Hello. I've researched this problem and cannot find any with the same issues as mine. I own a 1989 xj6 vanden plas model and I bought it knowing it has some issues but nothing like what I expected. The instrument cluster is totally disabled and where the messages are to read there is a large square that changes color from red to orange. There is a distant buzzing noise that is synchronized with the speedometer needle jumping from 0 to 150. This is in idle mode. After driving abit the buzzing gets louder and the vehicle shuts down. I can restart it right away but will do the same thing over and over....I'm guessing it's the security system but I cannot find any info on this particular problem. Any advice or info would be appreciated. Thanks. RAY.

 

OOPS.

Not knowing where you are makes it hard.

Help us to help you, please.

I suggest a re-post in the XJ40 Tech Section, they will know.

None of my XJ40 had a security system Ex the factory, so maybe your market did, dunno.

Battery, as in age,integrity is a #1 on any list, followed very closely by EARTHS in an XJ40.

Good luck.

 

Good morning to you sir.

Thank you for the reply. My year of manufacture is 1989 so that' makes sense with the 4.0 being the motor instead of the 3.6. I'm out here in tucson AZ. I'm really having a time with this and will repost it in the proper category. Thank you for the insight.

 

Welcome to the forums Ray,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XJ40 forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

Graham

 

Hi Ray,

Welcome to the Jaguar Forums! It's great to have you with us.

If your security system were the problem, you would not be able to start the engine at all, so I suspect that you have other issues.

The '87-'89 XJ40s were known to have problems with solder joints on the circuit boards of the vacuum-fluorescent instrument cluster. If you search the forums for this issue, I think you will find information on how the cluster can be repaired by reflowing and supplementing the solder joints on the cluster circuit boards.

The stalling could be caused by a number of malfunctions, but I'm wondering if the buzzing you are hearing is a relay whose contacts are not latching. This could be an important relay such as the fuel pump relay, main relay or ignition on relay, all of which are located behind the passenger side knee bolster below the glove box. Perhaps one of these relays is overheating due to intermittently-latching contacts.

For relay locations, see page 165 of the manual at this link:

Haynes Jaguar XJ40 Repair Manual

Here are a few more documents that may be helpful:

Jaguar XJ40 Electrical Guide 1989

Jaguar XJ40 Technical Introduction 1988

Jaguar XJ40 Update 1989

Jaguar XJ40 Power Hydraulic System

Cheers,

Don


Cheers,

Don

 

Thank you Don for the info. I'm leaning towards it being the fuel pump getting hot and stopping. If I let it cool off it then will start. I've ordered a pump and will let you know once its installed. Then I will tackle the instrument panels issue. Thanks much.

 

Hi sammyson,

The good news is that on your '89 the fuel pump is external to the fuel tank, though replacing it is still a bit of a challenge due to its mounting point on top of the suspension. Be sure to replace your fuel filter also, and consider replacing your fuel pump relay, but note that the original relay has a resistor and diode in parallel with the relay coil as a protection circuit, so if you can't find a similar relay, it's a good idea to add a resistor and diode on the exterior of the relay.

Please keep us informed.

Cheers,

Don