Hello everyone,

The dealership where I work just took this 1998 JX8 in on trade
and as I needed something to throw money at to stay busy in my off time,
I decided to take on this project.

Let me start by stating it is a 2 owner car, with 81k actual miles, interior
in easily 98% original condition, with original paint having never been painted on..

however it does come with the infamous Jaguar electrical gremblins
and this is why I joined the forum to learn how to handle them.

Attachment 23459


1. Is there a way to get the radio code online by typing in the VIN ?

2. What does the code PO1111 mean when doing a diagnostic scan ?
(my ABS light is on as is the stability/traction control warning) I am
thinking the ABS motor may be gone...

3. Are the aftermarket power antenna's on ebay any good ?

4. my speakers are blown out, what would you recommend as replacements ?

5. I cannot get the hood to open as the passenger side latch won't open,
and I do not know how to get at it.

6. There is coolant dripping behind the R. front passenger tire. Does this
usually mean the coolant reservoir bottle and/or lines need replaced ?

7. Can it be sealed up again with weather stripping to take out the
wind whistle, and can the sunroof also be sealed to do the same thing,
right now I have to have it just tilted 1/2 inch to shut down the noise.

also does the sunroof always open and close with the headliner stuck
to it, or is that another gremblin I have ?

8. The plastic "burl wood" panels in the front doors are showing their
age with cracks, are those available anywhere, and the interior contents
of my owners manual is in fine condition, however the cover is shot.

Does anyone sell just the covers ?

Thanks for any and all insight

Danny (asiasdad)

 

Hello Danny,
I like a man up for a challenge ;o)=)

Basically sounds like your average abused unserviced XJ8....othert than that pretty straight forward ;o)

Points in order......
Point1....Your dealer should be able to get this by using the chassis and engine numbers and forwarding to Jaguar US

Point2....Before getting too excited, all it may need is a good clean of earth points, connectors and the wheel semnsors themselves.
The ABS unit itself is pretty reliable and only gives trouble by incorrect braking service and poor quality brake fluid that has not been changed in it's life ;o)

Point 3.....Most of the aftermarjket units are as reliable as the OEM.
For mast longevity, I always spray silicon onto a cloth and clean the mast FROM THE BASE UPWARDS.....NEVER clean the other way becaue you end up forcing muck into the mast joints....200,000klm and i am still on the original ;o)

Poin 4....The original 6.5" speakers are by Phillips and I recently replaced mine with units from Polk Audio which came with crossover units and extra tweeters....AMAZING!
It's funny how you get used to speakers that are getting tired after 14 years in an automotive environment....highly reccomended and at a good price.
Bought mine through Amazon.

Poin 5....Are yes....the dreadd hood jamming sequence....usually cause again by lack of maintanance like simply lubing the damn locks!
You have one open and not the other.
There is a lot contained in the archives of a coupl,e of Jag forums but basically you need to take off the wheel arch liner and drilla ahlf inch hole in just the right place (holding your mouth just right) and use a bent jigger to pull the hood catch.....do some research!

Point 6....Weeeeell....this could lead to a number of things.....none of which you will find without the hood open! ;o]P
As a matter of interest, is there any known service history with the car??

Point 7....All the rubber door seals can be purchased and replaced and yes, the sunroof seal can also be replaced....which in fully closed condition should be completely silent....weather is usaul factor in wearing out these seals.
I have replaced mine once.
Yes, the headling of the sunroof stays in situ.
These are a complicated deviice and a little peventative mainatance goes a long way towards their longevity.
I use spray silicon on the rails, joints and hinges....get a can fitted with a long tube nozle and for the tight spots, I spray the silicon into a small jar and use an extra long artists paint brush to apply....this saves getting messy all over the lining which you don't want.
It also pays to wi[pe the rubber seal with silicon....makes for a super smooth and quiet operation that befits a Jaguar ;o))

The Burl Walnut door finishers are genuine wood just like the dash and centre console.
The thin wood veneer is mounted onto a metal substrate and they are finished with a deep hard wearing laquer and it sounds like this car has been in a lot of sunlight and heat which veers don't like.
They can be gotten from any breakers or can be bought newe at a price.

Hope this goes some way to anwering your queries and good luck with the project. ;o))

 

xjay8,

I just went on ebay to look for polk audio 6.5 car speakers. There are various
versions. Which version did you install ?

 

Hello,
I fitted Polk Audio kits #DB6501
I also used DEI Boom Mat speaker baffles # 050 330
I also used some of that acoustic damping stick on material on the door skins as well as the inner door frames.
i also added some thin rubber buffers on the inside of the door cards to prevent any resonance build up.....just a few simple tricks makes a world of difference without spending megabucks ;o))