my transmission is hesitating in 1st gear and reverse. I took the car to the local Jaguar dealership and was told the transmission was dirty, the trans needs fluid /oil changed additionally I was told the transmissions are sealed for life. Is this true? Do I have to replace transmission or have someone break the seal and have the oil / fluid changed What would be the best alternative?
Please respond at Viclee320@yahoo.com.
The problem that just won't die... A couple years back I brought my 98XJ8 VDP in for the S514 recall (stalling at highway speeds). For my VIN, the solution was reprogramming. During 2009, the problem has recurred. Same symptoms. The dealer says the solution now is a new Throttle Body Assy ($2600 p&l) - not covered by recall.
So, even if your Jag was "fixed", that only meant the first go at it.
Great site, BTW, even though I now see I need "preventive" replacement of my timing chain tensioner as well.
I purchased my 1998 Vanden Plas with just 22,000 miles.
Now at 75,000 miles, the timing chain broke and I am told that the chain and valves have to be replaced. I was quoted a price from an independent garage of $3500.00 just to start and maybe much more depending on what he finds.
The paint is looking hazy on trunk lid on this garage kept car, the ceiling fabric has detached, the cup holder is broken. I had paid the local dealer to repaint the trunk, it looked great for a couple of months and the haze returned. They will not take care of this and will only try to buff it out.
I was told to replace the center console to fix the cup holder, which I paid for and they only put the cup holder back together and it broke again.
I have been ripped off by the dealer and do not want to go back. I don't have any faith in Jaguar, and your car is only as good as the garage. I don't think that I will put any more of my resources into this money pit. I am all for a class action lawsuit.
I have a 1998 XJ8, 56k miles. Ran fine for 2 months woopdedooh. The car will not start. The dash lights up and all I hear is a click when I turn the key. I thought it was the starter, and I replaced the starter. It still won't start. Does anybody have any idea what kind of thing would stop the starter from turning over?
I obtained an XJ8 VDP at an auction for inventory resale. Got it cheap, but the engine is done. The compression is an even 50lbs per cylinder. I am a mechanic, so I will sleeve the block and build the engine and drive it as one of my personal cars. The throttle bodies on all the XJ XK8's are trash and will cause all kind of drivability problems. A company in Mass. called bba.reman.com rebuilds them at a good price. I think 50K is about the life span of these things.
The potentiometer on the side of them goes bad, sending bad signals to the computer and the car shuts down. I used to pull off the road, shut the engine off, then start it back up and drive on! It's then time to replace the unit. A new one is like $2200.00. I have seen them on Ebay for $600 to $700.00. Other cars have had similar problems with T Bodies, so it's not just Jaguar. Unfortunately, Jaguar has always been too broke to make things right with such problems. They were sold to Tata Motors for a reason!
I love the cars, but if I was not a mechanic, I could not afford to drive them. They cost less than used Hondas, but they are luxury cars and parts are priced accordingly, so beware! I run a small Jaguar repair and parts business, and that is my only salvation.
We have a 1996 XJ6 with 129,000 miles and a 1984 XJ6 with 208,000 miles. Our "newer" car has better AC, but the older one is even more of a joy to drive. I wouldn't buy a newer model not made in the U.K. And if you listen to the car guys on public radio, all the worst problems are done by the time these babies reach 100,000 miles. So buy older, high miles if you want the joy of a Jaguar.
BTW, our dark green cats look great side by side in the garage. Ah, this is living (of course we have a good Jaguar mechanic so that makes life better). Now if we could get the rear view mirror to stop falling off...