I just removed the A/C compressor from my 1999 XK8 Coupe, and I found a way to do it by completely exposing the top of the compressor. Easy one-man job but time-consuming. But now I have an issue. I ordered the replacement Denso # 471-1382, confirmed with Denso and Amazon that it is the correct unit. However, it does not match the unit I took out. The unit I took out has one electrical pigtail that comes out of the clutch and the new Denso unit likewise has that same pigtail. The new unit has a 'second' pigtail coming out of the bottom of the compressor. Is anyone familiar with this second pigtail, what it is for, and is it necessary. I've attached a pic to show this second pigtail. What could it be for? I've also sent a query to Denso about this second pigtail. Once the job is finished I will post a comprehensive narrative on how I relatively easily removed the compressor.

 

Some cars have a speed sensor input. I never saw one on a Jaguar but maybe another car uses a similar compressor with that?

 

The correct Denso part # is 471-1358.

Apparently some time late 1997 Jaguar dropped the compressor lock monitor, hence the sensor became redundant. Unfortunately, even the Denso website is (or was) incorrect as it cites the 471-1382 up to at least 99, IIRC.

See this thread by scottatl:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...6/#post2097069

I'm not sure if he ultimately fitted the earlier one and just taped up the loose wire, or got it exchanged.

Curious to know if your method made the A/C connectors easier to get at. I've recently fitted a 1358. Unclipping the trans oil cooler lines from the motor block made access to the top compressor securing bolts much better, but those rear connectors were a royal PITA.

 

We are probably on the same page. I removed everything including the fan pack, coolant hoses, etc. Then to gain even more access I removed the power steering pump and the power steering bracket. Now that everything is exposed I removed the block at the back of the compressor leaving it attached to the hoses. That block is now protected in plastic and up out of the way. I will now lower the new unit into place and once in place, I'll remove the compressor shipping plate and then lower the block back down onto the new compressor. Yes, the Denso cite is still incorrect. I'll check on the 471-1358 compressor. Thanks for your input.

 

I just got a reply from michaelh and apparently the questionable second pigtail is for a compressor lock monitor that was on pre-late 1997 Jaguars. The later Jaguars did not include the lock monitor. Now the question is, can it just be tied up disconnected and out of the way? michaelh seems to think that it may be redundant and not needed. Do you have any thoughts on just tying it out of the way?

 

I can see where that would help:- especially with that dratted high-pressure power steering pipe out of the way. Thankfully, I haven't yet had the pleasure of working on the PS pump, as I've read that it's a bear to get at.

The compressor sensor output is certainly redundant as far as the car is concerned:- it's not looking for it.

 

Because Amazon makes it so easy to return an item and replace it with another free of any charges, I've decided to send 471-1382 back and have it replaced with the correct 471-1358. I really appreciate your input on this, Thanks

 

You've probably spotted this, but Denso makes it a warranty requirement that the receiver/dryer bottle is replaced at the same time as the compressor. I've been searching for a Denso 478-2021 which, as far as I can determine, is the OE Jaguar uses. There seems to be a world-wide shortage of these, so I've had to relent and buy the Jaguar part (MJA7410AE) which was around $50 in 2017.

It's now over $100. I guess that a descendant of Dick Turpin does Jaguar's spares pricing

 

You may be interested to know that my family originates from The Village of Warburton in the Greater Manchester area of England and Dick Turpin was known to hide from and evade the law in what is now the Saracens Head Pub. Here is an excerpt from a book I wrote on the history of my family.
Dick Turpin was tried and convicted of horse theft which at the time was a capital offense punishable by death. On April 7, 1739, the day of his execution, Dick Turpin was led through the streets of York, bowing nobly to the watching crowds. He was so intent to end his life in pomp and ceremony that he even hired mourners to follow him to the scaffold, where he promptly jumped unaided off the gallows to his death via the ‘short drop method’ taking five minutes to die. The short drop method of hanging meant that those executed were killed by slow strangulation not the snapping of the neck, and so Turpin was left hanging until late afternoon.