Hello All,

This is probably a very old question but as I'm a noob around here and had such an encouraging and warm reception I thought I'd ask.

I'm collecting my Jag in 17 days (14 hours, 12 minutes, 37 seconds) and just about the only complaint I had with the garage was that the stereo required a code. The seller said the battery had run flat as the car had been sitting for a while. He assured me he would contact Jaguar and acquire the code before I collected it.

I'm assuming I have nothing to worry about and a few days before I collect the vehicle I will phone up to remind him. Am I right in being relaxed about this? Or is this a sure sign of a duff entertainment system?

Also, when the engine first fired the fan belt made a bit of noise which grew louder when I put on the AC. The noise stopped after a few minutes and the mechanic I brought along didn't seem too worried, is this ok?

17 days, 14 hours, 8 mins, 53 seconds

 

Certainly you need the code once power has been removed from the radio, so hopefully no issues there.

As for the fan belt, there's folks on here who are far better qualified than me to comment about that. It could be all sorts of things, but I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction.

 

Yip, as above, the radio code is quite simple. Any Jaguar dealership should be able to get you the code based on your VIN number and proof of ownership, of course

As for the belt? I can't help sorry

 

The people you are buying the car from should sort out the belt, if it is a garage.

But don't worry, 1/2 hour job and easy to do yourself.

As above for radio code.

 

Neither of my 98 XJs require a code.
The belt is easy, but be sure to check out the belt tensioner and idler pulleys, the bearings wear out. Cheap and easy to change. And give the water pump a spin while you're at it, if the pump is tired it may be dragging.

 

Radio security codes were only in certain markets. I'm not sure which ones, but over here we get a lot of used imports, so some cars do and some don't, depending where they came from originally

 

Great, thanks guys that puts my mind at ease. Also, replies from England, France the US of A and New Zealand... You've got to love this interweb thing. Great site. Very helpful.

 

The question of security coded or not coded radios always brings different responses depending on where the poster lives. It was done primarily to deter theft in the UK.

The OE radio fitted to your UK specification X300 will be coded and most UK Jaguar Dealers are happy to look up the code free of charge if approached in the right way and with proof of ownership.

If the 'bit of a noise' on the belt is a squeal, this is common. It can be either an old belt where the rubber is hardening with age or (more often) where coolant has been spilled on the belt during topping up or a hose change. Simple solution is a new belt.

If the noise is coming from any of the driven pulleys/equipment then have it put right before you accept the car.

Graham