Jaguar XJS Common Problems and Solutions
Complete Loss of Power
Problem:
The car has completely lost power and won't drive at all.
Solution:
Known as the Marelli failure, this is the biggest issue that a Jaguar owner will face. The engine is divided into two banks, separated by the ignition system. The rotor is prone to breakage, and the result is that your engine won't get a spark, and your catalytic converter will get hot while being filled with combustible air. If ignored, the catalytic converter will set the car on fire. However, replace the cap and the rotor with new ones from our parts page to solve this problem.
Difficulty level
Car Pulling To Side
Problem:
The car is pulling to one side when you're driving on a straight.
Solution:
You have to replace the twin-wishbone front suspension top inner bushes every 50,000 miles, which is the case here. This is a very frustrating job because you have to remove the worn bushes, but it's not a complex DIY fix. Order new bushes from our parts list and put aside time to remove the worn ones.
Difficulty level
Slow Braking
Problem:
The car is taking a lot longer to come to a stop when you apply the brakes.
Solution:
The good news is that the braking system on the XJS is famous for its stability, and it is very unlikely to fail. A loss of brake power is usually a simple case of worn-out brake pads or discs, which are easy to install and always available in the BreakerYard online store.
Difficulty level
Brake Pads
Knocking From Gearbox (All Automatics)
Problem:
There is a knocking sound coming from your automatic gearbox.
Solution:
The gearbox mount on the XJS is known for occasionally coming loose. You can tighten the bolts easily to resolve the problem.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is dramatically overheating, and there is excessive white smoke coming from the exhaust.
Solution:
These are signs that your head gasket has blown or cracked. You'll need to remove the head and install a new one, which we always have in stock for easy ordering.
Difficulty level
Head Gasket Set
Rattle From Engine
Problem:
There is a loud rattling noise coming from the engine.
Solution:
The timing chain on the XJS is very durable, but it will eventually stretch or develop a crack. Fitting a new timing chain is quite challenging on all Jags, but you can order a replacement from our parts list for quick delivery.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Brown Coolant
Problem:
Your coolant is brown instead of green, and the engine has started to overheat on short drives.
Solution:
The coolant in the XJS needs to be flushed and replaced every two years. If you notice that your coolant has turned brown, then it needs replacing immediately before it leads to a blown head gasket.
Difficulty level
Water leak 2
Problem:
The air conditioning drain can get blocked, which results in the front carpets getting wet. This will be a particular problem around the centre console.
Solution:
You will need to unblock the air conditioning drain to stop the leak. You may also need to dry out the carpets to stop dampness setting in.
Difficulty level
Water leak
Problem:
Is the door panel on the inside wet at the bottom? Is the carpet wet near the door? If so, water can leak in through the door mirror.
Solution:
You need to seal around the door mirror with something like silicone sealer. This will stop the leak. If the door panel is damaged from water then you will need to replace the panel. We can help you find a replacement door panel at a very low price.
Difficulty level
Oil leaks
Problem:
Have you ever noticed oil leaking on the ground? If so, the most likely cause of this is the rear main oil seal.
Solution:
You will need to replace this oil seal to stop the leak. You will also need to top up the oil to the correct level.
Difficulty level
Corrosion
Problem:
There are certain areas on the XJS that are most susceptible to rust. The main areas to look out for rust are the lower section of the front wings, around the front and rear windscreens and the rear tail lights.
Solution:
Depending on how bad the rust is will determine exactly what you need to do. If it is not too bad you can rub down the affected area, treat it and touch up with the correct paint. If it is really bad you will need to cut out the section and patch it up with filler first.
Difficulty level