N6 JMX

Hi Karl, what you are looking for is quite specialised and, whilst I have never used this firm, they appear to be the choice closest to you in Cheshire. Website link is: Auto Trim, Car Interiors, Vehicle Upholstery I believe they are in Hoylake. N6 JMX

Hi Karl, that is strange. Have you managed to get a code reader to see if there are any stored codes held in the "brain"? Incidentally, when you disconnect the battery, touch the negative cable to the positive terminal / cable which will discharge any residual capacitance in the system. I can't understand why the multiple disconnect and reconnect of the battery ultimately encourages it to start. In terms of the not starting, even a modern car only needs 3 things to start, air, fuel and a spark. Assuming you have a decent spark as you indicate it runs okay once started, it might be time to look at the fuel supply. Additionally, air leaks on the inlet side can create a problem - try a smoke test to see if there are any leaks. Good luck. N6 JMX

Hi Karl, your battery is a key element of your Modern XK and its ability to start the car (or not as in your case) is no longer a pointer to whether the battery is fit for further service. All modern cars, especially Jaguars, need the battery to be in top condition to allow the multitude of electronics onboard to function correctly. Typical signs of a failing battery are spurious warning lights and apparent electrical gremlins. In truth, I and many others, consider the battery in a Modern XK to be a consumable item and changed at circa 5 years old. In some cases with low usage and regular connection to a battery conditioner when the car is not being used, the battery life can be extended. In your case, unless you know the history of the battery and can confirm it to be less than 5 years old, I would suggest it be changed at the earliest opportunity. Ensure you select the replacement to be of the correct power and dimensions - the battery must fit and be secured into the battery tray, otherwise it is an MoT failure. At a resting voltage below 12 volts, it would seem to be past its prime. Also, as you have discovered, earth connections are also important and I would suggest you check any and all that you can locate around the car. Let us know how you get on. N6 JMX

Hi Luc, you are aware that there is a dedicated tab on this Forum for sales? It is at the bottom of the opening page, you have to scroll down past the technical query sections to get to it. You have just posted your car fro sale in the "Introductions" tab, where it will very quickly be subsumed and not many folks are going to be looking for "For Sale" vehicles in the Introductions section. Just saying, you may want to repost into the correct tab. N6 JMX

Hi Rob, if you have read this thread, it tells you above how to manually lower and raise the convertible top. Check the handbook at around page 111. Since your profile does not contain a location, no-one will know where abouts you reside, so your other question on cost to rebuild the cylinders is a touch moot. You will need to locate a suitable hydraulics workshop to assess and check the cylinders, once you have them removed from the vehicle. N6 JMX

Go to the Kwik Fit website and locate the "Batteries" tab, enter your registration number and post code, then press search. The website does all the work for you and then you can do a search for the best price for the battery you select - do not have to purchase from Kwik Fit. Note that the most important attribute to your selected replacement should be dimensions. It MUST fit into the battery tray and be held securely in place, it would be an MoT failure if not secured. N6 JMX

Hi Steve, well done you and welcome to the wonderful world of XKR motoring - I am sure you will enjoy it immensely. If you are looking for an XK marque specific club to join for outings and gatherings, I would recommend the XKCC, there is a coordinator in your area and you will find them at: Home | XKCC N6 JMX

Hi Tim, I am not an expert on these matters, but given the basic nature of your questions and assistance seeking, I am guessing that neither are you. The X250 is the model code for the steel bodied (early) Jaguar XF model between 2008 and 2014, as opposed to the X260 model code being for the aluminium architecture XF model introduced in 2015. Same car, vastly different. A facelifted X250 is still an X250, but Jaguar introduced many minor upgrades (facelift) during the period of production, typically each new model year (MY). CCF = Car Configuration File and is a piece of software code / listing held inside the car's brain or module. Note there are lots of modules within a modern car, especially a Jaguar. Using a laptop, Jaguar specific software tools and interconnect cables, a technician can plug into the car's modules and download / look at the CCF. What is contained within the CCF is a list of attributes for the car that can be turned on or off - if the first owner paid for the options of say Voice Control for instance, then it would appear as "enabled" in the CCF view. Using the plug-in connection from the laptop, the CCF can be modified, using the software tools, to turn on aspects that were not initially enabled - think differences between top of the range specification versus entry level specification - those attributes may well be in the car's brain from the get-go, just not "enabled". Unless you are a computer savvy person, you need to locate a business in your area that works with these files and tools on a daily basis and, whilst it may be possible for someone with a lot more knowledge than me to produce a step by step guide, the chances of that guide being fool proof and readily assimilated and followed by anyone are miniscule. Hope this helps, not for you to make the modifications, but to understand that the modifications are not that simple to make! N6 JMX

Hi Kevin, it depends on your concept of "classic car". Your car is not yet old enough to fall into the "classic" sphere in terms of its age, but some would say it is on it's way to becoming a Modern Classic, so cherish it. Different organisations have a different definition of the terminology of "classic car". The following quote is lifted from the Insurers Adrian Flux, who may be along shortly to advise further: "A classic car is a car that is aged 40 years or older, or in official terms, a ‘historic vehicle’. However, there is no standard definition of a classic car when it comes to the government. For tax benefit reasons, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) says that a car over 15 years old – and worth a minimum of £15,000 – is a classic. Meanwhile, the DVLA's vehicle tax rules label anything more than 40 years old as historic or classic." It's your car and if it feels classic to you, then that is what counts. N6 JMX

Hi Mike, first point is the battery in the key fob, have you replaced it? Easy to do and only takes a few minutes - ensure the replacement battery is a good quality version as there are fakes out there. Secondly, have you tried your second key fob if you have one. Note though that if both fob batteries are the same vintage, you may need to also change that battery as well. In terms of the "luggage hatch" i.e. boot or trunk, depending on your location, it is possible for the latch on the hatch opening to "get confused" - open the hatch and operate the lock mechanism whilst it is above your head to observe what's happening. You may need to physically reset it, using the round shaft of a suitable screwdriver to mimic the static latch in the body - which should be under a spring loaded plate. Set the latch mechanism so that it is definitely open and then close the lid / hatch. Don't be tempted to purchase a replacement fob from the usual internet auction sites as they tend to not operate correctly with the Modern XK, you need a genuine Jaguar XK version and for that to be programmed to the car - which does mean an expensive talk with the dealer. N6 JMX

Hi Pete, given the limited speed (50 MPH) and limited duration (50 miles) for the use of a space saver wheel, the rolling circumference is less of an issue. Strictly speaking, the space saver is intended to get you to a place of safety where the correct road tyre can be replaced. Those VW Polos that you see driving around for weeks, and overtaking you on the dual carriageway, with the space saver fitted are doing it wrong. Having said that, my own Range Rover Sport is fitted with 22-inch rims and comes with a factory installed space saver wheel (a relative term of course) that is fitted with a T195 / 70 / R20 116M tyre. Accordingly, there are 20-inch space savers available. Talk to the dealer. If you do procure a space saver, then you will also need the remainder of the kit - jack, chocks, wheel brace, etc. N6 JMX

Hi Phil, the starting question here is how old is your battery? You say you have had the car since 2019 and therefore unless you have replaced the battery during your ownership, it is now past its "best by" date. Typically a battery in a modern car should be replaced at around 5 years old. The battery in a modern car does so much more than provide the power to crank the engine, it also needs to maintain a sufficient voltage under all conditions to maintain the feed to the electronics. A low battery voltage, due to age / failing, can cause a multitude of false / spurious error messages and lights. Let us know if the battery is aged or replaced. N6 JMX

Hi Gordon, welcome to the wonderful world of Jaguar motoring - a really helpful crew of enthusiasts on here, so ask away if you need advice. N6 JMX

Hi Kevin, frustrating isn't it. Have you tried suppliers who work with the international market - like SNG Barrett, they have warehouse facilities in Europe. Alternatively, try further afield for LH drive vehicles, e.g. USA. In some instances, getting the correct part number from the Jaguar Classic website is a good starting point because you can then put that into your search engine and international hits can be found. N6 JMX

Hi Steve, given that Jon has confirmed that your existing wheels are original fit, have you now visited the Kwik Fit website and inserted your registration number to see a list of tyres suitable for your vehicle? You don't need to buy any tyres from Kwik Fit, but their website assistance is very good. N6 JMX

Hi Brett, despair not, this is actually quite a common failing and, believe it or not, DVLA HAVE been trying to be helpful, just in their own manner. You will need to have an inspection of your car completed by a Jaguar Club that is recognised as being capable / registered to complete the DVLA report - there are a lot more numbers to locate on the car and check against the practical aspects of your car than you may at first think. First up, you should apply to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) to seek a Heritage Certificate for your car - this is like a birth certificate and provides the starting point for any inspection. Next, I suggest you join the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club (JEC), where you will be able to get in touch with the Club's DVLA liaison officer. He can arrange for someone from the Club who is more local to you (I do them in Scotland) to visit and conduct an inspection - there is usually a charity donation / expenses fee for the inspection. Once the Report is completed by the Inspector, he submits that to the Club's DVLA Liaison Officer who submits it to DVLA with the appropriate letters and photographs - from the Inspector. DVLA paperwork / registration usually follows very swiftly thereafter. Don't knock or plead your case direct with the DVLA, or insist that your mechanic / engineer is qualified to complete a report - DVLA have their own processes and if they are not adhered to, the result is frustration. You should find the JDHT and the JEC easily online, but if you have any issues, come back here and I will try and advise further. N6 JMX

Hi Jon, check that the exhaust is still firmly attached to the rear of the car. The rear support beams are prone to corrosion and the exhaust bracketry fails, causing the exhaust to start thrumming. N6 JMX

Hi Garry, a general rule of thumb is that an "add-on" accessory does not need to be declared to the Insurer, but a fixed modification does need to be declared, otherwise a claim can be rejected. This ventures into the realm of the "silly" when you consider the following: Add a dashcam to your vehicle by simply sticking it to the windscreen and plugging the power lead into the power socket - an accessory. Add a dashcam to your vehicle by fixing a permanent mount and hard wiring the power lead to a fuse box - a modification. For the former version, no need to advise your insurer, for the latter, yes you need to tell them. In your case, swapping out the back box, this is definitely considered a modification. The added ramification of making the vehicle "more desirable", or worse, adding additional horsepower, will make the insurer nervous to say the least and I would anticipate a premium hike, but be happily confused if they simply flagged it on without a premium increase. Prepare for the worst and accept the best. N6 JMX

In Control does not link you to the satnav map updates, that is a separate function known as "Here". The In Control is to allow you to interact with your car, but it also requires an in-car SIM card to be installed, plus have a suitable data plan. In Control is more about connectivity, security - tracker style, app on your phone, etc. Is it worth the cost, in my view yes, but then I still have my 15-year old XKR under manufacturers warranty! N6 JMX

Hi Steve, in most cases, the correct wheels for the S-type were 16-inch with an option for 17-inch. The V8 (4.2) models were offered with 17-inch and / or 18-inch wheels. Over time, quite a number of S-types have been fitted with different wheels, although typically these are genuine Jaguar versions and typically from alternative models such as the XF or X350. Typical names for S-type wheels are Vulcan, Zeus, Barcelona and Juno. There are various wheel designs, but I don't believe I have seen your version in any photos. A visit to the Kwik Fit website can be used to determine what tyre size should be on your car, but that assumes you still have the standard wheels fitted - which I don't think you have. There is a thread on some forum where someone has managed to source and fit a set of XFR 20-inch wheels, although said person was not overly concerned about accurate speedo readings and advising insurer of the modification, so cannot vouch for their wisdom. Please note that there are similar wheels for the XKR, but with a significantly different offset, which means the same looking wheels don't fit the other model. If you type into your search engine "Jaguar S-Type Brochure" you will get lots of hits and also an images tab, which will illustrate many S-types with different wheels. You may have to purchase a model year specific brochure for your car to find alternative wheel styles and dimensions, but probably a sound investment given what can go wrong if the incorrect wheel / tyre combination is fitted. N6 JMX

Hi Patrick, it is unusual to have rain leaking into the car whilst it is standing still, even if the window on the driver's side is not 100% closed, the overhang should prevent most rainwater ingress. Obviously carrying out a window reset would be a starting point, but I would suggest that you try a smoke test. There was an episode of Wheeler Dealers with an Aston Martin that has the same pillarless door style as the XKR. Ed China used a smoke generator to determine where the gaps in the seals were present and the fix was very simple - a section of rubber tube inserted inside of the original door seal. Not sure where the smoke generator was sourced from, but an online search may yield results. In fact a quick search for "smoke generator for leak detection" threw up lots of results and indicate that this could well be a standard tool in your local independent garage. Let us know how you got on. N6 JMX

Hi Garry, not aware of anyone remapping a NA 5.0 litre XK, but several have undertaken this on the 5.0 litre XKR and have certainly noticed the difference, especially when combined with other tuning details. The folks at Paramount and Elite should be able to advise you, but most of the remapping is undertaken utilising Viezu maps. N6 JMX

Hi Gala, if you place your mouse cursor over your profile avatar - to the left of the post you are making, it allows you to go to your profile on the site and, if you don't have too many posts, you can easily find what post you are seeking. Simples! N6 JMX

It looks like a Series 2 XJ, produced between 1973 and 1979, but seriously modified by shortening the floorpan / chassis / roof and re-engineering the doors. Front bumper with the over riders is definitely of the Series 2 genre. Possibly started life as an XJC - the rear window, and rear quarterlight, and roof angles are more coupe than saloon in appearance, but cannot understand why anyone would go to this length to modify what is now a very rare and sought after model - if it were an XJC version originally that is. The door in view shows it was probably "engineered" by grafting the front end of a saloon's front door onto the whole of a saloon's rear door - to sit in the profile of the wheel arch. The front quarterlight in the saloon would have had a vertical trailing edge, whilst your photo shows an angled backwards trailing edge - akin to the XJ-S of the day. No Jaguar though ever had a single door that was profiled to the wheel arch on its trailing edge - rear door yes. Originally the Series 2 XJ was available as a short or long wheelbase 4-door saloon and the pillarless coupe came along in limited numbers part way into the production cycle. Your photo shows a car that has been cut and shut, albeit it may well have been a professional job in it's day. Something wrong with the registration though. The B plate is from 1983, which would be much later than the original donor car registration, PLUS, DVLA shows that B420 AGE was originally issued on a Silver coloured Vauxhall Nova, which this certainly isn't, in September 1983 - so maybe not as professional as first impressions. Interesting if others can shed more light on the machine. N6 JMX

For future info, where the vehicle is fitted with an Auxiliary Battery, this feeds the electronics whilst the vehicle is operating in start / stop mode, maintaining a constant 12V supply to the sensitive electronics. If you find, over time, that the start / stop function fails to operate, it can be due to either battery beginning to fail. The main battery obviously provides the capacity to physically crank start the vehicle, whilst the Auxiliary battery provides the stable voltage. Too many restarts in a short space of time, as in crawling traffic, will drop the main battery to the point where it automatically switches off the stop / start functionality until such time as the main battery has recharged itself with engine running. Typically a main battery in a stop / start vehicle will be of the AGM style, and 5-years should be considered as the typical lifespan of the battery before replacement becomes a need. N6 JMX