X-type startup problems

[ukandyh]

Hi,

This is my first post so forgive me if this is a known issue.

For a while now I've had trouble starting the car (2006 x-type 2.0D estate) in the morning. I turn the key and the dashboard lights come on but the engine doesn't try to turn over.

Usually after a few attempts it suddently works.

This morning I had the same but when it did try to turn over it was failing and the orange coil dashboard indicator flashed.

 

After about 6 or 7 attempts it fired up.

Are these the symptoms of a known issue? Does anyone have any advice?

Not sure if it's related but about a month ago it started to run really rough when I accellerate. I put it down to a dodgy tank of fuel (I'd just filled up at a Tesco fuel station) so I put some Redex in and fueled at a BP station the next time and it's got much better, although is still a little rougher than it used to be).

Many thanks
Andy

 

[Old Peter]

Hi Andy, and welcome to the club.

 

The diesel engines fitted in most cars , while very economical and reliable, do need a certain amount of cosseting.

 

One of the things it does need is top fuel and a good clean out of the fuel system every now and then.

 

I am not an engineer so I look for the easiest was out of an issue.

 

I think that what is needed for your car is a Terraclean service, which will cost about £120 and will improve both performance and mpg.  You can google the nearest provider by going to the Terraclean site. 

 

Also I would give the air filter a clean out, and replace with a genuine Jaguar part [they are quite cheap]

 

Let us know how you get on.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[ukandyh]

Thanks Peter, I'll do that.

I just went out to see if it would start ok now having been left a few hours and the first 3 times I turned the key I got a really loud grinding sound.

Is that likely to be a different issue?

Cheers

Andy

[Old Peter]

I think it is, Andy.

 

At a guess it sounds like the starter motor. 

 

There could be other guesses, though!

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[ukandyh]

Thanks again.

Yes - I read somewhere that an ageing battery could also give starting issues like this.

Not sure I understand why that would account for the nasty grinding noise, but I might get a new battery anyway.

Andy

[Old Peter]

Yes, Andy, a failing battery usually allows the car to operate by shutting down unnecessary items.

 

I think that Halfords offer a five year guarantee on some batteries.

 

Peter.