Having just completed a changeover of the ADC module on my 2000 Jaguar S type it seems to me that the module is pretty exposed to dampness and other potential harm that could come from the spare tire. My original module's connector was pretty corroded and obviously had been experiencing dampness over the last sixteen years.

It is mounted at the LH aft end of the trunk without anything covering it [perhaps a cover has been lost however]. Has anybody else found a way to protect these modules from damp and the spare?

Bob

 

My boot (trunk) is dry despite this being a wet place. I think yours should be too, so no problem with ADCM.

 

Wet boots/trunks were a well known problem with earlier S-types, lots of info regarding the fix(es) is available in the archives.

 

I've had two of the early S-Types (2000, 2002) and both leaked. In one case the moisture took out the parking sensor module (located on that car next to the CATS module). If any of the black modules located in the trunk/boot have a white chalky film on them it's a sure sign that they've seen moisture.

 

Were you able to protect them later? I take it that the trunk seal failed. Another evidence of something is the presence of a white powdery substance behind the the trunk finishing upholstery. It looks like it might have been sprayed on behind the left hand upholstery cover. I have had all of the upholstery out as I looked for the problem with the ADC module. I left it there. Might be some kind of dessicator.

 

Sounds more like evidence of a high tide mark.

 

Hmmmm. Interesting. A passerby tasted it and said it was salty. The spare tire holddown apparatus is pretty rusty as well. But surely the upholstery would show signs if it has been in a flood and it is in excellent condition. This car lived in Edmonton at least till 2006 according to the dealer. I haven't had the car up on a hoist so cannot say much about the lower chassis. No rust to speak of on the exterior. Is a mystery.

 

That white powdery substance can also be evidence of an improperly-vented battery. Check your battery vent connection and hose to ensure that it is properly installed and routed. Also check to see that all six battery cell caps are screwed down tightly. But before you tighten them, check the water level in each cell and top up as needed....

 

There has to be a story behind that.

 

You're missing the point. It is a fact that early S-types suffered from water ingress which would fill the spare tire well, drowning the modules. The corrosion you have seen and the white residue are probably artifacts of that.

Nothing to do with your car having been submerged.

 

As I recall (it's been a few years) I pulled a plastic body plug out of the bottom of the spare tire well on both my 2000 and 2002 S-Types to let the water drain. Not a great solution but at least they didn't pool water anymore.

The trunk seals on the early models didn't fail over time - just a lousy design to begin with. I searched this forum at the time and don't remember finding any sure fire solutions.

 

I usually punch a small hole in the boot floor near the battery to allow any accumulated water to drain (just-in-case).

I never heard a complaint from a customer.

bob

 

My passerby who was a Jaguar owner said that this rubber grommet near the aft end of the trunk floor might be a drain if it is depressed. It does pop down but am not sure if his information is correct. What do you think?

This car will live in a garage for as long as I own it so I am not too worried about the trunk filling with water but I would like to be able to advise a subsequent owner.

Bob

 

Why not just fix the leak?

 

As far as I know there is no leak at the moment. I haven't left the car outside but nothing indicates that the trunk is leaking. The trunk seal looks good. I am assuming from the previous commentaries that trunk leaks are common on the 2000 version of the S Type and that that is the reason for the salty 'dust' that prevails behind the upholstered areas and that was present in the spare wheel well before I vacuumed it up.

I am going to dribble some water on this rubber grommet today to see if it lets water run away when depressed.

 

You do realize Jaguar issues TSBs for common faults??

bob