Hi all,

I've had my XJ8 since 2008, never really thinking so many would consider it a 'classic', but here we are! I love the car to bits, even if it has been a bit of a money sink and it doesn't meet the ULEZ standards, so I am not getting rid of it. It does have a few problems though that probably need to be looking at-

-The breaks have squeak, but otherwise work fine. Do you think they need changing, or perhaps just checking the break fluid?
-I think the electrics might be on the blink; the dashboard light flickered on and off a few times the other day, and sometimes the 'coolant needed' warning comes up even though it seems to be full (maybe this was just the hot weather doing something). Some of the other night lights seem to be off as well, for example the one that lights up the cruise control button. Are they easy enough for me to fix?
- Basically, is there a simple way I can check the fuses to make sure they are all working?
-The air con/heating hasn't worked for years. It just blows 'air', usually cold. I never use it so I've never cared, but the other half sometimes complains in the winter.
-Lastly, does anyone know if there is a way to make it Euro 4 compliant so I can ignore the ULEZ?

Is there an owners manual for this model, like a Hamleys?

Thanks all,

A

 

First, could you put your location in your profile? We ignorant here in the US have no clue what a ULEZ standard is and someone from your area could relate.

As for brake squeal, that could be a number of things, thus we can't answer your Q of changing them. The guide grease on the guide posts could and most likely are full of grime and dried up and its metal on metal. You may need pads, ...and if the pads are squealing, it may be your low pad sensor. This is a very simple device called a metal tab that simply rubs on your rotor when your pads get low, ...don't ignore it, it will eat into your rotor and then your pads will follow.
From the sounds of it, you've never had your brake fluid changed if your inquiring as you are. Brake fluid is important to flush at intervals, pollutants build up and can cause braking issues.
For those issues, take it to a shop for evaluation, preferably a Jag Inde', if your not confident to do this yourself.

Dash lighting itself is pretty cut and dry, twist out bulb holder, replace bulb, twist back in. But getting the dash out to do such can be cumbersome, but being patient will be your friend.
Check the connection for the indicator at the fill reservoir for your coolant...be sure your topped off (do this when cold). Because when your engine reaches operating temp and the thermostat opens, your fluid level goes down a bit.
Checking fuses is easy, its just laboriously boring. Using your eye, pull a fuse and look through to see if there is a break on the fused link. You can use a multi-meter to check continuity. But simply put, if everything is working, you don't have to do this unless your really bored and ****. In that case, just take the car apart and put it back together.
Your A/C climate control is rather important for your heating as well. Cars from the mid-90's on have their climate controls integrated for more comfort. You will need an A/C tech to assist you with this and after years off not maintaining it, can be very expensive...but will need to be checked to determine that. Again, a Jag Inde' can assist.

For a manual (which is too large to post here), go to this thread, Post #2, member Avern1 has posted a link to download the X308 Workshop Manual... https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...manual-160126/
I would recommend you also simple look at the top of this forum at the Sticky list. This has manuals for download, repair procedures not covered elsewhere (barring your level of technical ability) and what else you may be curious about like TSB's and recalls.

 

Thanks Highhorse. I am based in London, ULEZ is an 'environmental' charge we have to pay daily if we want to drive a car that doesn't meet certain emmissions standards (basically any car before 2004-6). It's quite infuriating!

Luckily I have been recommended a Jag specialist mechanic, and when I've a bit of cash together intend to take it to him for a full look over, though he apparently drove it recently when the gearbox was being replaced and said it was in good shape! It drives fine, save for the noisy breaks. As I said, a lot of the issues seem to be electrical, which I'd say is my only problem with the car. I've always prefered the real old stuff before they had anything electronic!

And thanks for the manuals! I feel like it's about time I did what I always said I wanted to do and learn how to maintain this thing myself. In the UK there are quite a few old models cheap, and I'd love a collection...

 

ULEZ = ultra low emissions zone (I think).

I believe the car can't in practice be made to qualify for ULEZ.

 

I am glad we don’t have any emissions tariffs like that in Tennessee, yet I know a few politicians who have those kind of things in their agenda. Most likely, the vehicles that would have to be taxed, are few in number, and not so offensive as to be on their radar.

 

I understand that, though I've never been a fan, ..but here in FL with the recent influx of certain Yankees with their lack of driving skills and rust buckets. I wouldn't mind seeing an inspection that covered the basics, like insurance, body panels must be whole (not bondoed), lights all work, ride height, tires with tread,...ya know, things that count before they hit you. It'd be nice if it could just be implemented when register their vehicles.

 

Texas is a state that has yearly vehicle safety inspections. Although the process
was not vigorous, nor expensive, it was effective at keeping unroadworthy vehicles
off the road. It was implemented such that many well equipped gas stations had
certified inspectors who could perform the inspection. As I recall, there were some
who would look the other way for a price. The state did not take kindly to such
negligence and would shut the whole station down, not just the inspection part.
I would not be opposed to such inspections here in Tennessee.

 

The snag is that here (UK) some cities have truly awful pollution (lots of diesel vehicles, both trucks & cars, don't help) - well beyond anything that's reasonable, so those places are finding ways to discourage or ban the worst vehicles.

 

Yes, a higher incidence of pollution would certainly demand a higher degree of control. The early Diesel engines were not terribly efficient and we still have some that make me cringe as they create a smoke screen wherever they go.