intermitant starting problem

[STEVE121SILVER]

help my 97 xk8 has developed an intermitant starting problem usually when hot ,the engine turns over but doesnt fire up .engine fault message displayed on dash but no fault codes are logged when plugged in .ive cleaned the butterfly inside intake as i was told these sometimes stick but still no joy .anyone with any thoughts please let me know thanks .steve

[D_Doran]

I'm not a technical expert, but my car did this last year and I was advised to change the spark plugs (even though it wasn't due its' 60k service).

Seemed to do the trick.

Good luck, Damian

[STEVE121SILVER]

Thanks damian , changed plugs just a few weeks ago ,maybe a dodgey batch might try some more will let you know how i get on.

[D_Doran]

If you have already changed the plugs recently then it would be highly unlikely that the problem is there.

Over to the experts on the forum please!!!

(And good luck with it)

[Nik]

Hi Steve ,
Your problem is most unlikely to be anything to do with plugs , the chance of all 8 plugs being faulty is almost impossible and if one or two were faulty the car would start but run on 6 or 7 cylinders .

You can also be assured that your problem is not a Nikasil lining problem so don't lose any sleep with that one

Take your car to a main agent who has the Jaguar WDS diagnostic computer or to a specialist that has Autologic , your car will have stored fault codes that should pinpoint exactly where the problem lies ,

Hope this helps ,

Nik

[STEVE121SILVER]

Thanks nik i had kind of ruled out the plugs as the car starts fine from cold and runs like a dream .An ex jag tech pluged in the car to some gismo and said there were no fault codes logged ? do you think a main dealer would have more luck ?

[Nik]

Hi Steve ,
Yes , the genuine Jaguar WDS or the Autologic (which is probably superior ) will give a much better idea of whats going on , or not going on if you get my drift , I see you are in Watford , you could try my friend Steve who has a Jaguar WDS diagnostic computer of his own , he's a real enthuasiast and owns a lovely XKR , probably a lot cheaper than using a main dealer , give him a ring on 07830 135136 ,

Best Wishes ,

Nik

[STEVE121SILVER]

Thanks again nik i will give steve a call watch this space

[STEVE121SILVER]

ok car went in to jaguar watford today they did a refresh and an outstanding recall to do with the throttle body ? oh and a really good valet all for just under£60.so delighted that my car was now fixed and ready for my trip to thoresby hall on sunday i collected my car drove around watford back to jaguar pulled up outside the main workshop and turned off the engine and guess what it didnt start ! but the good news after a chat with the tech we now no it will start in nuetral and when hot the p sign on the gear selector does not illuminate so we are pretty sure changing the rotary switch on the gearbox will fix my problem .off to try and locate said switch now was told its an easy job.anyway thanks again for all your help everyone see some of you sunday .