Hi
Still having P1638 problem. I had a local indy Jaguar shop scan all of the control modules on our 2001 xj8. He is pretty sure I need to replace the instrument cluster (pack).

I found a used one with 64k miles on it and the Ebay seller gives you 30 days to return it for refund.

I call our local Jaguar service dept and was told that they could reprogram the car with their computer to accept the used cluster ($122) as long as it has the same id type(???). They also said they cannot change the odometer miles because it is illegal to do it.

Our XJ8 has 104000 miles and the used cluster odometer has 64000 miles.

I thought the odometer miles could be reprogrammed to the actual miles on the car.

The Jaguar service also said that you cannot replace the instrument cluster without reprogramming the car to accept the replacement, otherwise it will clause a lockout.

I think I need some help on how to proceed.

Jim Lombardi

 

The mileage correction should not be an issue - I had mine done locally for £50. Google it for a local specialist...

Ask the seller what the part number is, it should have a sticker on the back, you'll have to check yours also, (easiest way is to check in the boot of the car on the VCATS list, the seller can do the same thing if no sticker and if they have the car to reference) if they tally, you'll be OK. Usually the same model year will suffice with modules and codes, something like 'LJE4300DB/301' - the last 3 digits being the important thing. Even an XK8 of the same year will do. If the replacement is the same code, no problems.

I think your local Jag dealer is being ultra cautious.

 

Here is more info on the VCATS

bob gauff

 

Thanks Bob, that document makes it clear as a bell for Jim.

 

Hello
Here is an update. I found the VCATS list in the boot of our 2001 xj8.

I removed the boot floor covering, then the spare tire and finally pulled the boot side liner (driver side) out enough (the bottom) to view the VCATS list.

Here are photos of I took inside the boot:

VCATS location




Enlargement of the photo of the VCATS List





Here is a photo of the label attached to the Instrument Cluster Pack:



I had the battery tested where I bought it - show 14.4 volts.

Coolant level almost at top of tank, oil level is near max, battery OK, gas tank is full.

The VCATS Lists the IPK as LJE4300AB/302

The label on the Instrument Cluster Pack shows
Wed Jan 17 (has time hr min stamp - I cannot read) 2001
LJE 4300 AB
57116
ROM0371 s/w ver 3 64

Why is there a different s/w ver numbers between the VCATS List IPK (302) and the Instrument cluster pack that was installed when the car was manufactured (3 64)?

I decided against the Instrument cluster on Ebay - I had the seller email me the information from the label on the cluster - LJE4800AB Tuesday April 17, 2001 s/w version 365

Since the part numbers and s/w versions were not the same, I did not want to take a chance of it not being the correct one.

The local indy Jaguar mechanic that has been helping me recommended having our exister cluster looked at and possibly be rebuilt at BB Reman in Tauton Mass.

I sent them the video I made that shows the flashing system checks and throbbing sounds, check engine light, etc.

Also - Engine Coolant Low warning, Low Oil Pressure warning, Battery not Charging warning, also the Low fuel (orange light on) - ignition in position II also happens with engine running.
The temperature control shows er and it beeps 8 times

Their (BB reman) email reponse is:
We can take a look at that for you. Being very honest, there is a 50 % chance that we can take care of the problems. The price is $99.00 plus shipping

What to do??? Do I take a chance and have it rebuilt? Since my local Jaguar Indy mechanic does seem to have any time to do some real troubleshooting.

Should I bite the bullet and take the car to Hartford Jaguar dealership service at $120 plus per hour?

Still not sure on how to proceed.

Jim Lombardi

 

I think the eBay one will do the job. It just has the later softare loaded, the important thing is the "302" on the VCATS, I'll bet they're the same, it's close enough to use.
I also hope it cures all the errors.

 

Bet you the "8" is someone reading a "3" improperly. The build date is only 3 months later, the version is .01 higher, a maintenance point release.

Seems like a pretty good bet. If the ebayer knows you are reluctant, can you negotiate a return privilege?

 

Hi
Good news. I noticed tonight that 2 of the instrument cluster light bulbs were not working. Looks like they maybe started failing recently.

I did not have replacement bulbs on hand, but I thought I would remove one of blown out bulbs to bring with me to the auto parts store.

I had to use a pair of pliers to turn the bulb holder (seems like it was glued in here). I also had to use the pliers to pull the bulb out of the holder.

Then I began to think maybe these bulbs & holders were the root of the P1638 DTC problem. I removed the 2nd bulb, then I put them back into the cluster panel.

I pugged in both loom connectors back into the instrument cluster and reconnected the battery.
Boy - was I surprised.

All the problems are gone. Everything is working again (Fuel gauge says full, battery warning message is gone, low coolant message is gone, low oil pressure is gone- all the problems seemed to be resolved).

Then I unplugged everything and installed 4 new bulbs (type 194) in the cluster panel, then I reassemble everything.

I did still have to clear the P1638 with the code reader, then the check engine light warning disappeared.

I took the jaguar out tonight just for a few miles. Seems to be running perfectly.

I will keep my fingers crossed that this is truly the solution to all the problems we had over the last 3 weeks.

Jim Lombardi

 

Hi
I still was getting P1638 DTC code every so often. The used instrument cluster with 64k miles on it was still available and I bought about 3 weeks ago.

I had it installed by Peter (the mechanic at our local indy shop) and he no problems, just plug and play.

We have driving it without any issues since the replacement except we still have an a few problems with the heating controls (when using the auto selection, heat only comes out the passenger heat vents). The other heating buttons selections seem to work properly.

Jim Lombardi

 

Hi
It has been over a month now since we replace the Instrument Cluster Module with a used one from an Ebay seller.

This solved all the DTC faults. But we were still having heating issues with the Climate Control Module.

I think I just solved the heating issue by accessing the special Fault codes that are stored within the Climate Control Module (A/CCM). We had a code 14 fault store in there (it came from the damaged Instrument Cluster output signal).

See all the details in my new thread on XJ Heating and Air Conditioning Info thread:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...nfo-faq-66454/

Jim Lombardi

 

Thanks Jim, I found it at the weekend, hopefully now I am "good to go", when I receive my replacement, "Drivers "Door Control Module"

 

Terry I sent you a message. question about door module

 

P1638 only on our 2002 XJ8 IPK LJE4300AB/302. I bought an instrument cluster from a 2003 XJ8 LJE4302AB today. Getting it programmed tomorrow and I will post results. Thanks for your input.

Shuamanator

 

After replacing the ECM, instrument cluster and cleaning many connectors, I cleaned the small yellow connector to the right of the shifter which appeared to be heavily coated with numerous coffee spills (nice drink holder design) fixed my 1638 problem on a 2002 XJ8!

 

Jim,
In the event the cats number and the module are different, can they be programed without dealership help?

 

I think you need one with the same part number and your existing CATS IPX (instrument cluster). Also the software revision probably should the same revision or later???).

When I had to replace the Instrument Cluster Module on our 2001 XJ8, I had to find a used one with the same part number and software revison that was close to our existing module listed in the VCATS listing located in the trunk (boot).

Our IPX (the Instrument Cluster Module) on the VCATS is LJE4300AB/302, but the label on the existing module was LJE4300AB with software revision 364 and the used IPX replacement was LJE4300AB with software revision 365. Posting says LJE4800AB, but it was really LJE4300AB sw 365 - Ebay seller had a hard time reading the label on the part.

The replacement was just 1 software revison newer and worked properly when it was installed (just plug and play).

You should try to contact Sean B (private message system) and ask him for help with this issue.

Jim Lombardi

 

Hello Jim, was the old mileage of the ebay instrument cluster showing after you made the change? I want to change mine as well but I found one on ebay with a higher mileage than my actual one. Just to know what to expect.

 

Flay
Our (USA) local Jaguar service dept told me that they cannot change the odometer miles because it is illegal to do it.

But looks like - Sean B (in Southport UK) was able to get a local specialist to make the change - quote "The mileage correction should not be an issue - I had mine done locally for £50. Google it for a local specialist"

But Our XJ8 had 104000 miles and the used cluster odometer had 64000 miles.
That is a 40,000 mileage difference - I have the documentation saved and will be able to show if I ever want to sell our XJ8.

Jim Lombardi

 

Look at this one on ebay -germany (location is Rotterdam) says it has approx 110k 20 GBP plus shipping to Romania about 25 GBP
JAGUAR XJ8 X308 4.0 v8 SPEEDO CLUSTER | eBay

You will need to ask them for the part/revision numbers.

Jim Lombardi

 

The board for the gauges, and the board for the ODO are 2 different ones, which can be separated (not too difficult).
So you can swap the board / gauges, and still keep your original ODO.
You can see the seperate ODO board on the lower picture.
The connector is on the top, hidden on the picture.