So I have a 1997 Jaguar xj6 and I tried to change the starter. It has times where it would try to start but the gear inside the starter wouldn't shoot out do you had to wait till it stopped spinning then try again and it would start.
so my girlfriend is in grad school an hour and a half away do I wanted to change the starter so she wouldn't have to wake up to a car that wont start.

So I got the bottom bolt off real easy on the starter but that picky top bolt put up a fight and I wasn't able with the tools I have to get to it, so I went and bought the one I needed. But now I tried to move the car and it won't start.
I never took any wires off or unplugged anything aside from disconnecting the battery. So besides the starter motor i can figure out why it wont start. Only thing as i pulled the positive off the battery was oh crap I should have unlocked the doors eith the key first (that pesky jaguar security system) but I didn't. Also I tool 2 bolts off one was for the clamp that holds the wiring loom for thr fuel injection and one bolt that holds a metal hanger for 3 plugs as your looking at the back drivers side (USA) of the motor it was to just make moor room for tools and such.
Since I have check all the fuses and locked and unlocked the car many times but still nothing, I have placed a jumper on the battery incase that was to low as well.
I put the key in and with the door open it will chime so I know the security system isnt stopping from that point. But as soon as you turn to the on and try to start nothing happens but I notice the lights in the car will go out then turn back on, I'm not sure if that's anything.
I'm thinking to just continue the starter motor and hope that it is the problem but i also want to know i didnt do something before hand too.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Without removing the starter there are a few things to check

The starter solenoid relay must click in your fingers as this closes the starter solenoid moving the starter gear into the engine

You can swap this relay for a headlight or fog light relay of the same part #

pic coming

 

The 3 connectors on the top rear of the engine are 2 / 4 wire connectors to the rear O2 sensors ( don't mix the connections as this can be swapped effecting engine regulation but won't efect starting )

The single medium size white wire connector is from the starter solenoid relay to the starter solenoid slotted screw terminal

 

If you took off the bottom bolt, then you will have disconnected the engine earth strap. That would be a problem.


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Thank you for the replys! I will see what I figure out! Highly appreciated!!

 

It was the ground cable! Once I saw your picture I knew it!
thank you very much!