3261 Jaguar XJ6
REF•10MOT test checks
Exhaust system
MStart the engine. With your assistant
holding a rag over the tailpipe, check the
entire system for leaks. Repair or renew
leaking sections.
Jack up the front and rear of the vehicle,
and securely support it on axle stands.
Position the stands clear of the suspension
assemblies. Ensure that the wheels are
clear of the ground and that the steering
can be turned from lock to lock.
Steering mechanism
MHave your assistant turn the steering from
lock to lock. Check that the steering turns
smoothly, and that no part of the steering
mechanism, including a wheel or tyre, fouls
any brake hose or pipe or any part of the body
structure.
MExamine the steering rack rubber gaiters
for damage or insecurity of the retaining clips.
If power steering is fitted, check for signs of
damage or leakage of the fluid hoses, pipes or
connections. Also check for excessive
stiffness or binding of the steering, a missing
split pin or locking device, or severe corrosion
of the body structure within 30 cm of any
steering component attachment point.
Front and rear suspension and
wheel bearings
MStarting at the front right-hand side, grasp
the roadwheel at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock
positions and shake it vigorously. Check for
free play or insecurity at the wheel bearings,
suspension balljoints, or suspension mount-
ings, pivots and attachments.
MNow grasp the wheel at the 12 o’clock and
6 o’clock positions and repeat the previous
inspection. Spin the wheel, and check for
roughness or tightness of the front wheel
bearing.
MIf excess free play is suspected at a
component pivot point, this can be confirmed
by using a large screwdriver or similar tool and
levering between the mounting and the
component attachment. This will confirm
whether the wear is in the pivot bush, its
retaining bolt, or in the mounting itself (the bolt
holes can often become elongated).
MCarry out all the above checks at the other
front wheel, and then at both rear wheels.
Springs and shock absorbers
MExamine the suspension struts (when
applicable) for serious fluid leakage, corrosion,
or damage to the casing. Also check the
security of the mounting points.
MIf coil springs are fitted, check that the
spring ends locate in their seats, and that the
spring is not corroded, cracked or broken.
MIf leaf springs are fitted, check that all
leaves are intact, that the axle is securely
attached to each spring, and that there is no
deterioration of the spring eye mountings,
bushes, and shackles.MThe same general checks apply to vehicles
fitted with other suspension types, such as
torsion bars, hydraulic displacer units, etc.
Ensure that all mountings and attachments are
secure, that there are no signs of excessive
wear, corrosion or damage, and (on hydraulic
types) that there are no fluid leaks or damaged
pipes.
MInspect the shock absorbers for signs of
serious fluid leakage. Check for wear of the
mounting bushes or attachments, or damage
to the body of the unit.
Driveshafts
(fwd vehicles only)
MRotate each front wheel in turn and inspect
the constant velocity joint gaiters for splits or
damage. Also check that each driveshaft is
straight and undamaged.
Braking system
MIf possible without dismantling, check
brake pad wear and disc condition. Ensure
that the friction lining material has not worn
excessively, (A) and that the discs are not
fractured, pitted, scored or badly worn (B).
MExamine all the rigid brake pipes
underneath the vehicle, and the flexible
hose(s) at the rear. Look for corrosion, chafing
or insecurity of the pipes, and for signs of
bulging under pressure, chafing, splits or
deterioration of the flexible hoses.
MLook for signs of fluid leaks at the brake
calipers or on the brake backplates. Repair or
renew leaking components.
MSlowly spin each wheel, while your
assistant depresses and releases the
footbrake. Ensure that each brake is operating
and does not bind when the pedal is released.
3Checks carried out
WITH THE VEHICLE RAISED
AND THE WHEELS FREE TO
TURN
3261 Jaguar XJ6
MOT test checksREF•11
MExamine the handbrake mechanism,
checking for frayed or broken cables,
excessive corrosion, or wear or insecurity of
the linkage. Check that the mechanism works
on each relevant wheel, and releases fully,
without binding.
MIt is not possible to test brake efficiency
without special equipment, but a road test can
be carried out later to check that the vehicle
pulls up in a straight line.
Fuel and exhaust systems
MInspect the fuel tank (including the filler
cap), fuel pipes, hoses and unions. All
components must be secure and free from
leaks.
MExamine the exhaust system over its entire
length, checking for any damaged, broken or
missing mountings, security of the retaining
clamps and rust or corrosion.
Wheels and tyres
MExamine the sidewalls and tread area of
each tyre in turn. Check for cuts, tears, lumps,
bulges, separation of the tread, and exposure
of the ply or cord due to wear or damage.
Check that the tyre bead is correctly seated
on the wheel rim, that the valve is sound andproperly seated, and that the wheel is not
distorted or damaged.
MCheck that the tyres are of the correct size
for the vehicle, that they are of the same size
and type on each axle, and that the pressures
are correct.
MCheck the tyre tread depth. The legal
minimum at the time of writing is 1.6 mm over
at least three-quarters of the tread width.
Abnormal tread wear may indicate incorrect
front wheel alignment.
Body corrosion
MCheck the condition of the entire vehicle
structure for signs of corrosion in load-bearing
areas. (These include chassis box sections,
side sills, cross-members, pillars, and all
suspension, steering, braking system and
seat belt mountings and anchorages.) Any
corrosion which has seriously reduced the
thickness of a load-bearing area is likely to
cause the vehicle to fail. In this case
professional repairs are likely to be needed.
MDamage or corrosion which causes sharp
or otherwise dangerous edges to be exposed
will also cause the vehicle to fail.
Petrol models
MHave the engine at normal operating
temperature, and make sure that it is in good
tune (ignition system in good order, air filter
element clean, etc).
MBefore any measurements are carried out,
raise the engine speed to around 2500 rpm,
and hold it at this speed for 20 seconds. Allowthe engine speed to return to idle, and watch
for smoke emissions from the exhaust
tailpipe. If the idle speed is obviously much
too high, or if dense blue or clearly-visible
black smoke comes from the tailpipe for more
than 5 seconds, the vehicle will fail. As a rule
of thumb, blue smoke signifies oil being burnt
(engine wear) while black smoke signifies
unburnt fuel (dirty air cleaner element, or other
carburettor or fuel system fault).
MAn exhaust gas analyser capable of
measuring carbon monoxide (CO) and
hydrocarbons (HC) is now needed. If such an
instrument cannot be hired or borrowed, a
local garage may agree to perform the check
for a small fee.
CO emissions (mixture)
MAt the time of writing, the maximum CO
level at idle is 3.5% for vehicles first used after
August 1986 and 4.5% for older vehicles.
From January 1996 a much tighter limit
(around 0.5%) applies to catalyst-equipped
vehicles first used from August 1992. If the
CO level cannot be reduced far enough to
pass the test (and the fuel and ignition
systems are otherwise in good condition) then
the carburettor is badly worn, or there is some
problem in the fuel injection system or
catalytic converter (as applicable).
HC emissionsMWith the CO emissions within limits, HC
emissions must be no more than 1200 ppm
(parts per million). If the vehicle fails this test
at idle, it can be re-tested at around 2000 rpm;
if the HC level is then 1200 ppm or less, this
counts as a pass.
MExcessive HC emissions can be caused by
oil being burnt, but they are more likely to be
due to unburnt fuel.
Diesel models
MThe only emission test applicable to Diesel
engines is the measuring of exhaust smoke
density. The test involves accelerating the
engine several times to its maximum
unloaded speed.
Note: It is of the utmost importance that the
engine timing belt is in good condition before
the test is carried out.
M
Excessive smoke can be caused by a dirty
air cleaner element. Otherwise, professional
advice may be needed to find the cause.
4Checks carried out on
YOUR VEHICLE’S EXHAUST
EMISSION SYSTEM
3261 Jaguar XJ6
REF•12Fault finding
Introduction
This Section provides an easy reference guide to the more common
problems which may occur during the operation of your vehicle. These
problems and their possible causes are grouped under headings
denoting various components or systems, such as Engine, Cooling
system, etc. They also refer you to the Chapter and/or Section which
deals with the problem.
Remember that successful troubleshooting is not a mysterious
“black art” practised only by professional mechanics. It is simply the
result of the right knowledge combined with an intelligent, systematic
approach to the problem. Always work by a process of elimination,
starting with the simplest solution and working through to the mostcomplex - and never overlook the obvious. Anyone can run the petrol
tank dry or leave the lights on overnight, so don’t assume that you are
exempt from such oversights.
Finally, always establish a clear idea of why a problem has occurred
and take steps to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. If the electrical
system fails because of a poor connection, check all other connections
in the system to make sure that they don’t fail as well. If a particular
fuse continues to blow, find out why - don’t just replace one fuse after
another. Remember, failure of a small component can often be
indicative of potential failure or incorrect functioning of a more
important component or system.
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
m mEngine backfires
m mEngine diesels (continues to run) after switching off
m mEngine hard to start when cold
m mEngine hard to start when hot
m mEngine lacks power
m mEngine lopes while idling or idles erratically
m mEngine misses at idle speed
m mEngine misses throughout driving speed range
m mEngine rattles at start-up
m mEngine rotates but will not start
m mEngine runs with oil pressure light on
m mEngine stalls
m mEngine starts but stops immediately
m mEngine stumbles on acceleration
m mEngine surges while holding accelerator steady
m mEngine will not rotate when attempting to start1
m mOil puddle under engine
m mPinking or knocking engine sounds during acceleration or uphill
m mStarter motor noisy or excessively rough in engagement
Fuel system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
m
mExcessive fuel consumption
m mFuel leakage and/or fuel odour
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
m
mCoolant loss
m mExternal coolant leakage
m mInternal coolant leakage
m mOvercooling
m mOverheating
m mPoor coolant circulation
Automatic transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
m
mEngine will start in gears other than Park or Neutral
m mFluid leakage
m mShift cable problems
m mTransmission fluid brown or has a burned smell
m mTransmission slips, shifts roughly, is noisy or has no drive
m min forward or reverse gears
m mTransmission will not downshift with accelerator pedal
pressed to the floor
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
m mBrake pedal feels spongy when depressed
m mBrake pedal travels to the floor with little resistance
m mBrake roughness or chatter (pedal pulsates)
m mDragging brakes
m mExcessive brake pedal travel
m mExcessive pedal effort required to stop vehicle
m mGrabbing or uneven braking action
m mNoise (high-pitched squeal when the brakes are applied)
m mHandbrake does not hold
m mVehicle pulls to one side during braking
Suspension and steering systems . . . . . . .6
m
mAbnormal noise at the front end
m mAbnormal or excessive tyre wear
m mCupped tyres
m mErratic steering when braking
m mExcessive pitching and/or rolling around corners or
during braking
m mExcessive play or looseness in steering system
m mExcessive tyre wear on inside edge
m mExcessive tyre wear on outside edge
m mHard steering
m mPoor returnability of steering to centre
m mRattling or clicking noise in rack-and-pinion
m mShimmy, shake or vibration
m mSuspension bottoms
m mTyre tread worn in one place
m mVehicle pulls to one side
m mWander or poor steering stability
m mWheel makes a “thumping” noise
Electrical system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Battery will not hold a charge
Discharge warning light fails to come on when key is turned on
Discharge warning light fails to go out
3261 Jaguar XJ6
Fault findingREF•13
1 Engine
Engine will not rotate when attempting to start
m mBattery terminal connections loose or corroded (Chapter 1).
m mBattery discharged or faulty (Chapter 1).
m mDamaged left rear window harness shorting against glass rail
inside door, causing battery to drain (Chapter 12).
m mAutomatic transmission not completely engaged in Park
(Chapter 7).
m mBroken, loose or disconnected wiring in the starting circuit
(Chapters 5 and 12).
m mStarter motor pinion jammed in flywheel ring gear (Chapter 5).
m mStarter solenoid faulty (Chapter 5).
m mStarter motor faulty (Chapter 5).
m mIgnition switch faulty (Chapter 12).
m mStarter pinion or flywheel teeth worn or broken (Chapter 5).
m mInternal engine problem (Chapter 2B).
m mInertia switch activated (Chapter 12).
m mStarter relay defective (Chapter 5).
Engine rotates but will not start
m
mFuel tank empty.
m mBattery discharged (engine rotates slowly) (Chapter 5).
m mBattery terminal connections loose or corroded (Chapter 1).
m mLeaking fuel injector(s), faulty fuel pump, pressure regulator, etc.
(Chapter 4).
m mFuel not reaching fuel injection system (Chapter 4).
m mIgnition components damp or damaged (Chapter 5).
m mFuel injector stuck open (Chapter 4).
m mWorn, faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs (Chapter 1).
m mBroken, loose or disconnected wiring in the starting circuit
(Chapter 5).
m mLoose distributor is changing ignition timing (Chapter 1).
m mBroken, loose or disconnected wires at the ignition coil or faulty
coil (Chapter 5).
m m1988 and 1989 models may have electrical connector damage
between the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump (Chapter 12).
m mCoolant temperature sensor shorting on bonnet liner (Chapter 11).
m mDefective Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor (Chapter 6).
Engine hard to start when cold
m
mBattery discharged or low (Chapter 1).
m mFuel system malfunctioning (Chapter 4).
m mInjector(s) leaking (Chapter 4).
m mDistributor rotor carbon tracked (Chapter 5).
m mWater enters the air cleaner housing near the left front wheel arch
(Chapter 4).
Engine hard to start when hot
m mAir filter clogged (Chapter 1).
m mFuel not reaching the fuel injection system (Chapter 4).
m mCorroded battery connections, especially ground (Chapter 1).
m mFuel vaporises at fuel pump inlet. Refit dual fuel pumps
(Chapter 4).
m mFuel vapours from charcoal canister enter intake during idle and
cause idling, stalling and starting problems (Chapter 6).
Starter motor noisy or excessively rough in
engagement
m mPinion or flywheel gear teeth worn or broken (Chapter 5).
m mStarter motor mounting bolts loose or missing (Chapter 5).
Engine starts but stops immediately
m
mLoose or faulty electrical connections at distributor, coil or
alternator (Chapter 5).
m mInsufficient fuel reaching the fuel injector(s) (Chapters 1 and 4).
m mDamaged fuel injection system speed sensors (Chapter 5).
m mFaulty fuel injection relays (Chapter 5).
m mLeaking threaded adapter on the EGR valve - where fitted
(Chapter 6)
Oil puddle under engine
m mSump gasket and/or sump drain bolt seal leaking (Chapter 2).
m mOil pressure sending unit leaking (Chapter 2).
m mValve cover gaskets leaking (Chapter 2).
m mEngine oil seals leaking (Chapter 2).
m mCylinder head rear plate gasket leaking (Chapter 2).
m mAlternator mounting bolt threads leaking oil (Chapter 5).
m mOil cooler or oil cooler lines leaking (Chapter 3).
Engine misses while idling or idles erratically
m
mVacuum leakage (Chapter 2).
m mAir filter clogged (Chapter 1).
m mFuel pump not delivering sufficient fuel to the fuel injection system
(Chapter 4).
m mLeaking head gasket (Chapter 2).
m mTiming belt/chain and/or sprockets worn (Chapter 2).
m mCamshaft lobes worn (Chapter 2).
m mEGR valve stuck open - where fitted (Chapter 6).
Engine misses at idle speed
m
mSpark plugs worn or not gapped properly (Chapter 1).
m mFaulty spark plug leads (Chapter 1).
m mVacuum leaks (Chapter 1).
m mIncorrect ignition timing (Chapter 5).
m mUneven or low compression (Chapter 2).
m mRestricted EGR vacuum hose - where fitted (Chapter 6).
Engine misses throughout driving speed range
m
mFuel filter clogged and/or impurities in the fuel system (Chapter 1).
m mLow fuel output at the injectors (Chapter 4).
m mFaulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs (Chapter 1).
m mIncorrect ignition timing (Chapter 5).
m mCracked distributor cap, disconnected distributor wires or
damaged distributor components (Chapter 1).
m mLeaking spark plug leads (Chapter 1).
m mFaulty emission system components (Chapter 6).
m mLow or uneven cylinder compression pressures (Chapter 2).
m mWeak or faulty ignition system (Chapter 5).
m mVacuum leak in fuel injection system, intake manifold or vacuum
hoses (Chapter 4).
m mCrankshaft sensor teeth damaged or missing (see Chapter 12).
m mDistributor installed incorrectly (see Chapter 5)
Engine stumbles on acceleration
m
mSpark plugs fouled (Chapter 1).
m mFuel injection system malfunctioning (Chapter 4).
m mFuel filter clogged (Chapters 1 and 4).
m mIncorrect ignition timing (Chapter 5).
m mIntake manifold air leak (Chapter 4).
m mCollapsed or damaged fuel tank caused by blocked EVAP system
- where fitted (see Chapter 6).
3261 Jaguar XJ6
REF•14Fault finding
2 Fuel system
Engine surges while holding accelerator steady
m mIntake air leak (Chapter 4).
m mFuel pump faulty (Chapter 4).
m mLoose fuel injector harness connections (Chapters 4 and 6).
m mDefective ECU (Chapter 6).
Pinking or knocking engine sounds during
acceleration or uphill
m mIncorrect grade of fuel.
m mDistributor installed incorrectly (Chapter 5).
m mFuel injection system in need of adjustment (Chapter 4).
m mImproper or damaged spark plugs or wires (Chapter 1).
m mWorn or damaged distributor components (Chapter 5).
m mFaulty emission system (Chapter 6).
m mVacuum leak (Chapter 4).
m mFuel rail feed (inlet) hose has hardened, resulting in knocking noise
near dash (see Chapter 4).
Engine lacks power
m mIncorrect ignition timing (Chapter 5).
m mExcessive play in distributor shaft (Chapter 5).
m mWorn rotor, distributor cap or wires (Chapters 1 and 5).
m mFaulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs (Chapter 1).
m mFuel injection system malfunctioning (Chapter 4).
m mFaulty coil (Chapter 5).
m mBrakes binding (Chapter 1).
m mAutomatic transmission fluid level incorrect (Chapter 1).
m mFuel filter clogged and/or impurities in the fuel system (Chapter 1).
m mEmission control system not functioning properly (Chapter 6).
m mLow or uneven cylinder compression pressures (Chapter 2).
Engine rattles at start-up
m
mFailure of upper timing chain tensioner (Chapter 2).
Engine backfires
m
mEmissions system not functioning properly (Chapter 6).
m mIgnition timing incorrect (Chapter 1).
m mFaulty secondary ignition system (cracked spark plug insulator,
faulty plug leads, distributor cap and/or rotor) (Chapters 1 and 5).
m mFuel injection system malfunctioning (Chapter 4).
m mVacuum leak at fuel injector(s), intake manifold or vacuum hoses
(Chapter 4).
Engine stalls
m mIdle speed incorrect (Chapter 1).
m mFuel filter clogged and/or water and impurities in the fuel system
(Chapter 1).
m mDistributor components damp or damaged (Chapter 5).
m mFaulty emissions system components (Chapter 6).
m mFaulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs (Chapter 1).
m mFaulty spark plug leads (Chapter 1).
m mVacuum leak in the fuel injection system, intake manifold or
vacuum hoses (Chapter 4).
Engine runs with oil pressure light on
m mLow oil level (Chapter 1).
m mIdle rpm too low (Chapter 1).
m mShort in wiring circuit (Chapter 12).
m mFaulty oil pressure sending unit (Chapter 2).
m mWorn engine bearings and/or oil pump (Chapter 2).
Engine diesels (continues to run)
after switching off
m mIdle speed too high (Chapter 4).
m mExcessive engine operating temperature (Chapter 3).
m mIncorrect fuel octane grade.
Excessive fuel consumption
m
mDirty or clogged air filter element (Chapter 1).
m mIncorrectly set ignition timing (Chapter 5).
m mEmissions system not functioning properly (Chapter 6).
m mFuel injection internal parts worn or damaged (Chapter 4).
m mLow tyre pressure or incorrect tyre size (Chapter 1).
Fuel leakage and/or fuel odour
m
mLeak in a fuel feed or vent line (Chapter 4).
m mTank overfilled.
m mFuel injector internal parts excessively worn (Chapter 4).
3 Cooling system
Overheating
m
mInsufficient coolant in system (Chapter 1).
m mWater pump drivebelt defective or out of adjustment (Chapter 1).
m mRadiator core blocked or grille restricted (Chapter 3).
m mThermostat faulty (Chapter 3).
m mRadiator cap not maintaining proper pressure (Chapter 3).
m mIgnition timing incorrect (Chapter 5).
Overcooling
m
mFaulty thermostat (Chapter 3).
External coolant leakage
m
mDeteriorated/damaged hoses; loose clamps (Chapters 1 and 3).
m mWater pump seal defective (Chapters 1 and 3).
m mLeakage from radiator core or manifold tank (Chapter 3).
m mEngine drain or water jacket core plugs leaking (Chapter 2).
m mHoses behind water pump leaking (Chapter 3).
Internal coolant leakage
m
mLeaking cylinder head gasket (Chapter 2).
m mCracked cylinder bore or cylinder head (Chapter 2).
Coolant loss
m
mToo much coolant in system (Chapter 1).
m mCoolant boiling away because of overheating (Chapter 3).
m mInternal or external leakage (Chapter 3).
m mFaulty radiator cap (Chapter 3).
Poor coolant circulation
m
mInoperative water pump (Chapter 3).
m mRestriction in cooling system (Chapters 1 and 3).
m mWater pump drivebelt defective/out of adjustment (Chapter 1).
m mThermostat sticking (Chapter 3).
1 Engine (continued)
3261 Jaguar XJ6
Fault findingREF•15
4 Automatic transmission
Note:Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission, it is difficult
for the home mechanic to properly diagnose and service this
component. For problems other than the following, the vehicle should
be taken to a dealer or transmission workshop.
Fluid leakage
m mAutomatic transmission fluid is a deep red colour. Fluid leaks
should not be confused with engine oil, which can easily be blown
by air flow to the transmission.
m mTo pinpoint a leak, first remove all built-up dirt and grime from the
transmission housing with degreasing agents and/or steam
cleaning. Then drive the vehicle at low speeds so air flow will not
blow the leak far from its source. Raise the vehicle and determine
where the leak is coming from. Common areas of leakage are:
a) Sump pan (Chapters 1 and 7)
b) Dipstick/filler tube (see below)
c) Transmission fluid cooler lines (Chapter 7)
d) Speedometer sensor (Chapter 7)
m mMake sure the dipstick is a tight fit inside the filler tube. If the seal
at the top of the dipstick is worn or damaged, replace the seal or
the dipstick. If fluid continues to leak from the top of the dipstick
tube, inspect the breather, which is a plastic cap secured by a clip
to the top of the extension housing. This breather can be plugged
by the noise-deadening foam installed in the transmission tunnel,
causing transmission fluid to leak from the top of the dipstick
tube.
Transmission fluid brown or has a burned smell
m mTransmission fluid burned (Chapter 1).
Shift cable problems
m
mChapter 7 deals with adjusting the shift cable. Common problems
which may be attributed to a poorly adjusted shift cable are:
a) Engine starting in gears other than Park or Neutral.
b) Indicator on shift lever pointing to a gear other than the one
actually being used.
c) Vehicle moves when in Park.
m mRefer to Chapter 7 for the shift cable adjustment procedure.
Transmission will not downshift
with accelerator pedal pressed to the floor
m mKickdown cable out of adjustment (Chapter 7).
Engine will start in gears
other than Park or Neutral
m mNeutral start/reversing light switch malfunctioning (Chapter 7).
m mShift cable out of adjustment (Chapter 7).
Transmission slips, shifts roughly, is noisy,
or has no drive in forward or reverse gears
m mThere are many probable causes for the above problems, but the
home mechanic should be concerned with only one possibility -
fluid level. Before taking the vehicle to a dealer service department
or transmission repair workshop, check the level and condition of
the fluid as described in Chapter 1. Correct the fluid level as
necessary or change the fluid if needed. If the problem persists,
have a professional diagnose the probable cause.
5 Brakes
Note:Before assuming that a brake problem exists, make sure that:
a) The tyres are in good condition and properly inflated (Chapter 1).
b) The front end alignment is correct (Chapter 10).
c) The vehicle is not loaded with weight in an unequal manner.
Vehicle pulls to one side during braking
m mIncorrect tyre pressures (Chapter 1).
m mFront end out of line (have the front end aligned).
m mUnmatched tyres on same axle.
m mRestricted brake lines or hoses (Chapter 9).
m mMalfunctioning caliper assembly (Chapter 9).
m mLoose suspension parts (Chapter 10).
m mLoose calipers (Chapter 9).
m mBrake pads contaminated with oil or grease (Chapter 9).
Noise (high-pitched squeal
when the brakes are applied)
m mFront and/or rear disc brake pads worn out. The noise comes from
the wear sensor rubbing against the disc. Replace pads with new
ones immediately (Chapter 9).
Brake roughness or chatter (pedal pulsates)
m mExcessive lateral disc runout (Chapter 9).
m mParallelism not within specifications (Chapter 9).
m mUneven pad wear caused by caliper not sliding due to improper
clearance or dirt (Chapter 9).
m mDefective disc (Chapter 9).
Excessive pedal effort required to stop vehicle
m
mMalfunctioning power brake servo (Chapter 9).
m mPartial system failure (Chapter 9).
m mExcessively worn pads (Chapter 9).
m mPiston in caliper stuck or sluggish (Chapter 9).
m mBrake pads contaminated with oil or grease (Chapter 9).
m mNew pads installed and not yet seated. It will take a while for the
new material to seat against the disc.
m mAccumulator in power hydraulic system defective (see a Jaguar
dealer).
Excessive brake pedal travel
m mPartial brake system failure (Chapter 9).
m mInsufficient fluid in master cylinder (Chapters 1 and 9).
m mAir trapped in system (Chapters 1 and 9).
Dragging brakes
m
mMaster cylinder pistons not returning correctly (Chapter 9).
m mRestricted brakes lines or hoses (Chapters 1 and 9).
m mIncorrect handbrake adjustment (Chapter 9).
Grabbing or uneven braking action
m
mMalfunction of power brake servo unit (Chapter 9).
m mBinding brake pedal mechanism (Chapter 9).
m mBrake pads contaminated with oil or grease (Chapter 9).
3261 Jaguar XJ6
REF•16Fault finding
6 Suspension and steering systems
5 Braking system (continued)
Brake pedal feels spongy when depressed
m mAir in hydraulic lines (Chapter 9).
m mMaster cylinder mounting bolts loose (Chapter 9).
m mMaster cylinder defective (Chapter 9).
Brake pedal travels to the floor - no resistance
m
mLittle or no fluid in the master cylinder reservoir caused by leaking
caliper piston(s), damaged or disconnected brake lines (Chapter 9).
Handbrake does not hold
m mHandbrake cable or handbrake shoes improperly adjusted
(Chapter 9).
m mHandbrake shoes need replacement (Chapter 9).
Note:Before attempting to diagnose the suspension and steering
systems, perform the following preliminary checks:
a) Tyres for wrong pressure and uneven wear.
b) Steering universal joints from the column to the steering gear for
loose connectors or wear.
c) Front and rear suspension and the rack and pinion assembly for
loose or damaged parts.
d) Out-of-round or out-of-balance tyres, bent rims and loose and/or
rough wheel bearings.
Vehicle pulls to one side
m mMismatched or uneven tyres (Chapter 10).
m mBroken or sagging springs (Chapter 10).
m mWheel alignment out of specifications (Chapter 10).
m mFront brakes dragging (Chapter 9).
Abnormal or excessive tyre wear
m
mWheel alignment out of specifications (Chapter 10).
m mSagging or broken springs (Chapter 10).
m mTyre out-of-balance (Chapter 10).
m mWorn shock absorber (Chapter 10).
m mOverloaded vehicle.
m mTyres not rotated regularly.
Wheel makes a “thumping” noise
m
mBlister or bump on tyre (Chapter 10).
m mImproper shock absorber action (Chapter 10).
Shimmy, shake or vibration
m
mTyre or wheel out-of-balance or out-of-round (Chapter 10).
m mLoose, worn or out-of-adjustment wheel bearings (Chapter 1).
m mWorn tie-rod ends (Chapter 10).
m mWorn balljoints (Chapter 10).
m mExcessive wheel runout (Chapter 10).
m mBlister or bump on tyre (Chapter 10).
Hard steering
m
mLack of lubrication at balljoints, tie-rod ends and rack-and-pinion
assembly (Chapter 1).
m mFront wheel alignment (Chapter 10).
m mLow tyre pressure(s) (Chapter 1).
Poor returnability of steering to centre
m
mLack of lubrication at balljoints and tie-rod ends (Chapter 1).
m mBinding in balljoints (Chapter 10).
m mBinding in steering column (Chapter 10).
m mLack of lubricant in rack-and-pinion assembly (Chapter 10).
m mFront wheel alignment (Chapter 10).
Abnormal noise at the front end
m
mLack of lubrication at balljoints and tie-rod ends (Chapter 1).
m mDamaged shock absorber mounting (Chapter 10).m mWorn control arm bushings or tie-rod ends (Chapter 10).
m mLoose stabiliser bar (Chapter 10).
m mLoose wheel nuts (Chapter).
m mLoose suspension bolts (Chapter 10).
Wander or poor steering stability
m
mMismatched or uneven tyres (Chapter 10).
m mLack of lubrication at balljoints and tie-rod ends (Chapter 1).
m mWorn shock absorbers (Chapter 10).
m mLoose stabiliser bar (Chapter 10).
m mBroken or sagging springs (Chapter 10).
m mFront or rear wheel alignment (Chapter 10).
Erratic steering when braking
m
mWheel bearings worn (Chapter 1).
m mBroken or sagging springs (Chapter 10).
m mLeaking wheel cylinder or caliper (Chapter 9).
m mWarped discs (Chapter 9).
Excessive pitching and/or rolling around corners
or during braking
m mLoose stabiliser bar (Chapter 10).
m mWorn shock absorbers or mounts (Chapter 10).
m mBroken or sagging springs (Chapter 10).
m mOverloaded vehicle.
Suspension bottoms
m
mOverloaded vehicle.
m mWorn shock absorbers (Chapter 10).
m mIncorrect, broken or sagging springs (Chapter 10).
m mDefective power hydraulic system or leaking rear shock absorbers
(Chapter 10).
Cupped tyres (wear on both edges)
m mFront wheel or rear wheel alignment (Chapter 10).
m mWorn shock absorbers (Chapter 10).
m mWheel bearings worn (Chapter 10).
m mExcessive tyre or wheel runout (Chapter 10).
m mWorn balljoints (Chapter 10).
Excessive tyre wear on outside edge
m
mInflation pressures incorrect (Chapter 1).
m mExcessive speed in turns.
m mFront end alignment incorrect (excessive toe-in). Have
professionally aligned.
m mSuspension arm bent or twisted (Chapter 10).
Excessive tyre wear on inside edge
m
mInflation pressures incorrect (Chapter 1).
m mFront end alignment incorrect (toe-out). Have professionally
aligned.
m mLoose or damaged steering components (Chapter 10).
3261 Jaguar XJ6
Fault findingREF•17
6 Suspension and steering systems (continued)
Tyre tread worn in one place
m mTyres out-of-balance.
m mDamaged or buckled wheel. Inspect and replace if necessary.
m mDefective tyre (Chapter 1).
Excessive play or looseness in steering system
m
mWheel bearing(s) worn (Chapter 10.m mTie-rod end loose or worn (Chapter 10).
m mSteering gear loose or worn (Chapter 10).
Rattling or clicking noise in rack-and-pinion
m
mInsufficient or improper power steering fluid in steering system
(Chapter 10).
m mSteering gear mounts loose (Chapter 10).
7 Electrical system
Battery will not hold a charge
m
mAlternator drivebelt defective or not adjusted properly (Chapter 1).
m mElectrolyte level low (Chapter 1).
m mBattery terminals loose or corroded (Chapter 1).
m mAlternator not charging properly (Chapter 5).
m mLoose, broken or faulty wiring in the charging circuit (Chapter 5).
m mShort in vehicle wiring (Chapters 5 and 12).
m mInternally defective battery (Chapters 1 and 5).
m mDamaged left rear window harness shorting against glass rail
inside door, causing battery to drain (Chapter 12).
Charge warning light fails to go out
m mFaulty alternator or charging circuit (Chapter 5).
m mAlternator drivebelt defective or out of adjustment (Chapter 1).
m mAlternator voltage regulator inoperative (Chapter 5).
Charge warning light fails to come on
when key is turned on
m mWarning light bulb defective (Chapter 12).
m mFault in the printed circuit, dash wiring or bulb holder (Chapter 12).