XK8 ELECTRICAL FAULT

[satsingh]

New member requires help

I have a 1999 XK8 which has developed a fault. When I start the car the dashboard lights flicker and after a few seconds the battery voltage shoots up to maximum and the dashboard lights go out. The lights and indicators stop working and a warning light comes on saying 'GEAR BOX FAULTY'. I am able to move the gear into reverse but when I put it into forward mode it appears to stay in the same one gear, even if I kick down the accelerator or even put it into sport mode. I have disconnected the battery and had it fully charged and reconnected but no joy.

I would welcome any advice.

Sat

[painter]

Hi satsingh,
with all the rain we have had recently it would be worth checking the drainage channels
under the bonnet. If these get blocked with rubbish water will build up and overflow into
the the black box which I think houses the EMS and many solenoids. This can cause all sorts
of electrical faults. The other possibility is the battery - although just charged it seems they
have to be in peak condition or electrical faults can occur. (and a wide variety of them)

[satsingh]

Thanks for your advice. I checked for all the drainage channels and had the battery tested, which is in peak conditions. I asked for advice from David Marks and he advised me that it was most likely a overcharging alternator. I had the alternator tested which was faulty and had a new one fitted and the gearbox fault is resolved.

[painter]

That's interesting, I had an alternator fitted several months ago, (the old one nearly blew up on a trip, still 'red hot' after 1 hr.) and have not had a gearbox warning light on since then, the longest period it has driven without a gearbox problem of some description.