So the car was running great. I took it through a car wash and the antenea got bent to where it won't retract (telescoping), of course I had it down but on this year down is still up about 12 in in the retracted position.

Wife is driving it a few days later and the following error messages appeared on the dash:

1. stability control
2. ABS

The car ran rough. She got home. I went to start it the next day and it would not start! I speculate a short stemming from the anteana which is still attached, just the metal is bent right at the base.

Anyone have an idea on what this is before I spend too much money on it?

 

See email I sent you.
Covers both antenna and your ABS issues.

Jim Lombardi

 

I've moved your question to a new thread.

Graham

 

That's not very helpful for the rest of us trying to learn from this thread, is it?

 

Hi Mark SF
I was waiting until Tim and my posts were moved to this new thread.

Here is what was in the email I sent to Tim:
Your antenna should always fully retract, if it doesn't, then it needs an antenna mast replacement.

There is a used 1999 XJ8 antenna for sale online for $45.00 plus about $15 UPS ground shipping to zipcode 99201.

Antenna From 1999 Jaguar XJ8 STD

You might try finding a used one from local auto wreaking yards.

Here is xj8 antenna mast kit on Ebay -- Sacramento, ca -- $16.98 free shipping

For Jaguar Vanden Plas XJ12 XJ6 XJ8 XJR XJS XK8 XKR Power Antenna Mast New | eBay

Look at the forum thread on replacing the antenna mast:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ent-faq-48388/

Also - I compiled a list of ABS Stability warning fixes - list arranged from easiest down to hardest:

1st try fixing it by lowering the brake fluid level just a little bit.

Also try cleaning the ABS wheel sensors - dirt buildup on sensors.

Also could be a faulty brake pedal switch (try using your cruise control, if it doesn't work, then the brake pedal switch might need replacement).

Or it maybe a more serious issue - ABS module repair - requires removing the ABS module, then open module and resolder 2 pins on the board.

I will giving additional weblinks to the ABS wheel sensor cleaning thread, the brake pedal switch replacement thread and the ABS module repair thread later today or tomorrow.

Jim Lombardi

 

I doubt that the antenna has caused the no start. Do you mean "no crank" or "no start"?

 

Yes Ross, you are right --- the engine not running is the major issue for Tim in this thread.

The no-start & no crank could be a battery issue - what is the condition of the battery?? You need to have it tested to see if it has enough juice to start the engine.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are some comments made by member Plums in a previous thread:
"Your starter is just not getting enough juice.

Could be as simple as needing a new battery.

The starter solenoid has two copper contacts that burn
out.

All of the main power circuits should be checked for clean
joints positive and negative. The main ground strap is
under the car, to the right, between the transmission
bellhousing and the right frame rail."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Link to how to clean ABS Wheel Sensors:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...11/#post208422

Link to how to replace Brake Pedal Switch:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...54/#post545944

Link to how to repair ABS Module:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...46/#post775821

Jim Lombardi

 

I found these other posts on "no crank"

"Thought it was a starter" thread - Forum member xjat8 comment:" battery...get it load tested, it should be normally 12.7 to 13.2...The correct type for these cars is a sealed Calcium 100A/hr 880CCA mother.
90% of these faults are caused by an undernourished or wrong type of battery."

"99 XJR won't start, just a "CLICK" noise" thread - Forum member Sean B comment: "The false bulkhead connector, a heavy black cable bolted to the brake pedal assembly cover and a similar cable that runs to the fuse boxes and interconnects try unbolting them and checking the connections tidy them up with sandpaper/wire wool..... A freshly charged battery too."

3rd thread - " Help! Car won't start - Hoping i didn't fry something"
Here is link to my post there --- has information about the fuses and false bulkhead connection:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...66/#post921521

Jim lombardi