I have a 2005 XJ8L 73k miles, don't drive it often and yesterday I noticed the front end was sitting very low. I started the vehicle and I heard a "pop" sound as if something came aloose or the car backfired (just not as loud). The car usually rises upon starting but it didn't.

I could hear what I'm assuming is the compressor running (a humming/buzzing sound..) and shortly after the error message "vehicle too low" appeared. I did not drive the car, just allowed it to run in place and shortly thereafter that, the Air Suspension Fault error message displayed. The last time I drove it was on Tues, no problems or error messages. After reading the manual, it stated to allow the vehicle to run until message disappears but it doesnt. I am approx. 115 miles from the nearest Jag dealership and wanted to rule out common troubleshooting tips first.

This is the first major issue I have had with the car and I don't want to get a complex about it because the first thing that came to mind is.. What if I was traveling or not at home??..

Please Help!

 

95% chance that one of the front shocks has blown. The fix is to replace the unit, it is described here if you search the forum for air suspenion and is easy enough that a dealer is not needed. I replaced both my fronts in the driveway in less than 2 hours taking it easy. I bought the parts from Arnett Enterprises. Make a quick check to see if the brass air fitting on the top has not just come loose.

 

Where can I check for the relay for the air compressor/pump? Where is it located?

 

Under the bonnet fuse box, relay EC40, which is R8 I think.

 

Brown,
Oldmots pretty much hit it on the head. I would only add, do not let anybody sell you an air compressor till you find and fix the leaking component. It will probably not harm the car to drive it to the dealer but I would disable the air compressor just in case. You don't want it to burn itself out trying to fill a blow out.

PS: If Dad is mechanic it is no big deal to find and replace a bad air shock. Go with Arnott and save a pant load of money.
I received your privte messg.

 

Thanks so much guys, you have been a big help! The tricky part is that he did not find any leakage from shocks, but the compressor will not consitantly run. He checked fuses none are burnt, when apply power directly to compressor it will only run briefly then shut off still not raising car.... Do you think the compressor is bad or go ahead and order the air shocks?

 

Do a search. There are a couple of threads on how to diagnose air system failures. Don't just start throwing parts at it as it will be a costly and unnecessary expense.

 

There have been many reports of compressors alone going bad. Replacements of compressors alone have fixed the problem permanently.

Do a good diagnosis and when you are comfortable with it, make the repair.
If you are positive there are no leaks then you can be comfortable the compressor itself is bad.

 

Here are some old TSBs for diagnosis

bob gauff

 

Thanks Everyone!!! You all have provided some very useful information!!! I will keep u all posted as things develop!

 

Thanks!! Very helpful information! I will keep u posted as things develops!

 

Thanks alot! I appreciate your input and the information you have provided! I will keep you posted as things develops..

 

Thanks for the files, I think factory official codes for X350s should be XJ204

 

Here is the Factory Jaguar Model Designation list up to 2005

bob gauff

 

Thanks motorcarman , I added these files into the Mediafire account

 

I drive a 2005 XJ8L with 111,000 miles. Yesterday I was driving over the Grapevine Pass (elevation 4300) in California, from Los Angeles to Bakersfield, in snow/slush, temperature outside low 30's. On the down side of the pass, coming out of the cold, snow, slush, rain into Bakersfield where the temp outside was in the high 50's...my car errored with an 'Air Suspension Failure'. I continued driving a few miles until I started getting 'Vehicle To Low'. At this point I pulled over at a truck stop. The front of my car, both driver & passenger sides, where nearly resting on top of the tires. Due to the weather, and my just having had back surgery, I called a tow truck. While waiting for the tow truck, I called a Jaguar dealership in Los Angeles and spoke with a service advisor. He told me to start the car again and see if it rises up. I did and it did on both sides. I cancelled the tow truck and drove to my office (25 miles). Upon stopping and turning the car off, ONLY the drivers side this time collapesed. I waited about 30 minutes, started my car, it raised, drove 15 miles home. Upon parking the car in the garage, same thing, only drivers side collapesed and I could hear a loud air leak behind the drivers tire area. About 2 hours later, I started the car, it raised back up and I just turned the car off. The car did not lower again and now 12 hours later has not collapesed again. Car looks normal on all sides. Can anyone share with me if they have had any similar experiences? Why at one time did both drivers side & passenger sides 'collapse' and then other times just the drivers side? Could it be just a compressor issue? Any insight from my fellow Jag lovers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Robert

 

Okay guys, since my 7/24/11 issue of Air Suspension Fault for my 2005 XJ8L I have had the air compressor and the left shock replaced. Periodically, the light would still come on. However, I had 4 new tires put on last week and before the end of the day the Air Suspension is not functioning. This time it is not even drivable at all ! The front end is resting on the tires!

So, I have now decided to consider the Air Suspension Conversion Kit for $1295. I saw it online at Motocar.com and also Arnott has a kit as well for the same price. Both companies /products are warrantied and indicates that there will be no change in the ride or the computer system of the Jag.

This seems to be a remedy to an ongoing issue with the Air Suspension Fault that is obviously a manufacuring problem with the 2005 XJ8L. I only have 76k miles on it and now have a complex about driving it on long distances, afraid that I may get stranded somewhere with little or no notice that my car will be nose to the ground and undrivable!

Do any of you have experience with the Air Suspension Conversion Kits for XJ8? or have converted your vehicle from the air suspension to the coil suspension?

Please Advise!
Thanks!

 

Hi, in answer to your question: I just finished installing the Arnott version of the Coil Spring conversion this weekend. It works very well, I cannot compare it to stock, as my car had 50k miles and front had a leaking bag and the right rear had a oil leak (I bought it cheap from dealer at 48k miles, they must have known!). Car rides smooth and stable, less rumble and does not transmit every road imperfection. One larger bumps (I live on a potholed 55MPH road) it seems to be more composed, less kickback. All in all, I cal it an improvement (better than wifes 2012 Buick LaCrosse).

Installation was 8 hours for all four, including removal of compressor and W**CO controller (less dead weight the better!). do make sure you have a suitable 2x4 about 6' long to use as a prybar for the rear, as it's a tight fit. I took the time to also install new stabilizer link in rear, new trailing arm in rear, and new tie rod ends in front.

If anyone needs W**CO controller and used (working) compressor, I will sell these on forum for $300 + Shipping - if nobody wants I will list on that aution site we all know so well. As for shocks, if anyone wants to give me more-than the $200 core charge, you can have'em (+, I hate to say, $30 shipping as they weight a ton.