2003 Jaguar S-Type Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2003 Jaguar S-Type: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
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60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2003 Jaguar S-Type has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2003 Jaguar S-Type has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2003 Jaguar S-Type?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2003 Jaguar S-Type, the first step is to read the trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner. This tool will help you identify the specific issues that may be causing the light to illuminate. Pay attention to any common symptoms such as engine misfires, reduced performance, or unusual noises, as these can provide additional context for the codes retrieved. Next, inspect the emissions system, including sensors and the catalytic converter, since problems in these areas are frequent culprits for triggering the check engine light. If you have access to a more advanced diagnostic tool, check the engine management system for any reported faults that could indicate deeper issues. Lastly, if the check engine light is flashing, it signals a critical fault that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage to your vehicle. By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose and address the underlying problems, ensuring your Jaguar runs smoothly.

What common issues trigger the check engine light in a 2003 Jaguar S-Type?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2003 Jaguar S-Type, it can indicate a variety of underlying issues that may require immediate attention. One of the most frequent culprits is a malfunctioning ignition coil, which can lead to engine misfires and trigger the warning light. Additionally, gearbox faults, particularly with solenoids C and D, can also activate the check engine light, signaling potential transmission problems. Control unit failures may cause the light to blink, indicating a need for further diagnostics. Engine cooling issues are another common reason for the light to come on, as they can affect overall engine performance. Furthermore, problems with the catalytic converter are not only prevalent but can also lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. Lastly, various issues within the emission system, ignition system, engine timing, or transmission can contribute to the check engine light activation. Given the range of potential problems, it is crucial for owners to promptly diagnose the issue to prevent more severe damage and ensure the vehicle operates smoothly.

What urgent steps should be taken for the check engine light on a 2003 Jaguar S-Type?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2003 Jaguar S-Type, it is crucial to act swiftly to avoid serious safety risks and costly repairs. Start by checking the fuel tank cap, as a loose or damaged cap can trigger the light and lead to fuel evaporation issues. Next, use an OBD-II scanner to diagnose the specific error code, which can reveal underlying problems such as an evaporative emission control system leak that may require immediate attention. If you also notice a gearbox fault message, inspect the transmission fluid level, as low fluid can lead to transmission failure, posing a significant safety hazard. Addressing these issues promptly not only helps maintain your vehicle's performance but also prevents further damage that could escalate repair costs. If the light remains on after your initial checks and repairs, consulting a qualified mechanic is advisable to ensure a thorough diagnosis and resolution. Finally, once the underlying issues are resolved, you can reset the check engine light using a scanner, ensuring your vehicle is back to optimal operating condition. Taking these urgent steps will help you maintain the safety and reliability of your Jaguar S-Type on the road.

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2003 Jaguar S-Type Check Engine Light: Causes & Solutions