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Won't start when hot

Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 3:46 pm
by steve2650
Hi
First of all please excuse any mistakes as this is the first time I have used any such forum. Can anyone help me with a problem on my 1998 xj8 3-2. It starts and runs perfectly from cold and if I do about 5 miles and turn it off it will re-start again without a problem, however if I do adout 10 miles or more and turn off it will not start and brings up the "engine fail safe mode" message. It will only re-start after being allowed to cool for some time, perhaps up to an hour or more. There does seem to be a lot of heat under the bonnet but the temperature gauge shows normal. I've checked the fuses for the radiator fans and they are both ok, the fans work but do not "run on" when the engine is turned off as they do on some other cars, I don't know if they should or not. I've tried a fault code reader and it shows "no codes". I've removed the coolant filler cap with the engine running (cold) and water appears to be circulating so I assume the water pump is ok. Sad

Any suggestions or comment would be appreciated.
Regards
Steve


Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 8:24 pm
by daveji
First thing I would do is get the thermostat changed.
It might be failing to open.


Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 9:45 pm
by steve2650
Thanks daveji .... I'll give that a try and I'll reply to say if it worked or not.