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

Hi Garry, that sounds like a plan. Please report back with what you learn. N6 JMX

Hi Dr Daryl, there are existing posts on this Forum regarding the non-availability of OEM updated navigation discs for those XK that are fitted with the DVD style Satnav System. As is oft times the case, there are 2 opinions as to the viability of the updated discs. In my particular case, I cannot advise that folks purchase "updated" discs from well known auction sites as they are effectively pirate discs that, in some instances have done more harm than good, i.e. they have corrupted the system and rendered the touchscreen inoperative. As many functions are controlled via the touchscreen in a Modern XK, this is NOT a good outcome. Despite having a "Jaguar" style label on the disc - very easy to achieve with a copier - discs after 2012 are NOT Jaguar sourced. On the other side sit those who have managed to source replacement DVD from internet auctions sites, claiming to be circa 2019 vintage, and have had no issues when loading these into the boot mounted DVD player. In essence, you pay your money and take your chances. Personally, I rely on alternative navigation devices now as the original discs are significantly out of date and next to useless. The alternative is to seek out a suitable automotive technology company who can install Apple CarPlay / Android Auto in a Modern XK - it is a little more involved / difficult in a 5.0 Litre car than the earlier 4.2 Litre cars. N6 JMX

Hi Garry, the back box is only a part of the entire exhaust system and the "drone" being experienced is the result of the entire exhaust system - the noise made by the system appears at the tailpipes - not in the middle. Accordingly, changing only the centre section to remove the silencers contained there, will change the entire exhaust note that emanates from the tail pipes. Changing the back box and leaving the centre section silencers in place will also change the exhaust note, but there is a chance that version will be too fruity - lots of pops and bangs on overrun. As intimated earlier, visit one of the performance exhaust websites and check out the videos, with sound, of there various exhaust upgrade options. N6 JMX

Incidentally, whilst neither of the 2 x garages in Banchory carry out the MoT, they do have an arrangement with the local station so they can organise that for you so it becomes a one stop shop for all aspects of what you need. N6 JMX

Hi Garry, an alternative would be to replace the centre section of the exhaust with one from Paramount Performance or Adamesh (think they both provide the same parts actually). These delete the centre silencers on the NA XK, making for a fruitier sound from the engine. Modifying / changing the back box is a bigger task and may give a note that is more irritating on a longer journey. If you visit the Paramount Performance website, they have videos, with sound, of some Jaguars with modified exhausts. N6 JMX

Hi Ava, happy to recommend both Framor on Tillybrake Road and RM Motor Repairs at the Burn o' Bennie Business Park. For Framor, call 01330 823884, probably Jenny will answer. Framor do have a website Car Servicing in Banchory : Framor Motors For RM Motor Repairs, call 01330 558118, ask for Reese. RM you will find on Facebook, not sure they yet have a website sorted. In some instances it is best to visit the shop and both will be happy to talk to you and understand your issues. Both are usually quite busy, hence the reasoning for offering both garages details. N6 JMX

If you purchase the replacement cable and undertake the task yourself, should be very inexpensive. N6 JMX

Replacing the bonnet release cable is a common maintenance issue on the X-type. Best to undertake the work before the cable gives up as releasing the bonnet after the cable has broken is quite involved / difficult. In addition, the existing cable can be used to thread the new cable into place. N6 JMX

Given your additional post regarding difficulty closing the bonnet on your car, may I suggest the red light and the bonnet not closing are linked issues! N6 JMX

The 2 lights you refer to seem to be indicators that there is a message which can be read in the message centre, immediately below. The amber light seems to be related to the fact it's cold outside, according to your message centre indication. The red light typically means that one or more doors / boot / bonnet are not closed properly. The following is from another forum: "You have a message centre, little LCD panel that displays mpg, miles, etc. just below the speedo? That red light is the message centre warning light. Does your message centre display a message / fault? There's a long list of faults that RED indicates, from door ajar to abandon vehicle and take cover! According to the Handbook there should be an associated message displayed on the LCD readout. The only REDs that do not have an associated message are: Restricted performance Security failed" Hope this helps. N6 JMX

Hi Garry, yes I can see the rear silencer, but there are also 2 x silencers at the mid section, which is not shown in your photo. One of the "tuning" options that folks choose is to replace the centre section of the exhaust with straight through pipes, i.e. removing the central silencers. This does have the effect of making the car sound rortier. Need to check that central silencer box is there. Failing that, then the last remaining option is that your SAM valves are stuck open, resulting in the pops and bangs on the overrun. These are just visible in your photo, ahead of the tail pipe, there is one on each side of the muffler. They are not serviceable, but a local mechanic might be able to check and try freeing them off. Don't have any other suggestions for now. N6 JMX

Hi Trevor, if you go to Paramount Performance, there are a number of Jaguar V8 upgrades featured on their website, including exhaust system changeouts with switchable straight through pipes. There are videos, with sound, included, you just need to search through the "Jaguar V8 Exhausts" to find them. N6 JMX

Hi Sidney, did you change the battery yourself or did a garage / superstore / mobile technician do it for you? In some cases, the car needs to be told via the Jaguar diagnostics system that it has been fitted with a new battery - this resets the alternator charging pattern. Assuming your new battery is fully charged and that your previous battery was low / very low, it is probable that the warning lights and associated fault codes to be read with a code reader (OBD unit) are stored from the time the previous battery caused the system to see low voltages. Your first step should be to read the fault codes and clear them from the car. This will give a fresh start to the brain. If you have your own code reader and know how to use it, connect it and clear the codes as per the unit instructions. If not, then you should be able to drive it to your local friendly garage who can plug in the diagnostics to the OBD port and clear the codes there. May also be able to update the BCM to tell it there is a new battery installed. Incidentally, the fault lights you mention are "typical" of those seen from a poor / low voltage battery. Come back and let us know how you progress. N6 JMX

Hi Ava, where are you within Aberdeenshire as there are a number of local garages throughout the Shire that offer decent quality services to Jaguar owners. I am in Banchory and lucky enough to have 2 x trusted mechanics and a bodyshop to call upon. The gearbox can be given a simple service such as oil and filter change by a competent mechanic, which if you are unsure of the car's history would be a good start - especially if it is "snatching", "clunking" or reluctant to change gear. A rebuild would be something else though and require a transmission specialist, which your local mechanic can usually access through their network. N6 JMX