Sensor fault or something worse ?

[Steve owen]

Evening all

I’m currently in the market for an XKR, I’ve been to see 2 recently, one of these today. 

The one viewed today was a lovely low mileage example, face lifted 2009 model. However there were two fault warning on the dash board stating ‘Check Pedestrian System’ and the other stated ‘Engine Oil Level Monitor Sytem Fault’.

The car has only driven 28.000 miles and only 1500 in the last three years.

What is the best and worst case scenario here?

Many thanks.

 

[N6 JMX]

Hi Steve, the "Pedestrian System" is an explosive device under the trailing edge of the bonnet, next to the bulkhead, on the Modern XK. It's job is to raise the bonnet in a frontal accident, potentially with a pedestrian, so as to avoid their head making contact with the substantially more solid engine underneath. You would have thought that any pedestrian being in a collision with a low slung GT would not be overly concerned about what their head was about to impact, but there you go! These cannisters, there are 2 of them, can and do fail for no apparent reason and generally have a significant cost to replace, which is a professional task. Budget for circa £1,500 if you can find new replacements.

The engine Oil level on the Modern XK is not visible by checking on a dipstick, there isn't one. The Oil level is checked via a readout on the dash. Not sure how that sensor works, or where it is located, as I have never heard of it developing a fault before. It may simply be lack of use, but perhaps not.

Unless this is definitely the car for you and you are prepared to spend (lots of) money investigating and correcting faults, walk away. There are plenty of good cars out there. Any owner who is trying a private sale of a car with faults is not an enthusiast and one can not be sure of what other aspects of the car are "hidden".

N6 JMX

[S collins]

The pedestrian system fault is probably (although be thoroughly checked)

the 2 accident sensors bolted to the front body cross member approx £130 each plus fitting 

the warning light is also prone with low battery charge 

 

 

[Big John]

Simple enough check on the explosive side is that if they have deployed the rear of the bonnet should be obviously raised. I agree the sensors seem to be the ususal cause of problems with this system.

Not sure but I think you should be able to read the Oil level and pressure with via the OBD port. Might be worth a discussion to see if the seller is willing to take it to a specialist with you....

Depending on the price and your circumstances might be worth a punt 🙂

 

[N6 JMX]

There is a another post from the same chap (Steve) in the New Owners section where the car he is looking at is a "low" miles (28,000) 2009 facelift X-150 with a sketchy service history and these 2 x faults showing - from a private seller, meaning nil warranty. Asking price is £16.5k and whilst the Pedestrian System can be the front sensors, my experience is that the explosive cartridges are the most common fault - they need not have deployed (making the bonnet unable to close) but they do have age related deficiency's that requires them to be replaced.

For that price and poor presentation / service record, I would walk away, there are plenty good examples available with more protection.

N6 JMX

[Big John]

....at that price I would be running away rather than walking.....