XJ-S

1975-1996 / Coupe / Convertible / United Kingdom

All XJ-S problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

Instrument cluster and gauge failure

Symptoms

Gauges read incorrectly, flicker, or die. Warning lights come on randomly.

Cause

Printed circuit boards behind the instrument cluster develop cracks and corrosion. Voltage stabilisers fail. Sender units fail.

Fix

Remove the instrument cluster and inspect the printed circuit board.

Repair cracked tracks with solder.

Replace the voltage stabiliser.

Test sender units.

Specialist instrument repairers can overhaul the complete cluster.

Budget $300-800 AUD.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $300-800

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// More XJ-S problems

Other known issues

Common Electrical

Air conditioning system failure

A/C doesn't blow cold, blows warm on one side, or doesn't work at all. Compressor clutch won't engage.

Minor Electrical

Electric window and mirror motor failure

Windows won't go up or down, or move slowly. Door mirrors don't adjust.

Minor Electrical

Central locking failure

Doors won't lock or unlock centrally. Some doors lock, others don't. Boot won't unlock.

Minor Engine, V12

Cooling system failure

Engine overheats, temperature gauge climbs into the red, coolant boils over. In severe cases, head gaskets fail and coolant enters the oil.

Common Engine, V12

Head gasket weeping

Coolant appears around the head gasket line (external weep), or coolant contaminates the oil (internal failure, mayonnaise under the filler cap, white exhaust smoke).

Common Engine, V12

Lucas ignition system failure (pre-1989)

Misfiring, rough idle, hard starting, power loss, sometimes total ignition failure.

View all 23 XJ-S problems