I've read dozens of posts on this forum addressing bits and pieces of what I am experiencing, but I feel as though context is likely important in my unfortunate scenario, so here goes...

I started a project this weekend to install a reverse camera, mount an external GPS on the dash, and ad a FM line-in audio adapter (isimple is32).

The first issue I ran into regarded the reverse camera. I had read that the X-Type does not have a hot reverse light wire, but wanted to confirm this for myself when installing the reverse cam. I separately posi-tapped both black wires leading to the left reverse light bulb and the green/black wire on the associated rear taillight wiring harness that I had also read was the reverse light positive wire. None supplied power to the camera when in reverse.

No too bothered, I scrapped the reverse light wiring and resolved to just turn on the camera with the GPS setting when reversing. Not a big deal.

I then moved to the front of the car and did the following:

• Pulled out the stereo and HVAC; I shifted the car into a lower gear without turning the engine on to buy room to remove the radio. No transmission fault issues at this time (important for later on in this saga...)
• Wired in power to the isimple is32 by posi-tapping the cigarette lighter orange / black line (grounding to the exposed bolt sticking straight up on the bottom left floor)
• Wired in a female 12v plug so that I can wire the GPS power behind the radio head unit. Again, pos-tapped the cigarette lighter orange / black line for power, and grounded to the same bolt on the floor)
  • Tested plug with GPS AC adapter and worked without issue.
• Wired a USB port, 3.5mm audio jack, and on/off button (all for is32) so that they are now poking out of the center console DSC button / coin holder (just a coin holder, in my case).

It seemed that all had gone well... I went to turn on the car, only to have my heart sink as "transmission fault" flashed onto the info screen. The shifter will not move and turning the key does not cause the engine to turn over - just transmission fault message. I have a generic code reader I can plug in, but not sure it will even read a code since car won't turn on.

I had the thought that maybe my battery was low (it is new, but the lights had been on all day as I tinkered in the car, and my adapter could be causing a phantom drain). There was no flickering as often happens when trying to turn on in a low battery scenario. I popped the hood to confirm that the batter was low, hooked up my trickle charger... and noticed that the hood now cannot be shut. The hood release is stuck on open. Accordingly, I cannot lock the car and get the security double beep. I also noticed that the interior cabin lights will not turn off.

• Might a low battery cause a transmission fault?
• The hood release is entirely mechanical, correct? No way this could be cause by whatever electrical demons I have inspired?
• Can anyone confirm if their dome light will go off with the hood open? Mine will go off if I unplug the battery, but will get stuck on again as soon as I open a door. Is there any chance that posi-tapping the reverse light wires and then electrical taping them back up would cause a short that would affect the dome light? The reverse light worked fine until the transmission issue (now can't test). Or maybe some issue related to grounding my AC plug?
• What are the chances that playing around below the center console and threading wires to wire my is32 ports damaged the shifter or an important shifter electrical cable? I will pull the center console and look closely, but I'm fairly certain I didn't break any wires... the gear shifter and associated harmlessness seem like they shouldn't be that fragile an item. It is easily replaceable, if that's the issue... I can't imagine that I've damaged any other transmission component. Am I missing something?

I will test things with a fully charged battery tonight.

I know that there are issues with ECUs getting wet and causing issues... but my transmission has been silky smooth since I received approx. 500 miles ago, and it's barely rained on the car. The jag has been parked in my garage for stereo work... and obviously hasn't gotten wet since.

One last bit of context... my front windshield washer worked when I received the car a few weeks ago. Now the motor goes on, but it only sprays out a few week spurts and sputters out. This happened after one day and maybe 300 miles of driving. The reservoir is full. I examined the hose and found no kinks. The hood liner does seem a bit damp, but haven't been able to trace this to a windshield washer leak. Not sure if related... but got met thinking and worrying about wet ECUs. The rear windshield washer did not work from the beginning .

I realize that this is a long and arduous post of disparate issues that are likely completely unrelated. But hoping that someone will see something that I'm not. Right now I'm counting my lucky stars that I haven't yet sold by prior daily driver, since the X Type is currently a brick. But after spending time in the X-Type, my Suzuki just doesn't inspire the same sense of joy... hoping for a manageable fix.

Thanks, everyone, for your insight.

 

Try hooking back up the stereo and HVAC unit back up. I believe that is part of the loop to enable you to start the car. Right now that loop is broken. See if that helps. Do a search on here for a more comprehensive explanation for that. See if that works for you to start the car.

 

An unexpected hospitalization delayed my trying the suggested fix... Fortunately, yes, that did it! Stereo is part of canbus and triggers transmission fault when not plugged in. Interesting design choice... Due to speed sensitive audio maybe? Or no reason at all? Who knows ...

Now have a very nifty audio/nav setup which I shall share some pics of in a separate post.

Now just windshield washer issues to resolve.

 

Glad to hear you got both the Jag and yourself back on the road.