www.jec.org.uk

This morning my XK8 would not start. I always let it go through its "system check" then when I turned the key fully there was nothing. I lifted the bonnet and tried again, there was a click as if the starter was faulty. I tried a few more times and on one occassion, I noticed an error "PECUS" and a "T" in the bottom right corner.
I had a look at the Bulletin Board and the only info. I could find was under Transmission from Mike020150. as follows: "Hi, The PECUS message may indicate that the engine and transmission modules are not communicating with one another. Start with the simple stuff like cleaning the pins on the transmission module connector (which should be located under the bonnet). Otherwise, it's likely your colleague will require a workshop either with Jaguar diagnostics or the Autologic equivalent. Mike".

I love your confidence in peoples ability Mike. I opened my bonnet expecting the engine and transmission modules to jump out at me but alas, there were a few other bits in there conspiring to confuse me.
JTIS to the rescue. After discovereing that the engine/transmission modules were under a plastic cover on the passenger side. I then found that I was able to undo one of the retaining screws but not one of the others so I didn't bother with the other 2. Is there a special tool for this? I do not want to damage the heads with a normal screwdriver. The 88way connector will have to wait for its clean. Does anyone know of a better maintenance guide than JTIS, I cant find any info on the starter motor in my version e.g. connections. Also a list of useful tools that might help an owner prepared to have a go at minor jobs. I have wedged my head under the car and can just see both ends of the braided earth strap with a mirror, so I will endeavour to remove clean and put back. In the mean time if anyone has any advise, other than sell it, I would be eternally grateful.

regards
Mick H.

Hi Mick,
If not already checked, make sure the battery is strong and healthy? If only used infrequently, it may just be that a good charge will solve the problem.
Nick.

Thanks for reply Nick, the battery is now fairly low as I have to frequently reprogramme the drivers side window, but prior to the fault there were no signs of a battery problem. Will give it a good charge though.

Hi Mick ,
If you have to frequently reprogram the memory of the windows there's a good chance that only a new battery will cure the problem , mine did that a few years ago and a new battery cured it completely ,

Hope this helps ,

Nik

Hi Mick,

Sorry you didn't get any success by following my earlier advice about another problem car. However, with your car's symptoms, I'm with Nik. The battery is far and away the most likely suspect. Mike.

Hi Mick

I have a similar problem but have yet to get the error message you get.

My XK8 is a 2002 Coupe to German Spec but RH Drive.

Every 6 weeks or so I turn the ignition key & I only hear a light sounding 'click' & nothing! After a while of constantly turning the Ignition Key from '0' to Start it would suddenly burst into life (after about 1 minute on the 1st occurance & gradually getting worse I think). Most of the time the error message points to ABS but occasionally it's something else! At first I thought it was a sensor on the Braking / ABS system but it happened to the mechanic that maintains my XK & he connected my XK to an Autologic Diagnostic & it pointed to the Security System. He advised to carry a spare key & to use it next time the problem occured, to assist in the diagnosis (i.e. could be key, sensor behind ignition switch, wiring or Security Control Box)- Result not the key!

On one occasion, out of frustration I opened the bonnet found the oblong fuse box in front of the suspension strut on the passenger side & proceded to push down on all the fuses & relays. Bingo - started straight away. In case it was a coincidence I started with the fuse box each time the problem has since occured (6 times now). I have now tracked it down to one of the 6 relays in the fuse box (there is space for 7 so the number will be dependant upon the options fitted)

Hope this is of help

Sorry I have taken so long to reply to all your good advice. I actually called my independent service people and they came and took the car last Tuesday. I am hoping to pick the car up today. They have said it was the battery and they have been running a few checks on the alternator and looms. Prior to calling them I did check the starter relay. But without the correct tools I thought better of spending too much time on anything else.

Just an update for anyone interested. I have now got the car back and one thing I have noticed is on starting I no longer get ""Trac not available" along with ABS warning light. When I first got the car two years ago I never got the "Trac not Available" /ABS warning. When I did start to get the error I looked on the Bulletin Board and there were quite a few posts on the same error. I took the car to my independant and they said "there is no problem, the car displays this error whilst the car goes through its initial startup procedure, if all checks out ok the message disappears".
I am thinking this error message might be the first signs of a battery not performing at its optimum.
The other thing that has been resolved is the window memory.
I have now forgiven the car for letting me down and would just like to thank everyone again that suggested possible cures.