X300 won't start with lever in Park position

[karga]

My 1995 Xj6 3.2 Sport suddenly won't start with the shift lever in the Park position. I can hear the solenoid working when I press the brake pedal. If I wriggle the lever it sometimes starts but if not it will definately start in the Neutral position.

Is this a solenoid problem ? or just a matter of adjustment.?

I need to get this sorted quickly, car is due to go in for MOT in the next 2 weeks.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[MarcXJ12]

Hi, I had the same problem on my 96 V12 I ended up replacing the entire gearshift unit with one from eBay for £100 because someone had been there before me and botched a fix by removing the solenoid.

The suspect part is no. 29 in the attached parts drawing which is the linear switch part no. DBC12395 for cars with vin upto 737934
Or LNA6550BA for cars with vin from 737935

There is also a microswitch that can be troublesome, it is pictured attached to no. 20 in the drawing. Part no. MMD4940AA

Apparently the linear switch can be cleaned and adjusted which could cure your problem

[karga]

Hi Marc

Sorry I've been so long coming back to you. Starting has been so unpredictable. 7 times out of 10 the car starts fine.

I've purchased and replaced the linear switch, not easy in such a tight space, but the problem still persists.

I'm struggling to find a micro switch on part 20 though.

Roy

[karga]

Hi Marc

After another inspection I assume you mean the switch at the top of the plate.
I've put the part number in on several sites and it is not recognised.
Jaguarclassicparts.com seem to be the only ones who recognise it.
Their site says its not available on line so I have sent them a message.

Gonna be a pain to take it all off again if thats the case.

Will let you know in a couple of weeks as I'm now off on Hols.

Kind Regards

Roy

[MarcXJ12]

Evening Roy, sorry to hear you’re still having problems! I would have put money on the linear switch been the culprit. I will have another look at mine over the weekend and post anything that might be useful to you, you don’t want to be taking it apart more than you have to! I remember just how tight it is to get your hands in let alone any tools!
In the meantime enjoy your holiday.

Here is the micro switch, mine was broken off it’s mount and the metal arm was snapped. It is worth checking the switch is depressed when the selector is in park, it may just need some adjustment by bending the small metal tab for better contact.

Also before taking it apart there is a small amount of adjustment on the linear switch by loosening the 2 screws and sliding the switch back or forth

Marc.

[karga]

Hi Mark
Back off holiday now.
Been looking at the switch again.
Have bent the arm a little to ensure good connection but the situation is just the same.
Pressing the arm in with my finger produces the click ok and the brake pedal unit gives a strong click as it should. I can place the shift level into park and hear the click clearly but the car still refuses to start unless I give it a little wriggle and press the brake pedal a few times. The car has even started with the shift lever pulled down a fraction and pressing the micro switch in with my finger. Then next time it won’t start. This is becoming very frustrating do you think it may be the switch down on the brake pedal? Im lost for ideas now. I note that the micro switch is riveted on to the side plate so if it is that it looks like a big problem removing the whole unit. Any ideas would be appreciated. Roy

[MarcXJ12]

Hope you had a nice break, now back to figuring out what’s going on with your Jag!
I am no expert I’m only passing on my experience with the failed linear switch, the fact the car starts when you wiggle the lever still suggests to me the linear switch isn’t quite in the right place or not making contact inside, was it a new part or secondhand? Could it be a dud one??
If you do want to change the micro switch as process of elimination i have read it is a common type available from ‘radio shack’ or the uk equivalent and could be fitted at home with a small rivet gun which is quite cheap and easy compared to replacing the whole plate.
I think as long as you hear the satisfying ‘CLICK’ when you press the brake pedal all is well down there.
Definitely more head scratching needed! Maybe do a search for ignition relay problems..... if I remember right you can swap a couple of relays to determine if one is bad but I have no experience there.
Let us know how you get on.

Fingers crossed

Marc

[PeterDavisX300]

Hi Guys

Now please don't think I'm a complete idiot, but I seem to remember that the X300 (of which I have one), the early ones had another switch that stopped you moving the stick out of 'P' when both brake-lights were blown. Mines an early 1995, and this happened to me.

Just a thought.

Peter

[karga]

Hi Marc
The linear switch was second hand and cost me £58 Ouch. I'll have another go at adjusting it and see if that does it. Failing that I'll try your suggestion by getting another micro switch, drill out the old rivets and replace.
Fingers crossed.

Hi Peter
Thanks for your input. This is a 1995 model 3.2 Sport and the Brake-Lights are fine and I have no problem sliding the stick out of 'P'

Cheers

Roy

[Popsjag]

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