I parked my 1998 XJ8 for the winter. When I tried to start it in the spring it won't start. Checked all fuses and disconnected the battery a number of times.I'm getting "fail safe engine mode" reading in my dash.

Chris Ryan
Bay Bulls,Newfoundland,Canada

 

. . . and all you are going to tell us is that it won't start? Does it turn over (crank) when you turn the key? Do the lights all come on when you turn the key? You might have a dead or weak battery.

If it cranks, push the throttle all the way to the floor and begin to crank; if it is flooded or has bore wash, it may start once it clears out and gets oil in the cylinder walls to give you compression. Search for bore wash.

Do you have fuel at the rail?

What codes are you showing?

Your key may have to be reprogrammed. Does it start with one of the other keys?

 

check fuel pressure. probably fuel pump retired...

 

Hi Chris,

Another very common possibility is a weak battery. If the voltage sags much below 11 volts while cranking, the ECM will not trigger the ignition to fire.

Please keep us informed.

Cheers,

Don