davidc51

Just a quick update on this matter in case anyone is interested. The fault is still happening but much less frequently. I am still convinced that it is the wiring between the body and the door because it still seems to only happen if the door is swung wide open and can always be fixed by wiggling the cable! My previous posting was a bit misleading as you only need to get into the kick panel to get at the body connector (where there appeared to be some corrosion). The actual plug and socket can be accessed in the door opening where the cable meets the body - it's like a little door which you can open and unplug the door electrics. My local dealer just showed me that this morning! I wish I'd known sooner - but I'm still not sure that cleaning the contacts in that connector (again) has fixed it. Merry Christmas DavidC

Does anyone else have the problem with their sat nav not working because of the heated front screen? I have an old Garmin street pilot which has worked faithfully for years. When I got my 1997 XK8 convertible it never seemed to be able to reliably get a satellite signal. I assumed it was the screen heater as it works absolutely fine in my BMW 3 series cab. I bought an external ariel for it and now it works fine if my wife waves this ariel in the air every time it loses the satellite - so I'm pretty sure that's the problem. HOWEVER My old sat nav has developed a fault in the screen and I really want to replace it with a newer model. These don't have external ariel sockets and Garmin tell me that they have no intention of re-introducing this facility. Does anyone on here know whether newer Garmin units will work with the XK8. If the receivers are higher sensitivity then I guess they might be OK but I have no way of knowing without buying one and trying it. None of my friends have modern Garmin units for me to borrow. Someone must have come across this same problem and found a way round it. Thanks for any help you can give. DavidC

Just in case anyone finds this post in the future.... The position of the connector for the door wiring loom seemed a bit of a mystery. No one from this forum could help with it and I got an answer from another forum telling me it was behind the A pillar trim. I removed that and guess what - the only thing there as far as I could see were the hood hydraulic tubes. The connector is actually to be found behind the passenger footwell trim panel right next to the bonnet release lever. In my case the plug was slightly corroded and didn't seem to be seated completely. It was difficult to know for sure but I removed it, cleaned it and replaced it and the faults haven't occurred since - and that was over a month ago. I'm not confident that I've found the fault but I am optimistic! DavidC

Thanks for the reply. I didn't realise that there were relays involved in the window position memory function - I assumed that info was stored in the door control module. The only reasons I suspected the wiring loom was due to the intermittent nature of the faults, the fact that both door locking and window operation were affected (only in the passenger door) and the responses in other forums to similar problems in the past where either corrosion in the connector or fractured wires in the loom were to blame. Another clue is that I have a receipt from several years ago where similar problems were reported and a garage found slight corrosion in the door to body loom connector and cleaned it. May just be coincidence and I don't know if that cleared the fault temporarily on that occasion. Does anyone know where the connector for the door loom is please? I guess it's either somewhere under the bonnet or in the footwell panel but I can't seem to find that information DavidC

I thought I'd have just one more go at getting some help or information regarding my ongoing electrical problems: Car is 1997 XK8 and I have already tried to get some info to help with my passenger door woes. I have fitted a new battery but the problems still persist as detailed in my last post (http://www.jaguarownersclub.com/forums/topic/11757-passenger-door-woes/) - although I've since discovered that the locking does sometimes fail when putting car into 'D' and when operating the door locks from the internal passenger door handle the drivers door sometimes doesn't lock. As the faults are very intermittent I have begun to suspect the wiring loom and/or the connector. Before I start stripping everything down can anyone help me with the position of the connector for the passenger door electrics? I have read that corrosion can creep in and I thought it would be worth looking at it first if it's easily accessible. As I have intermittent problems with windows AND door locks I am veering towards PDCM or wiring loom - unless anyone has any other suggestions! Thanks for any help in advance. DavidC

My car is a 1997 XK8 convertible. I've already posted here to try to understand what is wrong - but have some more info now. The symptoms seem as follows: 1. The passenger door window regularly loses it's programming (goes down when opening door but doesn't go up again) 2. When dropping the hood the window shudders all the way down (seems OK though if windows are reset) 3. Sometimes the passenger door lock doesn't operate when unlocking/locking either from the drivers door or the remote fob. It always appears OK when using the passenger door inside handle or when auto locking by going into D. The drivers door functions are all OK (as is everything else) I suspect a previous owner has already tried changing the battery to fix these as the battery is almost new and tests good. My suspicion is that the PDCM may be at fault and my next job is to remove the door trim and check the connections and possibly try to find a new control module. As I don't really understand how the unit works can anyone offer any other suggestions as to what else I might check before I start spending large chunks of money on the off chance that it might fix the problem. These are not serious problems I know but just a bit irritating. Any suggestions gratefully received. Many Thanks

Could be item No 2 on the attached pic (Part nos GJA2248BC / GJA2249BC)?

I know this is a common problem. My passenger side window window keeps losing it's programming and not returning after dropping after opening the door. I have assumed it's a battery problem which I have pretty much proved because it works perfectly after I reset the window right until I crank the engine! However... Is there a reason that it is always the passenger window - never the drivers side which always works perfectly? I have put this on my 'to do over the winter' list and I was going to get my battery deep discharged and recharged by a pal of mine who supplies batteries. This has returned the battery to 'as new' performance for previous cars. Failing that I will get a new one if the existing one proves to be the problem. I haven't had it drop tested as yet 'cos I haven't had time what with this glorious weather! It's just too tempting to go for a drive. Another 'to do' job is to do with the centre console. This morning I changed the bulbs in the Air Con display panel. When I stripped the unit down I found the switch cover moulding (the frame) was broken in several places. Does anybody know if this part is generally available and whether it would be a straightforward job to change it? Thanks for any help or info DavidC

Well, what a disaster that (nearly) was! The XK8 looked fabulous but, when I viewed the MOT history a different story emerged. 5 years ago the MOT had been abandoned because the car was dangerous and 'in a very poor condition'. However, a previous owner had then spent almost £16K on the car!! I hoped that all the problems would have been addressed but, unfortunately, that was not the case. The timing chains rattled loudly (despite a receipt which said they'd been changed 10000 miles ago!) the engine misfired and wouldn't start when it was hot and, worst of all, the hood creaked and banged when the car drove over even a really small curb - the body was flexing massively. The underside was smothered with underseal as well. At that point I walked away from it. Remembering the advice I was always given when buying Jaguars years ago (get the best you can find and afford) I looked around and found what seems to be a really well looked after and solid car at a local Independent Jaguar specialist. Having driven the car and had a good look round and under it, checked the (very comprehensive) service history and discovered that this specialist has been looking after the car for years and has personally done all those things that you need to beware of, I have provisionally agreed to buy the car. I'm hoping that, even though it is a bit more expensive, it will be worth the extra. We shall see!!

Hi I've been a Jaguar driver on and off since about 1973. I've had a selection of cars including a couple of MK2's, a few XJ6's, an XJS, a 1961 E Type, a MK10 and I'm in the process of buying a fairly early XK8 convertible. This will be the first Jaguar that I've had for a few years and I can't wait to get driving it. I will be taking the car for an extensive test drive in a week or so after the garage has serviced and valeted it so I am hoping to get some advice on what to look out for closer to the time. Regards DavidC