Recalls: Jaguar X100 XK8 and XKR
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Jaguar X100 XK8 and XKR
- In April 1997, a recall was issued for Jaguar X100 XK models in the VIN range 001531 to 006306 due to the possible incorrect seating of two retaining rings in the final drive housing, causing the output shaft to become detached from the final drive unit (PRA 1997/3129).
- In February 1998, a recall was issued for Jaguar X100 XK vehicles due to a condition in which the throttle cable could become detached from a bracket on the engine (PRA 1998/3473).
- In January 2004, a recall was issued for automatic Model Year 2002 and Model Year 2003 Jaguar XK vehicles for a condition in which, when the vehicle was stationary and with ‘Drive’ selected, the gearbox – without indication or warning – would select ‘Reverse’ due to insufficient oil pressure in the gearbox and/or a sticking valve within the gearbox (PRA 2004/6743).
Problems and faults: Jaguar X100 XK
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
AJ26 V8 engine: chain tensioner rattle
For Jaguar XK8 engines produced from 1996 to 2000, the original all-plastic timing chain tensioners or guides were susceptible to stress fractures and could break apart. Symptoms of worn chain tensioners include a rattling noise on start up or unusually rough running – if experienced, the engine should be turned off immediately and not restarted. If the upper chain tensioners fail, the pistons can contact the valves and cause serious engine damage. The lower tensioners can also break, though their breakage does not damage the engine. If the vehicle is fitted with the first generation tensioners, preventive replacement is recommended at 60,000km.
In October 1998, more durable second-generation tensioners (with some metal components) were introduced from engine no. 98102106XX (see technical bulletin 303-30).
In August 2001, all-metal ‘third generation’ tensioners were introduced.Relatedly, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-68 in March 2005 for 1997-02 model year Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with VINs in the range 001001 to A24195. In these vehicles, a rattling noise may be heard from the engine on start-up and at idle due to a failed primary or secondary timing chain tensioner. If there was a fault with the primary tensioner, all primary and secondary tensioners had to be replaced. If, however, a secondary tensioner had failed, then both secondary tensioners required replacement. When installing the new secondary tensioner, updated (shorter) bolts were to be fitted.
Nikasil failure
In overseas (i.e. non-Australian) markets and particularly the US, there were cases of the Nikasil cylinder linings degrading due to high sulfur levels in the fuel. Symptoms of worn cylinder liners include difficulty starting, sluggish performance and piston slap. A blow-by compression test will indicate whether the cylinder linings are intact – an engine in good condition should rate between 9 and 19 litres of air per minute; more than 30 litres of air per minute indicates worn liners.
From August 2000, the Nikasil linings were replaced with steel linings (engine serial number 0008181043). The original spark plugs and ignition coils may deteriorate before the manufacturer’s recommended 160,000 km replacement interval, causing rough running and poor starting.
Jaguar X100 XK: camshaft position reluctor misalignment
In August 1997, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-08 post-1997 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 001001 to 011682. In some of these vehicles, the camshaft position sensor reluctor may have been misaligned, resulting in the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1396 being stored.
Jaguar X100 XK: camshaft damper adjustment
In February 1997, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-05 for post-1997 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 001001 to 006380. In some of these vehicles, the crankshaft damper may have been loose such that it could shift position on the crankshaft. For the repair procedure, please refer to the technical bulletin. For later vehicles –
- From engine no. ##961028####, Loctite was applied to the crankshaft damper; and,
- From engine no. ##961216####, a split cone locking device was fitted between the crankshaft damper and the crankshaft.
Jaguar X100 XK: part-load engine breather blockage
In October 2004, Jaguar issued amended technical bulletin 600-03 for 1997-01 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 001001 to A13614. During normal service, the V8 engines in these vehicles could experience partial blockage of the restrictor in the engine part-load breather – this blockage would restrict the correct operation of the engine breather system. As part of Service Action S474, a routine cleaning procedure was to be performed on the restrictor at 16,000 kilometre intervals.
Jaguar X100 XK: buzzing/knocking noise after ignition ‘on’
In June 2004, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 100-24 for 2001-04 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range A11051 to A39957. In these vehicles, a buzzing/knocking noise may be heard when the ignition is switched ‘ON’ or just after engine start-up. According to the technical bulletin, this noise may be due to a radar scanner inside the adaptive speed control module; in some modules, the scanner would hit its end stops, causing a noise. A revised adaptive speed control module, which contained a contactless potentiometer and a new internal actuator, was released to address this problem.
Jaguar X100 XK: Service Action S499 – lower wishbone front bushing
In August 2003, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 204-S499 for 1999-00 model year Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with VINs in the range 034426 to A06104. The lower wishbone bushings in the front arms of these vehicles could split, though this was less likely for vehicles manufactured after February 2000 due to improved parts used from that date. The updated specification replacement parts for the wishbone front arm bushing was MNE 1360CA.
Jaguar X100 XK8: Service Action S468 – rear hub carrier fulcrum bolts
In November 1998, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 204-10 for 1998 model year Jaguar X100 XK8 vehicles with VINs in the range 025588 to 026519. Some of these vehicles may have had outer fulcrum bolts of the incorrect specification in the rear suspension; the fulcrum bolts connected the rear hub carriers to the outer ends of the rear suspension wishbones. As part of Service Action S468, the fulcrum bolts on all vehicles within the above VIN ranges were to be replaced.
Jaguar X100 XKR: pinion oil seal leak
In May 2004, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 100-23 for 2003-04 model year Jaguar XKR vehicles with VINs in the range A30645 to A41576. In these vehicles, there may be a noise from the supercharger drive belt after a cold start. A revised drive belt (part no. C2C 26235) was released to address this concern.
Jaguar X100 XK: steering rack knock or rattle
In April 2002, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 211-06 for post 1997 model year Jaguar XK8 vehicles with VINs after 001001. In these vehicles, the driver may experience a rattling or knocking noise from the steering rack. For the Jaguar XK, a modified lower steering column entered production from VIN A11051. For affected vehicles, the modified lower steering column could be fitted as well as a new steering rack return line.
Jaguar X100 XK8: steering rack leak
In August 1997, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 211-01 for post 1997 model year Jaguar XK8 vehicles with VINs after 001001. In these vehicles, the steering rack may leak at one of the transfer pipe union nuts as a result of damage to the O-ring seal beneath the union nut caused during installation. To fix, the O-rings were to be replaced.
Jaguar X100 XK: click or clunk noise from Drive to Reverse
In February 1998, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 205-05 for 1997 to 1998 model year Jaguar XK8 vehicles with VINs in the range 001001 to 022125. In these vehicles, the driver may hear a ‘click’ or ‘clunk’ noise, particularly when changing from Drive to Reverse or vice versa. To address this condition, a revised torque specification for the nuts and bolts which secured the rear universal joint flange of the drive shaft to the differential pinion flange was introduced in production from VIN 022126 (67 Nm). Furthermore, ‘Loctite’ thread-locking compound was applied to the bolt threads during vehicle assembly. Both these measures could be applied to affected vehicles.
Jaguar X100 XK: unable to move from park & ‘Failsafe’
In April 2002, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 206-07 for 1997-00 Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with VINs in the range 001001 to A03097. In these vehicles, drivers may experience the following:
- Being unable to remove the gear lever from the ‘Park’ position when depressing the brake pedal;
- The brake lights may illuminate without depressing the brake pedal; and,
- ‘FAILSAFE’ may be displayed in the message centre and Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1571 may be stored in the ECM.
To address these concerns, an improved brake pedal switch assembly was introduced on XK vehicles from VIN A03098. The improved brake pedal switch assemblies were interchangeable with those previously fitted.
Jaguar X100 XK: parking brake release
In April 1998, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 206-01 for post-1997 model year Jaguar XK8 vehicles with VINs in the range 001001 to 009013. In these vehicles,
- The parking brake (handbrake) warning lamp may remain on; and/or,
- A rattle noise may be heard from the rear of the vehicle on uneven road surfaces.
Readjustment of the parking brake mechanism could provide a more positive return to the hand brake lever, ensuring that the warning lamp would not remain on. Furthermore, removing the slack from the cable would eliminate rattle which may be caused by the hand brake equalizer. A secondary return spring and bracket were introduced at VIN 009014; for instructions on installing these components, please refer to the technical bulletin.
Jaguar X100 XKR: Brembo brake vibration
In February 2005, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 206-11 for post 2001 model year Jaguar XKR vehicles with Brembo brakes and VINs after A22191. In these vehicles, there may be a vibration when the brakes are applied, even after the front brake discs have been replaced. To fix this condition on a repeat repair, new front brake discs were to be installed on the hub flange in a position which minimised the lateral run-out of the brake disc. For further information, please refer to the service bulletin.
Jaguar X100 XK: ticking noise from footwell
In November 2004, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 303-62 for 2003-05 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range A30645 to A40920. In these vehicles, there may be a ticking noise from the left footwell when the vehicle is driven at low speeds. A modified Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Canister Purge Valve was introduced to address this concern. After installing this valve with a new insulation pad, the engine control module (ECM) needed to be reprogrammed.
Jaguar X100 XK: coolant leaking from heater hoses
In February 2002, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 303-48 for 1997-99 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 010343 to 042635. In these vehicles, coolant may leak from the heater hoses. To fix, both heater hoses were to be replaced and the coolant system flushed.
Jaguar X100 XK: TPS, wiring harness connector and DTC P0121
In November 2002, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-58 for 1999-01 model year Jaguar XJ vehicles with AJ27 engines and VINs in the range 853936 to F40117. In these vehicles, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0121 (Throttle Position Signal) may be stored in the ECM due to a mismatch of electrical connector terminal materials between the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and the wiring harness electrical connector (gold terminals on the TPS and tin terminals on the wiring harness). To fix, new gold terminals were to be installed into the TPS wiring harness electrical connector.
Jaguar X100 XK: difficulty starting and engine hesitation
In April 2002, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-52 for 1999-00 model year Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with naturally aspirated AJ27 engines and VINs in the range 031303 to A11050. In these vehicles, two conditions may arise:
- Difficulty starting or a failure to start from cold when the vehicle travelled only a short distance the previous day (1999-00 model year vehicles); and,
- Slight engine hesitation when the air conditioning or slow speed-cooling fan operated (2000 model year only).
For affected vehicles, the engine control module (ECM) was to be reprogrammed using the JTP 759/12 or later version of the Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) disc.
Jaguar X100 XKR: loss of performance due to loose intake ducts
In August 2003, Jaguar issued amended technical bulletin 303-57 for 2000-03 model year Jaguar X100 XKR vehicles with VINs in the range A0001 to A33944. In these vehicles, a loss of performance may be experienced due to the intake ducts not being fitted securely. Revised ducts and clamp plates were introduced to fix this problem.
Jaguar X100 XKR: ‘restricted performance’ and limp home mode
In March 2002, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-49 for 2000-02 model year Jaguar XKR vehicles with VINs in the range A00083 to A22973. In these vehicles, the ‘Restricted Performance’ message may be displayed on the message centre to indicate that the vehicle is running in ‘Limp Home’ mode. A revised engine management system calibration was issued to prevent this condition.
Jaguar X100 XK: overheating and coolant pump
In April 2003, Jaguar issued amended technical bulletin 303-60 for post-1997 model year Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with VINs after 001001. This technical bulletin was issued due to the unnecessary replacement of coolant pumps in response to overheating, incorrect diagnosis of leakage or incorrect identification of impeller material.
For Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 001036 to 028000, the coolant pump was to be replaced if it had the following part number: 96JV-8501-CA, 96JV-8501-CB, 96JV-8501-CC or 96JC-8501-CD. To check the coolant pump part number, the coolant pump pulley had to be removed.
For Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs after 82001, it was not necessary to remove the coolant pump pulley for inspection unless there was a genuine coolant pump concern.
Jaguar X100 XK: chirping accessory drive belt
In January 2003, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-59 for 2001-02 model year Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with VINs in the range A11051 to A30644. In these vehicles, a chirping noise may be heard from the Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) due to misalignment of the drive belt. For affected vehicles, a revised FEAD belt tensioner and a new FEAD belt were to be fitted; the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor locating dowel was also be checked to see that it was installed correctly (i.e. it should be protruding by at least 3.2 mm). If not, a new A/C compressor/PAS pump bracket was also to be fitted.
Jaguar X100 XK: DTC P0442, P0455 and P0446
In July 2001, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-46 for 2000-01 model year Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with VINs in the range A00083 to A13691. In these vehicles, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0442, P0455 and P0466 stored in the ECM. According to the technical bulletin, this condition could be caused by internal corrosion in the vapor pipe that vented the carbon canister to the atmosphere – this caused rust particles to enter the Canister Close Valve (CCV), causing the valve to stick open. To fix, the vapor pipe and CCV were to be replaced.
Jaguar X100 XK: hesitation and rough idle
In December 2004, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-67 for post-2003 model year Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with VINs after A30645. In these vehicles, the engine may hesitate during acceleration or have a rough idle; the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may also illuminate. According to the service bulletin, these symptoms may be caused by contaminated fuel injectors.
Jaguar X100 XKR: wiring harness change & Service Action S844
In March 2004, Jaguar issued Service Action 303-S844 for 2003 model year Jaguar X100 XKR vehicles with VINs in the range A29176 to A36998. In these vehicles, a wiring harness change made at the introduction of the 2003 model year on XKR vehicles prevented the P111 OBD System Readiness flag from being set – this would prevent the comprehensive component monitor (CCM) from successfully completing. As a result, vehicles may be rejected by Inspection and Maintenance (IM) stations during their periodic checks. To fix, the Engine Control Module (ECM) was to be reprogrammed with updated software and a revised purge valve installed.
Jaguar X100 XKR: exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) transfer pipe
In July 2004, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 309-S501 for 2000-02 model year Jaguar XKR vehicles with VINs in the range A00116 to A27550. In these vehicles, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) transfer pipe fitted to vehicles within the above VIN range may crack due to a combination of normal engine resonance and the form of the pipe. If cracked, the ‘check engine’ Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate and the engine may make more noise than usual. As part of Service Action S501, the EGR transfer pipe was to be replaced with a redesigned EGR transfer pipe for all vehicles within the above VIN range.
Jaguar X100 XK: corrosion of canister close valve & Service Action S841
In January 2004, Jaguar issued Service Action 303-S841 for:
- 1999-01 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 031303 to A13961; and,
- 2000-01 model year Jaguar XKR vehicles with VINs in the range A00001to A13961.
In some of these vehicles, the canister close valve (CCV) to filter vapor pipe may internally corrode, causing rust particles to flow into the CCV. For these vehicles, the filter vapor pipe was to be replaced with a later specification vapor pipe.
Jaguar X100 XK: oil cooler feed pipe & Service Action S846
In November 2004, Jaguar issued amended technical bulletin 303-S846 for 2004-05 model year Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with VINs in the range A39699 to A41740. In these vehicles, a failure could occur at the outer crimp face of the oil cooler feed pipe/hose that led from the engine to the intermediate connector. This same problem could occur on the oil cooler return pipe/hose leading from the intermediate joint back to the engine. These conditions could result in engine oil loss and reduced performance.
As part of Service Action S846, the feed hose/pipe from the engine to the intermediate connector and the oil cooler return pipe/hose from the intermediate connector back to the engine were to be checked for a date code of ’43 03′. If the date code was illegible, absent or ’43 03′, both pipes/hoses were to be replaced.
Jaguar X100 XK: Service Action S514 – engine cuts out
In November 2004, Jaguar issued amended technical bulletin 303-S514 for 1997-98 model year Jaguar XK8 vehicles. In these vehicles, operation of the throttle could cause the engine to cut out, although the engine would continue to be driven by the road wheels through the transmission and drive the ancillaries (so there should be no loss of power steering, brakes, air conditioning, etc). The engine should restart without difficulty once the vehicle had come to rest.
As part of Service Action S514, the following measures were to be performed:
- 1997-98 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 001036 to 020734: reprogram ECM; and,
- 1998 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 020735 to 031302: replace throttle body.
Jaguar X100 XK: Service Action S498 – ‘Engine Fail Safe’
In July 2003, 2004, Jaguar issued amended technical bulletin 303-S498 for 1999 model year Jaguar XK8 vehicles with VINs in the range 036938 to 042591. In these vehicles, engine performance may be impaired by a manufacturing issue with one of the throttle body components – this would cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to illuminate and the message ‘Engine Fail Safe’ to be displayed on the message centre. If the date code on the throttle body was in the range 10T5 to 11T25 (inclusive), the throttle body was to be replaced.
Jaguar X100 XK: fuel smell or DTC P0455
In February 2005, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 303-63 for 1999-02 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 031303 to A30644. In these vehicles, a fuel smell may emanate from the evaporative system or Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0455 may be stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM). According to the service bulletin, this condition may be caused by the purge valve corroding and sticking closed. To fix, a modified Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Canister Purge valve, filter and hose were to be replaced.
Jaguar X100 XK: transmission thumps when cold
In August 2003, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 307-14 for 2000-02 model year Jaguar X100 XK vehicles with naturally aspirated engines and VINs in the range A00083 to A30644. In these vehicles, the driver may experience ‘transmission shift quality issues’, most noticeable when the engine air intake temperature is between 20-30 degrees Celsius and when coolant temperature is below 40 degrees Celsius. In these conditions, engine speed would increase to 1300 rpm for an initial 30 seconds and then reduce to 1000 rpm. During the initial period when the engine speed is at 1300 rpm, the driver may experience the following:
- With no throttle application, the transmission hesitates and then thumps into gear when shifting from neutral to drive; and,
- With no throttle application, the transmission hesitates and then thumps into gear when shifting from neutral to reverse.
For affected vehicles, a new Transmission Control Module (TCM) was to be installed.
Jaguar X100 XK: transmission recall (US only)
In July 1999, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 307-11 for 1999 model year Jaguar XK8 vehicles with VINs in the range 031401 to 038608. For a limited number of these vehicles, the ZF 5HP24 automatic transmission may have a component which had the potential for failure due to an incorrect manufacturing process. In the event of the component concerned failing in one possible manner, the complete powertrain of the vehicle could lock up (though this was only likely to occur at very low vehicle speed as the transmission downshifted into 1st). For affected vehicles, the transmission was to be replaced.
Jaguar X100 XK8: squawk noises on gearshifts
In December 2007, Jaguar issued technical bulletin JTB00070 version 1 for 2003-05 model year Jaguar X100 XK8 vehicles with VINs in the range A30645 to A48684. In these vehicles, the driver may hear a squawk noise from the automatic transmission when changing into third gear; the noise may also occur on kick-down from fourth to third and sixth to third gears. A squawk or chirp noise can also be heard when changing from third to fourth gear at 50 per cent throttle. According to the technical bulletin, the likely cause of these noises is that the ‘E’ clutch sticks and releases when engaging and disengaging gear. To fix, one litre of an additive (C2C 37157) should be injected into the transmission using a syringe.
Jaguar X100 XK: DTC P0741 and replace torque converter
In August 2003, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 307-15 for:
- 2003 model year Jaguar XK8 vehicles with VINs in the range A30645 to A35317; and,
- 2003 model year Jaguar XKR vehicles with VINs in the range A30645 to A35726.
In these vehicles, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate and Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741 (torque converter clutch stuck open) may be logged in the transmission control module (TCM) and engine control module (ECM). According to the service bulletin, a fault was found with the clutch lining of the torque converter and a modified torque converter was introduced to fix the problem.
Jaguar X100 XK: poor heater performance
In September 2001, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 303-11 1997-99 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 001001 to 042635. In some of these vehicles, the anti-freeze solution in the cooling system may deteriorate and reduce circulation through the heater core, resulting in poor heater performance. For vehicles with poor heating, the coolant was to be replaced with XLC Extended Life Coolant (introduced after VIN 042635 for XK vehicles). For further information, please refer to the service bulletin.
Jaguar X100 XK: instrument pack assembly and CAN failure
In December 2001, Jaguar issued amended technical bulletin 413-S484 for 2000 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range A00116 to A05322. Some of these vehicles may display multiple electrical circuit malfunctions such as:
- Multiple warning lights;
- No messages displayed on the message centre;
- All or some gauges go to zero;
- Gear selector will not come out of the park position; and,
- No A/C operation.
According to the technical bulletin, these malfunctions may be due to a Controller Area Network (CAN) failure in the instrument pack caused by a short to ground – this was due to a combination of pressure from the instrument pack back plate and possible migration of solder on certain printed circuit board (PCB) contacts.
Coolant/water pump failure
In April 2003, Jaguar issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 303-60 due to water pumps which had nylon impellers that could wear and break up, potentially causing the engine to overheat. As such, coolant pumps with the following part numbers were to be replaced:
- 96JV-8501-CA;
- 96JV-8501-CB;
- 96JV-8501-CC; and,
- 96JV-8501-CD.
For the Jaguar X100 XK, this corresponded to serial numbers (i.e. last six digits of the VINs) 001036 to 028000. It is understood that these serial numbers correspond to Jaguar XK and XJ vehicles manufactured prior to 1998.
For vehicles after these serial numbers, the water pump had phenyl sulphide impellers which were not susceptible to wear.
Jaguar X100 XK: revised fuel filler cap
In June 2005, Jaguar issued amended technical bulletin 310-S509 for 2001-03 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range A11051 to A35295. In these vehicles, it may be difficult to properly seat the fuel filler cap due to a large lead angle on the fuel filler cap. Incorrectly installed fuel filler caps could leak to a vapor leak and result in the ‘check engine’ Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminating. For vehicles in the above VIN range, a revised fuel filler cap was to be installed.
Jaguar X100 XK: slow convertible roof operation
In April 2003, Jaguar issued amended technical bulletin 501-33 for 1997-99 model year Jaguar XK vehicles with VINs in the range 001001 to 037188. In some of these vehicles, the convertible top may operate slowly or experience slow/erratic of the latch – this may be caused by a tendency of the Univis hydraulic fluid in the system to slowly evaporate and, in certain conditions, to gel within the hydraulic system pipes and hoses. From VIN 037189, vehicles in production were filled with an improved fluid, Pentosin CHF 11S.
If the hydraulic fluid was low, it should be topped up using the Pentosin fluid and the top cycled to see if performance returns to normal. If this failed to resolve the problem, however, the service bulletin described a more extensive repair procedure.
Thermostat failure
For V8 engines from the late 1990s, the thermostat should be replaced every two years as a failed thermostat can cause secondary problems such as the engine warning light, low coolant indicator and other symptoms.
XK8: ZF 5HP24 transmission
For the Jaguar XK8 (but not XKR), the five-speed ZF 5HP24 automatic transmission was described as a ‘sealed for life’ unit, though transmission fluid changes are recommended every few years. For this transmission, a steel retraining clip can wear through the steel surround and fall out, causing the gears to slip or require higher engine speeds before ‘Drive’ engages.
XKR: Mercedes W5A580 transmission
For the Jaguar XKR, the output shaft and planetary gear assemblies for the Mercedes W5A580 transmission were susceptible to failure.
Suspension
- Knocking noises from the rear suspension may be due to worn bushes in the A-frame which forms part of the rear suspension.
- Worn wheel bearings can cause accelerated tyre wear.
- For XK vehicles fitted with CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension), the wires connecting the suspension to the main wiring can experience wear – this may cause a warning light on the dashboard to illuminate. To fix, a section of wiring loom will need to be replaced.
Supercharger noise
For the Jaguar XKR, rumbling noises from the supercharger may be due to worn bearings which require replacement.
Power adjustable seats
The power adjustable seat fuses may fail due to chafing of the wiring harness near the seatback; a harness repair kit was released for this problem.
