PD Miller

Hi Tony It would seem that each side of the windscreen has it's own supply so I suppose a wiring check is the first port of call. If Not sure about the X type but on one of my previous cars the terminals were accessed by popping off the vertical trim panel at each side. I would think they are reasonably accessible to facilitate windscreen changes. If you get a healthy voltage at the terminals try disconnecting them and do a continuity test to establish if there's a break in the element. If there's no continuity I would think there's nothing that can be done other than replace the windscreen. As for the boot lamps I seem to remember that the switch is built into the boot lock so assuming that the bulbs are ok have a look at the lock. I don't know if it switches live or earth but by passing the switch should establish if it is faulty. Hope this helps and maybe someone more knowledgeable will be along with more info. Keep us informed on progress.. Pete PS Just noticed an interesting post on the S Type forum regarding partial windscreen heater failure. Worth a look.

No Problem Joe. I think the two small square sensors that sit close to the commutator above the brushes might have something to do with the positioning of the glass but my understanding of electronics is too basic to work it out. I sometimes miss stuff like hand operated window winders, key operated locks, points etc but I suppose things like this keep the old grey matter ticking over

Joe I still have the faulty motor/controller unit from my window saga ( I always keep stuff like that that's why my garage is full or rubbish ). I'll take some pics and you might be able to fathom out how it works. Pete

I used a 12v motorcycle battery as a slave but a 12v car battery would do, and I connected it as you would for a jump start. On my car the pos lead goes to a junction box and I was able to connect the slave battery pos to it using a cable with crocodile clips and the neg from the slave went to any good earth point. So now the leads would be live when the original battery was disconnected. Then it's just a case of swapping the batteries without the live lead touching an earth or the other lead.. Not sure what difference it would make if the voltage is slightly different between the two batteries. Hope this makes sense and if it works you can turn your heating on and prove that the Yorkshireman's reputation is undeserved. Just reading back and I noticed that you had the battery off when it all started, did the BBM need to be re-set then? Good luck and hope your wife has a warm jumper to wear till it's sorted.

Just renewed my membership and must say the new club window stickers are a big improvement on the old ones. Thanks to everyone who gives up their time to organise stuff like that Pete

Thanks for that Dave. I went through the same saga with my XJ and had a job to get the old ones off . I'm sure the combination of being hammered on with a windy gun and the passage of time didn't help. I replaced them with original spec ones but wondered about the after market stainless items that are available. I think I read somewhere that some Toyota items fit. Cheers Pete

Hi John. I have the Icarsoft reader and it has worked well for me with general code reading MIL reset and live data. It seems that the Mongoose is available now for around the same price so maybe this would give you more for your money? Great looking car BTW.

Yes very easy. don't have to take the window out or anything like that. Just noticed the date on your post and hope it has all been sorted by now.

Has anyone noticed that some car flashers have become ridiculously small? VWs and Audis seem to be particularly bad but I noticed a Vauxhall today with an indicator so small that I wondered if it was flashing or not. No doubt something to do with fashion trends or LEDs being brighter but I still think it's dangerous and ridiculous. Bring back big flashers. That's what I say. Rant over.

Where i live there is a lot of not so much waving but one finger salutes between some of the general ( usually BMW and Audi ) drivers on the road . My X350 had a long standing peculiarity ( now rectified) where it would flash the headlights when it pleased. Often at passing German cars but sometimes at Police cars and vans full of totooed builders at traffic lights. .Maybe we should leave it up to the cars to decide if acknowledgements are in order. I'm convinced that they have a mind of their own anyway.

When on a motorbike all other bikers either wave or nod. I once had a wave from the driver of another XK8 same colour etc as mine and both of us with the tops down but usually other Jags don't wave. If the Owners Club sticker was bigger or if we had a grille badge they might.. If they were in the club that is.

Specialist in Northumberland. Coquet Motors in Amble deal in all makes but the owner is a time served Jaguar Technician and very knowledgeable on all JLR models. They have full diagnostics and seem like a canny bunch of lads. My only dealing with them to date was an MOT on my X350 today but I will certainly use them again.

I bought a Sealey for about £25 a couple of years ago and it seems to work fine on the XK. Probably paid for itself when it picked up a faulty knock sensor then an EGR fault on an X Type. More recently I got an Icarsoft which is specifically for Jaguar Land Rover and gives live data etc, that was about £100 but might be cheaper now. There's lots of info on the forums about them so there's plenty for you to read if you're not into the Olympics . I had a faulty ABS sensor on the XJ and the Icarsoft picked it up no problem. Good luck. Pete

Hi Conrad Do you know if the auto lights are working on the car? Thanks Pete

I was delighted to get Agreed Valuation cover for my XK8 for a very reasonable £200 from Adrian Flux. Our cars have depressingly low market values and this cover gives a bit of peace of mind in the event of an accident. I certainly couldn't replace mine for the market value.

Hi Mark I had a very similar problem on my X350 and when I read the codes ( ICarsoft code reader ) it came up with Low Battery Voltage to Gearbox. I was advised on the forum to check the electrical plug on the gearbox for oil contamination. Apparently they are supposed to be changed when you change the oil, I think you need access to the inside of the gearbox to change the socket but not sure about that. Anyway I didn't see any oil contamination but I gave it all a clean up and touch wood it hasn't come back. I wonder if a failing battery might cause the fault as well. Good luck Pete