Jaguar XJS Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your Jaguar XJS: 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
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a Jaguar XJS 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 Jaguar XJS 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a Jaguar XJS

When faced with a Check Engine Light in your Jaguar XJS, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin by checking the simplest potential causes, such as ensuring that the gas cap is securely tightened, as a loose cap can trigger the light. Next, turn the ignition to the "on" position without starting the engine to display any error codes, which can provide immediate insights into the problem. If the light persists, utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step; this tool will read the fault codes stored in your vehicle's computer, helping you identify specific issues like ignition cylinder problems or oxygen sensor malfunctions. By following this methodical process, you can effectively narrow down the cause of the Check Engine Light and address it, ensuring your Jaguar XJS runs smoothly and efficiently.

What Common Problems Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a Jaguar XJS?

When the check engine light comes on in a Jaguar XJS, it can signal a range of issues that may require immediate attention. One common culprit is the ignition cylinder, which can cause the engine to run irregularly, leading to performance issues. Additionally, problems with the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, also known as the Lambda probe, can result in misfires during acceleration or when driving at low speeds. It's crucial to understand that the check engine light is not just a minor annoyance; it serves as a vital warning system for potential engine malfunctions. Therefore, conducting a thorough diagnosis is essential to pinpoint the exact cause of the light's illumination. By addressing these common problems promptly, DIY enthusiasts can ensure their Jaguar XJS operates smoothly and efficiently, preventing more serious issues down the line.

Why is the Check Engine Light Important in a Jaguar XJS?

The Check Engine Light in a Jaguar XJS is not just a simple warning; it is a critical alert that demands immediate attention. Ignoring this light can lead to severe consequences, including extensive engine damage and compromised safety. For instance, a flashing Check Engine Light often indicates a serious engine misfire, which can cause catastrophic engine failure if not addressed promptly. Additionally, when the light activates, it may trigger the vehicle's limp mode, reducing power and performance to prevent further damage, but this can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation on the road. The complexity of the vehicle's electronic control unit means that a variety of issues could be at play, from emissions system failures to sensor malfunctions, all of which can escalate if left unchecked. Therefore, it is crucial for Jaguar XJS owners to take the Check Engine Light seriously and seek diagnostic assistance as soon as it illuminates, ensuring both the vehicle's performance and the driver's safety are maintained.

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