Fuel pump fail -- 2003 X308 XJR-R1

[AJL]

Hi, all:

Well, at 261,000KMs, my XJR needs a new fuel pump(s). About three weeks ago, it started, then stalled, started then stalled, started then stalled for several attempts. I went inside to look up any assistance of the Forum, then went back out and all was fine -- started up and went! But I took it into he dealer and they couldn't find any issue, although in discovering a leaking water pump, and after replacing all hoses per my request, which required removal of the throttle body, they found a loose vacuum pipe fitting under the throttle body, and replaced that -- cited it as a potential cause of the hard-to-start issue. I also had them replace the fuel filter.

It wasn't.

Two days after getting the car back, the car stalled in a very busy intersection and I had it towed to the Jaguar dealer.

Thankfully, they were able to experience the same start-then-stall problem on their lot when the car was dropped, and they tried to drive it.

They yesterday advising that a new furl pump was required. I knew from this Forum that there are two in the Supercharged models, and asked if they should replace the second one while doing the first one. They'll see. Also from this Forum, I suspected a fuel pump was off -- the car's performance had seemed sluggish for the last while; I never push it hard, but under a rapid-acceleration event on a highway, I felt the car was lagging. Subsequently, I tried more highway accelerations at speed, and again, it seemed slower than I recalled.

Anyway, I'm writing to share the symptoms in case they help others. But also to ask from those who have been here, is there anything else I should ask them to do or check while they are undertaking this repair, under the banner of 'while they're at it?' They asked if I wanted Jaguar parts or aftermarket, which were half the price. But they couldn't speak to reliability, so per usual, I went with Jaguar parts; they've never failed me, and even at 260K, why mess about now, is my reasoning.

They gave me a loaner, a new Discovery - R. OK, it seems that technology has advanced since my 2003 XJR rolled off the line. And since my 1975 Interceptor arrived on these shores. All this said, perhaps at 260,000KMs, the life of this X308 is coming to an end; I hope not. I've had it since 30-odd thousand KMs, and it remains a lovely, lovely car in condition, and in pure daily-driver enjoyment.

Adam
Victoria, BC

[davidr]

Hi Adam - thanks for sharing that with us. As your post implies, it looks like your secondary fuel pump has been broken for a while. This comes in to keep the fuel pressure and hence delivery up when you call for the maximum performance and would explain why your car had apparently lost some of its zip. Many owners of supercharged cars may well be going around with this issue but haven't noticed.
As for changing your car for something more modern, if your car is still going well I personally would stick with it. As you will have noticed from the loaner, new cars these days are bristling with technology, some of it useful and some of it annoying, but what they lack is the character of your car. I'm afraid this is particularly true of modern Jaguar saloons.

[AJL]

Thanks, David, for your post.

Yes, I still love this Jag, and hope to keep it going. I just had the BBS Milan rims re-done; about 1400 Pounds for the four, but I cannot believe the improvement -- visually, and with the rims straightened. I'd never curbed them, so the chrome bands were in except shape, but potholed roads are very hard on these big rims. A slight vibration at 90KM/h was cured with the straightening. Lovely!

If I did have to ease it back from daily driver status, I'd supplement it with a 2013 (in Canada) Range Rover Sport -- the last MY in its initial form. I still very much like the way that vehicle looks. I'd go for the one without the ground effects as I think it looks cleaner (I think it was the Autobiography edition with the lower-hanging valences). That said, I wouldn't be too picky; that shape is still very pleasing, even with the ground effects.

Adam

[AJL]

Just an update on the fuel pumps replacement.

It has taken a while with the Christmas holidays -- parts delivery to the dealer was delayed. But they supplied a new Discovery, which was much appreciated.

Those of us who have read the postings on the fuel-pump replacement project on the JEC Forum and elsewhere -- or who have seen YouTube videos on the process -- have seen that depending on your skill set, tool supply, and availability of helpers, it can be a big undertaking, with damage caused along the way.

Some have noted that the wiring harness needs inspection as it can be burned or scorched, and the plastic connector may have disintegrated over time. That was also an issue with my car, and a new harness was required. That arrived yesterday and the car should be ready for pick up today.

There are many remove-and-replace projects I have done on my car, and would do. But from the write-ups and videos on these fuel pumps -- including Robert in the US who works on his brother-in-law's 2003 XJ8, it is a gruelling job if not done the right way, and can come with unwanted after-effects such as warning lights and a search for further parts to fix the ones broken along the way. Indeed, Robert suggested that for this repair, best to take it to a pro familiar with the car; I thought that was interesting as I don't recall him advising that previously. He's usually quite gung-ho on DIY.

Anyway, I'm quite looking forward to getting the car back, and seeing if I notice a difference. In the car, I mean -- I know I will in my bank balance!

[AJL]

Hi, all.

Car is back from the dealer, and what a difference!

Here's what they did per the order:

"Mechanical fuel pressure test found no fuel pressure. Access fuel pump connector and test for power and ground to tank pumps. Power and ground present, needs fuel pump. Remove fuel tank and remove all fuel. Replace main fuel pump. Replace second fuel pump. Replace sending unit/with main pump harness. Clean swirl pot sediment from fuel tank. Install tank Refill fuel. Road test [about ten KMs]. Re check for fault codes -- none."

Cost, in CDN:

Labour to test and replace fuel pumps and sending unit was $580.91;
2 fuels pumps (Part # C2N3866) were $760;
2 filters (Part # NJB 6091AA) were $86.80;
1 sealing ring (Part # NNA 6020AA) was $45.88; and
21sender (Part # LNG 2001 AC) was $377.

So parts were $1,269.68 and Labour was $580.91. Shop charge was $35.00.

Taxes amounted to $226.27.

Total cost was $2,111.86.

They provided a very nice Land Rover Discovery-R over the holidays!

Again, I cannot believe the difference in performance. Most of my driving is city driving, and speeds are limited to 50 KM/h or less, and rather tightly enforced. So the failure of the one pump wasn't, to me, that noticeable. But even at these speeds, I can notice the difference; the car feels quite youthful once again! A very worthwhile repair. Yes it had to be done because it would not start, but the bonus is that the fix comes with a difference in performance, too!