Replacement computer needed for 1998 XK8

[JeffinCA]

My mechanic has informed me that my 1998 Jaguar XK8 Coupe needs a replacement computer and has recommended that I go to the dealer for that.

Does anyone have recommendations for less expensive alternatives, such as an independent rebuilder?

[Nige005]

I have had quite a few spares from here : -

 

https://www.autoreservejaguar.com/

 

Used parts have always been good and are usually guaranteed and they are very helpful. Not quite sure what you need but browse the site or give then a ring - they will help if they can.

[Nige005]

Just had another thought.

 

When I had problems with the ABS Electronics my Indie sent it away to a place that repairs/rebuilds the Electronic bits. I did see the that this company had a big range of bits that they repaired to a set price. Sadly I don't know the company name or any details.

 

However it does show that there are places out there that do this type of work so if you spend a bit of time on Google you should be able to find someone who can help.

 

Good luck.

[JeffinCA]

Thanks for the information.  Remembering that my window's automatic position jog (when the door opens and closes) has required re-programming several times over the last 15 years, I'm going to see if I can get my current ECM re-programmed locally so that my car won't be out of commission for a week or more.

Sure seems odd, however, that the car starts just fine most of the time, then... doesn't. 

Hope it's not the fuel pump being sporadically bad; it's buried in the gas tank and I've been quoted $1,000 to swap it out.

[Nige005]

Hi. For the Window problem I found that cleaning the Plug from the door to the " A " pillar twice a year helps a lot. Just disconnect and give both plug and socket ends a good soaking with Switch Cleaner (  preferably not WD 40 ) and then plug and unplug it several times. Not 100% but it works to keep things correct a lot longer than just the reset !

 

I had a problem with starting on mine. It would crank over but not fire up. It was very intermittent but seemed to happen mostly, but not always, when the engine was hot so Initial thoughts were the Crank Position Sensor. Changed this and all seemed well - for a little time and then back to this worrying problem again.

 

Then changed the Rotary Switch on the Gear Selector on the Gearbox, this worked for many starts whilst I was still at the garage so drove home feeling pretty happy.  However, being a pessimistic old sod, I switched off when I got home, waited two minutes and.... no start - again. On the 'phone to my local Indy and he then remembered that he'd had this problem before.

 

It turns out that the grease around the Gear Selector Rotary Switch and levers had gone hard and so prevented the Rotary switch going to " just " the right position so although all the Indications that you were correctly in " Park "  the Gearbox thought that it wasn't , so stopped the engine from firing up. A good clean up and re grease sorted this out.

 

A quick fix once the correct diagnosis was given - hope that you are as lucky !

[JeffinCA]

10 hours ago, Nige005 said:

It turns out that the grease around the Gear Selector Rotary Switch and levers had gone hard and so prevented the Rotary switch going to " just " the right position so although all the Indications that you were correctly in " Park "  the Gearbox thought that it wasn't , so stopped the engine from firing up. A good clean up and re grease sorted this out.

That could be the exact problem!  My gear shift lever has been "loose".  Not so loose that it will shift gears on a bump, but it doesn't always want to fit in the expected position for Neutral and seems a bit spotty on Park.

I will have this checked after I get back from Christmas vacation.

Here's hoping I owe you are very effusive Thank You.  ;)

 

[Nige005]

Fingers crossed for you Jeff.

 

I believe that the cable from the gearstick to the Rotary switch has to be adjusted correctly as well so it may be worthwhile googling the procedure to do this, especially as your gearstick seems to be loose. Pretty sure I found instructions somewhere on how to do this when I was researching the problem.

 

I've also read that the Switch underneath the Gearstick can cause a similar problem and given that your gearstick itself seems to have a problem that may be worth a look too.

 

Lets us all know how you get on, the more knowledge we have the better able we all can be to keep things going !

 

Meanwhile - Happy Christmas !

[JeffinCA]

Thanks for the well wishes and Merry Christmas to you.