Persistent error messages

[alanXK8]

A new year, same problem. Just got my car out of hibernation and after about 30 miles I got the old ACS error message, followed by "gearbox fault". I stopped switched off, re-started and the messages had gone. Rest of the day no problem. Last year the problem seemed to be solved by resoldering some cracked joints on the BCM circuit board. I'm now wondering if there might be another cause, or if more soldering is called for. Anbody got any ideas?

Alan, Farnham, Surrey

PS To Damien. Did you get your problem fixed in the end?

[D_Doran]

I think my TRAC/ASC/ABS problems were down to a tiring battery. I replaced the battery about 8 weeks ago, and have only seen the error once when I turned on the ignition quickly without letting the car go through its' initial self test first. Fingers crossed and touching wood, etc!

Damian

[mike020150]

Hi Alan,

Unless you had your battery attached to a top up charger whilst it was off the road there's every chance the light display reflected a low state of charge in the battery as Damian suggests. The residual current flow of an XK8 is approximately .03/.04amps with everything switched off so a few weeks off the road soon takes its toll on any battery less than brand spanking new. Mike.

[alanXK8]

Thanks to both Damian and Mike for the comments.
Yes, I did have my battery on trickle charge the whole time, but it is the original one (2001) so maybe nearing the end of its life. Having said that it starts fine, every time. The odd thing about the fault message this time was that it came on when the car was actually moving. Have either of you had that?
Anway the last two trips showed no problems.
Seems we all drive with our fingers crossed!

[mike020150]

The self test system operates both static and low speed running tests so it's possible the system passed one and failed the other. I wouldn't worry about it unless it occurs regularly. After a period of inactivity even a thin layer of rust can create spurious wheel sensor readings. The best medicine for many XK8 problems is to use it as much as possible. That usually cures the driver of many ills too! Mike.

[alanXK8]

Thanks for the advice Mike. I guess I'll wait and see!

[D_Doran]

Just had my module repaired by ECU Solutions Wales in Swansea.

Repaired for £89.99 and done in 1 working day, including a 2 year warranty.
I have no affiliation to the company, but I'm highly impressed by them!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAGUAR-XK8-XJ8-AB ... 4151f09850

Damian

[Nik]

The best medicine for many XK8 problems is to use it as much as possible.

That usually cures the driver of many ills too! Mike.

Certainly cures me of "Blues" Mike

There is nothing like taking an XK8/R out for a good run to brighten up my day ,

Regards ,

Nik

[G_J_W]

All. This has been a very interesting read!
I feel like I have joined two clubs. JEC and the "Trac Not Available" club.
I had posted the below in a different forum, but seems more appropriate here:

I often get the error message "Trac not avail" when I start the car (2002 XK8 - 20,000 miles). this happens more often when it is cold or wet, which originally made me think it was the battery. Unfortunately, after changing the battery, it still does it. I'm sure I have an electrical bug somewhere...

Worryingly, I actually had "Ellectrical Fault" come up about a month ago, but this went after 5-10 seconds and has not returned (touch wood).

I always ask my local Jaguar specialist to hook it up to the computer and check for faults when they have it for a service, but always comes back clear.

Any ideas or insight offered would be appreciated!

[Montana5]

Hi... this happens to myself and loads of other S Type Owners, although its 'ABS Not Available' we seem to get and it always clears after a restart. I'm convinced its to do with how quick you turn the key from Ignition On... to Start Engine, positions on the ignition switch, my own theory is that if you turn the key from off to start Engine too quickly, the various modules have been deprived of the power they need to boot up. I also had a similar experience last week, neither my Sat/Radio/CD or Climate systems worked after taking off from being parked, managed to stop within half a mile, switched off engine, started up again a bit slower and hey presto all systems were go. As I say its only my theory and I could be talking a load of mince but it works for me.

Doug.

[G_J_W]

Wish I could agree.
I always leave the key turned until the system check has finished and then once I've started the engine, I don't pull away until it's ticked over for a bit and the choke has reduced.

Now you mention the radio, I'm reminded that this is another fault I have...
The radio comes on, but with no sound! No matter which function. (although doesn't seem to do it in the summer)

Gary

[Billroot]

I've had both the ABS/TRAC not available problem and the Failsafe mode problem. I've sucessfully solved both but it took a bit of detective work. The ABS/TRAC problem was a dry joint on the circuit board in the ABS Brake Modulator where the hydraulic pump motor gets its supply. David Marks will repair these modules at reasonable cost. Since the repair I've never had this fault again. Mind you I tried all sorts of things before that, battery, sensor leads etc but the fault always came back at random intervals. The Failsafe mode turned out to be a wiring fault at the back of Cruise Control swith on the J Gate facia. That took a lot of finding though since then I've heard of other people who have had the same fault in the same place. Hope this helps.

[Nik]

Hi Bill ,
Heard of a couple of problems associated with the cruise switch , a reasonably cheap repair as long as you can find it normally expensive labour wise ,
Another common problem area is the combined stop lamp/cruise cancel switch , basically two micro switches , very easy to remove but can be a little swine to replace
I've found the best technique to replace is to tie a length of fine ,strong cotton to the upper mounting bolt , pass through the mounting hole and pull the thread gently until the bolts align with the holes , put one nut on , release the cotton and replace the second nut , needs two people but works every time ,

Nik