Cold day starting

[peterh]

I have had my 1998 XJ8 for exactly year, no problems starting last winter but the recent cold snap made it impossible to start when there was a frost about. Once running it is fine until the freezing night! Any ideas?

[jagtech]

Hi i would start with the basics gonna need a little more info though, does the engine turn over if not then maybe a battery coming to the end of its life.
If the engine cranks but does not fire could be a hundred things but common is a problem with compression if vehicle is moved a short distance in cold weather then engine will flood and prevent starting next attempt.

[peterh]

The engine turns over freely - often fires just once when initially turned on then dies. The battery is less than 2 years old and happily turns the engine over for long periods, but I have also tried adding a booster to ensure a good charge to no apparent avail. I have made the error of short journeys before and am careful to always let it warm up properly before turning off. The problem only occurs with very low air temperatures at near freezing. It is a nikasil engine (1998 model) if that has any effect?.

[Brakebuster]

this could be a fueling issue, do you know if the filter has been changed,

or

the cold start might be playing up , the MAF sensor and or the TB could be at fault

as in another thread on this forum, do you now if the TB has ever been replaced for the known issues of the early V8's ? just phone Jag to find out giving them your VIN

hope some of this might help

BB

[peterh]

Many thanks for these tips. I know the fuel filter was replaced 10,000 miles ago as the car had little mileage for 3 years a full srvice plus was carried out. I have suspected a temperature sensor but did not know where to start. , so I will get on to my local Jag main dealer.