Greetings!
My check enginee light came on rather suddenly the other day, along with the temperature gauge immediately (over 30 seconds or so) spiking to max. I pulled over and stopped immediately, and after checking under the hood, it was clear the car was not overheating, and the coolant was circulating (thermostat was open).

When I turned the key back on less than a minute after stopping, the temp gauge was normal. The code in the computer was P0116, which suggests the coolant temperature sensor.

I am having a rough time getting a new one, as the dealer doesn't have the part, and there are two listed (one threaded, and one "push-in") for this VIN range. Mine is G135XXX, and was manufactured 6/04. The title (and dealer I bought it from) says it is a 2005 model, and Carfax shows it went into service 7/2005.

The dealer wants to replace the entire thermostat housing assembly, which includes a new thermostat, sensor (press-in type), and housing, for a total of ~$450-500.

My temperature gauge normally sets just above the lower major mark (of 4, with the fourth being above the red mark).

Is this temp normal, or should I be near the half way mark?

Thanks in advance for any help!
This forum is magnificant!!

 

To clarify the above, the end of the XJ's VIN is G135XXX. Sorry for the odd wording...

 

This is a common, simple fix, just get the sensor replaced and be done with it. Have the harness checked too, just to be sure the connector or wiring is not at fault. Be careful letting the Dealer go hog wild, they have overhead to cover! I'm sure replacing half the car would work fine, but it's unlikely that it needs doing due to a bad coolant sensor (a $35 part).

 

Thanks for the reply oldmots!

My main problem is that they don't have the sensor in stock, and they are not even sure which one I need. The one they show is a press-in instead of a screw-in type. Also, do you know if my running temp level is normal (just over the first major mark)?

Thanks again!
Jerry

 

Does anyone have a part number/source for a temp sensor for this model? The press in type is for VIN G49701 and later, and mine is G135XX. The dealer has not been any help with this.

Thhanks!

 

Good News! I finally found it is part # LNA 1600AA

The parts guy at the dealer, however, told me that my supposed 2005 model may actually be a 2004 model. All my paperwork states that it is a 2005 (Carfax, title app, etc.). He says the 2004 model year for the XJ8L was G1 through G-34526. Mine is G135XX. Is this correct? I'm getting worried that the dealer (reputable local dealer) sold me a 2004 for a 2005 price...

Jerry

 

In theory you can tell by the VIN but there are I have seen two different standards for the earlier models. Anyway the parts manual says that character 10 from the VIN denotes the model year:

PREFIX 10
3 = 2003 Model Year
4 = 2004 Model Year
5 = 2005 Model Year
6 = 2006 Model Year
7 = 2007 Model Year
8 = 2008 Model Year

The other confusing thing is that the US seem to number their model years different to the UK. The parts manual says:

2003MY (2004MY ROW) – G00442
2004MY (UK/Europe) – G12878
2005MY (LWB) – G34528
2006MY – G49701
2006.25MY (Diesel) – H00332
2006.25MY (Daimler) – H01748
2006.5MY – H06679
2007MY – H11537

So by UK standards you car is a 2004MY but may be 2005 from a US point of view.

 

Thanks for the information! We called the dealership back and spoke to someone in sales, who gave us this information as well. The 10th digit is indeed "5" on our car. I can understand now why the parts guy told me what he did. You would think the deliniation between model years would be more clearly defined. I guess I will go with what the title will say, which should be 2005, since the application (and I think the previous title as well) states such.

 

 

I love that updated JTIS format!!

 

Im having the same problem with a 2004 xjr "PLEASE HELP"

 

DEo you mean the sensor issue? If so, the new sensor was definitely the problem for me - I finally got hold of a new one and found the resistance of the old one was way off. The temp gauge now reads in the middle area at operating temp, and no more problems (at least for now)!

Jerry

 

Thanks! That is the exact part! Sorry for the delay, but I am new and can just now view the picture. Now... How can I get hold of one of those parts catalogs....