Hello,

I am new. I bought a 2005 XJ8 with 144,000 miles on it. I love the car and am in the repairing phase with it - new wheels (old ones bent), new tires (Michelin PSS), new breaks (Akebono pads and Centric high carbon rotors) . I love the fact that it has an aluminum frame and body; great for Michigan winter, salty roads.

Kind of irritated today with it. The car stranded me on the expressway 2.5 hours from home, because the alternator failed, with no warning - no "idiot light" came on - and the hole electrical system shut down because of a drained battery. Had to have it towed ($150). Is this normal for an alternator or just a fluke because of vehicle age.

Thanks,

Mikeymike

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Welcome to the forum Mikeymike,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.

Failing batteries are a regular on modern Jaguar models but we don't get many reports of failed alternators.

Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj-xj6-xj8-xjr-x350-x358-28/ to the X350 forum for help, advice and information.

Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

You can also visit the USA Mid West Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/usa-mid-west-il-ia-mi-mn-mo-oh-wi-39/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Mikeymike,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

<p>welcome to the forum - enjoy!!</p>

 

Hello, Mike,
I'm sorry to read that your 'new' Jaguar left you stranded already.
I had that happen once, on a trip from the airport, at night, on a deserted road, the alternator had stopped functioning with no warning until the headlights light got so dim I couldn't see to drive. I made it to a lighted area and shut the car off. Only then did the alternator light come on. I had a good idea what happened though, so called friends to come and charge my battery with their car, and we limped back to my house that way.

Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Hi and welcome aboard, its good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

Any useful site information you may need such as how to post pictures, edit signatures, add videos, using the
search facility etc, can be found here within the following link Using JF "How To"

There are lots of members local to you with the same interests with info on local dealers and possible meets.
Regional - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

Need a Manual, a TSB, or General Info' about your Jag? Check out our >> DOWNLOAD AREA <<
I've manually upgraded you to Full forum access so you can better view the site and all its features.

 

Hi and welcome aboard, its good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

Any useful site information you may need such as how to post pictures, edit signatures, add videos, using the
search facility etc, can be found here within the following link Using JF "How To"

There are lots of members local to you with the same interests with info on local dealers and possible meets.
Regional - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

Need a Manual, a TSB, or General Info' about your Jag? Check out our >> DOWNLOAD AREA <<
I've manually upgraded you to Full forum access so you can better view the site and all its features.

 

Thanks for the invites and info.

I had the alternator replaced by a service shop 2 hours from home; I kind of wanted to fix it myself but he did it for $580.00 with a Bosch part. The whine that was there is now gone and the mechanic said that the electrical connector had melted.

So if you start to hear an engine whine while in park and increasing with engine rev, check your alternator.

Thanks,

Mikeymike

 

Is the bottom aerodynamic panel needed. It is kind of pain taking it off / on for routine maintenance.

Thanks

 

Welcome aboard Mike.