1997 JAGUAR XJ6 steering

11Disconnect the throttle linkage,
transmission linkage (and dipstick tube) and
speed control cable, if equipped, from the
engine (see Chapters 4 and 7).
12Refer to Part A of this Chapter and
remove the intake and exhaust manifolds.
13Unbolt the power steering pump (see
Chapter 10). Tie the pump aside without
disconnecting the hoses. Refer to Part A for
removal of the hydraulic pump (if equipped)
from the timing chain cover.
14On air-conditioned models, unbolt the
compressor and set it aside. Do not
disconnect the refrigerant hoses. Note:Wire
the compressor out of the way with a coat
hanger, don’t let the compressor hang on the
hoses.
15Refer to Part A of this Chapter and
remove the drivebelts, water pump pulley and
crankshaft pulley.
16Attach a lifting sling to the engine.
Position a hoist and connect the sling to it.
Take up the slack until there is slight tension
on the hoist.
17With a trolley jack and piece of wood
supporting the bottom of the transmission
sump, refer to Chapter 8 and remove the
driveshaft and rear transmission mount.
Warning: Do not place any part
of your body under the
engine/transmission when it’s
supported only by a hoist or
other lifting device.
18With the hoist taking the weight of the
engine, unbolt the engine mounts (see Part A
of this Chapter).
19Recheck to be sure nothing is still
connecting the engine or transmission to the
vehicle. Disconnect and label anything still
remaining.
20Slowly lift the engine/transmission out of
the vehicle (see illustration). It may be
necessary to pry the mounts away from the
frame brackets.21Move the engine away from the vehicle
and carefully lower the hoist until the
engine/transmission can be set on the floor.
Refer to Chapter 7 and remove the
transmission and converter. Refer to Part A of
this Chapter for removal of the flywheel. With
the flywheel removed, remove the four large
bolts and the transmission adapter plate from
the engine (see illustration).
22Refer to Part A of this Chapter for removal
of the rear main seal retainer plate from the
back of the engine, then lift the engine to a
position where it can be attached to a sturdy
engine stand.
Refitting
23Check the engine/transmission mounts. If
they’re worn or damaged, renew them.
24Attach the hoist and remove the engine
from the stand. Refer to Part A of this Chapter
and renew the rear main seal and retainer
plate, then reattach the transmission adapter
plate and refer to Chapter 7 for mounting the
converter and transmission.
25Carefully lower the engine into the vehicle
with the hoist. An assistant is helpful to guide
the engine clear of accessories in the engine
compartment as the engine is lowered into
place.
26Refit the engine mount bolts and tighten
them securely. Raise the back of the
transmission with the trolley jack and reattach
the transmission mount, driveshaft and shift
linkage.
27Refit the remaining components and
fasteners in the reverse order of removal.
28Add coolant, oil, power steering and
transmission fluids as needed (see Chapter 1).
29Run the engine and check for proper
operation and leaks. Shut off the engine and
recheck the fluid levels.
7 Engine rebuilding
alternatives
The do-it-yourselfer is faced with a number
of options when performing an engine
overhaul. The decision to renew the engine
block, piston/connecting rod assemblies and
crankshaft depends on a number of factors,
with the number one consideration being the
condition of the engine block. Other
considerations are cost, access to machine
workshop facilities, parts availability, time
required to complete the project and the
extent of prior mechanical experience on the
part of the do-it-yourselfer.
Some of the rebuilding alternatives include:
Individual parts- If the inspection
procedures reveal that the engine block and
most engine components are in reusable
condition, purchasing individual parts may be
the most economical alternative. The engine
block, cylinder head, crankshaft, and
piston/connecting rod assemblies should all
be inspected carefully. Even if the engine
block shows little wear, the cylinder bores
should be surface honed.
Short block- A short block consists of an
engine block with a crankshaft and
piston/connecting rod assemblies already
installed. All new bearings are incorporated
and all clearances will be correct. The existing
camshafts, valve train components, cylinder
head and external parts can be bolted to the
short block with little or no machine workshop
work necessary.
Long block- A long block consists of a
short block plus an oil pump, sump, cylinder
head, valve cover, camshaft and valve train
components, timing sprockets and chain or
gears and timing cover. All components are
installed with new bearings, seals and gaskets
Engine removal and overhaul procedures 2B•5
2B
3261 Jaguar XJ6 6.20 Lift the engine high enough to clear the vehicle, tilting it up
at the front to clear the front crossmember, then move it away
and lower the hoist
6.21 With the engine on the floor but still supported by the hoist,
remove the four large bolts (arrowed) and pull off the
transmission adapter plate

5If equipped with an automatic transmission,
disconnect the cooler lines from the radiator
(see illustrations). Disconnect the cooling fan
switch connector (see illustration 4.15).
Place a drip pan to catch the fluid and cap the
fittings. Note:The transmission oil cooler lines
enter the radiator on the left, while the power
steering cooler lines attach on the right side of
the radiator. On 1993 and 1994 models, the
cooler fittings require a spring-lock coupling
tool, normally used on fuel lines or air
conditioning lines.
6Remove the four bolts from the radiator
cowl panel and take off the panel (see
illustration).
7Lift out the radiator. Be aware of dripping
fluids and the sharp fins. Take care not to
damage the radiator fins by contact with other
parts.
8With the radiator removed, it can be
inspected for leaks, damage and internal
blockage. If repairs are necessary, have a
radiator specialist or dealer service department
perform the work, as special techniques are
required. Check the rubber mounting pads on
the bottom of the radiator (see illustration). If
they’re cracked or damaged, get new ones
before refitting the radiator.
9Bugs and dirt can be cleaned from the
radiator with compressed air and a soft brush.
Don’t bend the cooling fins as this is done.
Warning: Wear eye protection.
Refitting
10Refitting is the reverse of the removal
procedure. Be sure the rubber mounts are in
place on the bottom of the radiator.
11After refitting, fill the cooling system with
the proper mixture of antifreeze and water.
Refer to Chapter 1 if necessary.
12Start the engine and check for leaks.
Allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature, indicated by both radiator hoses
becoming hot. Recheck the coolant level and
add more if required.
13On automatic transmission equipped
models, check and add fluid as needed and
check the power steering fluid level as well.
Expansion tank and coolant
reservoir, removal and refitting
14The expansion tank is located at the top
of the left-hand side inner wing. With the
cooling system drained below the level of the
expansion tank, remove the hoses, the
coolant level probe and the two screws
mounting it to the body (see illustration).
15Wash out and inspect the reservoir for
cracks and chafing. Renew it if damaged.16If the low-coolant level light has been
showing on the instrument panel, even when
the coolant level is correct, disconnect the
sensor’s connector and test it with an
ohmmeter (see illustration). The sensor
should be renewed if the resistance at the
connections is over 150 ohms.
Caution: Using a long-necked funnel to
add coolant can damage the sensor, which
is just below the expansion tank filler neck.
Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems 3•5
3
5.5a At the left side of the radiator,
disconnect the automatic transmission
cooler lines (small arrows) and the lower
radiator hose (larger arrow)5.5b Disconnect the power steering cooler
lines (small arrows) at the right side of the
radiator, and the upper radiator hose
(large arrow)
3261 Jaguar XJ6 5.3 Remove the clamp and the hose going
to the expansion tank
5.6 Remove the bolts (arrowed) and take
off the radiator cowl panel
5.14 The expansion tank is located on the
left inner wing
A Hose to recovery tank (where applicable)
B Hose to radiator
C Hose to thermostat housing
D Hose to water pump housing
E Mounting screws
F Low-coolant-level sensor
5.8 There are rubber mounts (arrowed)
for the radiator and the condenser -
they must be in place when these
components are reinstalled
5.16 The low-coolant-level sensor can be
tested with an ohmmeter - resistance
should be below 150 ohms - gently use a
pair of long-neck pliers to move the sensor
up and down in the tank to get a reading

4Remove the water pump mounting bolts
(see illustration).
Note 1:The water pump is sold as a complete
assembly, including the rear housing with the
hose connections. Unless the rear housing is
corroded or cracked, many Jaguar mechanics
only refit the pump assembly itself, using the
original rear housing with all its hoses intact.
However, if the engine has a great deal of
years or mileage on it, it would be a good idea
to renew those hoses as well, in which case
the new rear housing can be installed.
Note 2:There are three different lengths of
water pump bolts. The longer bolts retain the
pump and rear housing to the engine(see
illustration 7.3).
5If the pump doesn’t come loose right away,
tap it with a soft-faced hammer to break the
gasket seal. Be careful not to hit the radiator
fins with the pump during removal.
6Thoroughly clean all sealing surfaces,
removing all traces of gasket or sealant from
the back of the pump and the face of the
housing.
7Apply a bead of RTV sealant to the sealing
surface on the back of the pump. Refit the
pump and bolts, tightening the bolts to the
torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
8Refit the remaining parts in the reverse
order of removal. Note:If the pump has been
renewed after many miles of usage, it’s a good
idea to also renew the hoses connected to the
water pump housing(see illustrations). Refer
to Chapter 2A for intake manifold removal to
access the coolant pipes and hoses. If you
have noticed water leaks or stains on the left
side of the engine, the leaks may be coming
from these pipes and hoses.
9Refill the cooling system (see Chapter 1),
run the engine and check for leaks and proper
operation.
9 Coolant temperature
sender unit- check and
renewal
2
Warning: Do not start this
procedure until the engine is
completely cool.
Check
1If the coolant temperature gauge is
inoperative, check the fuses first (Chapter 12).
2If the temperature gauge indicates
excessive temperature after running awhile,
see the Fault finding section at the rear of the
manual.
3If the temperature gauge indicates Hot as
soon as the engine is started cold, disconnect
the wire at the coolant temperature sender
(see illustration). If the gauge reading drops,
renew the sender unit. If the reading remains
high, the wire to the gauge may be shorted to
ground, or the gauge is faulty.
4If the coolant temperature gauge fails to
show any indication after the engine has been
warmed up, (approx. 10 minutes) and the
fuses checked out OK, shut off the engine.
Disconnect the wire at the sender unit and,
using a jumper wire, connect the wire to a
clean ground on the engine. Briefly turn on the
ignition without starting the engine. If the
gauge now indicates Hot, renew the sender
unit.
5If the gauge fails to respond, the circuit may
be open or the gauge may be faulty - see
Chapter 12 for additional information.
Renewal
6Drain the coolant (see Chapter 1).
7Disconnect the electrical connector from
the sender unit.8Using a deep socket or a spanner, remove
the sender unit.
9Refit the new unit and tighten it securely.
Do not use thread sealant as it may
electrically insulate the sender unit.
10Reconnect the wiring connector, refill the
cooling system and check for coolant leakage
and proper gauge function.
10 Heating and air conditioning
blower motors- circuit check
and component renewal
3
Warning: Later models are
equipped with airbags. To
prevent accidental deployment
of the airbag, which could cause
personal injury or damage to the airbag
system, DO NOT work in the vicinity of the
steering wheel or instrument panel. Jaguar
recommends that, on airbag-equipped
models, the following procedure should be
left to a dealer service department or other
repair workshop because of the special
tools and techniques required to disable
the airbag system.
1Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Caution: If the stereo in your vehicle is
equipped with an anti-theft system, make
sure you have the correct activation code
before disconnecting the battery.
2There are two blower motors, one under the
left side of the dash and one behind the glove
compartment (see illustration). If the blower
doesn’t work, check the fuse and all
connections in the circuit for looseness and
corrosion. Make sure the battery is fully
charged. To access the right blower, remove
the glove compartment liner, the glove
compartment door and the right lower dash
panel (see Chapter 11).
Warning: When working around
the area behind the glove box,
watch out for a strip of sheet
metal bracing that has a very
sharp edge (see illustration). Apply some
heavy duct tape to the edge of the brace
before beginning work in this area, or you
could injure your hands.
Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems 3•7
3
8.4 Remove the water pump mounting
bolts (arrows indicate five visible here)8.8a Once the water pump is removed, the
rear housing (arrowed) is held in place only
by the hoses - check them for leakage and
condition whenever the pump is disturbed8.8b The water pipe (arrowed) may need
new gaskets where it meets the block - the
pipe is best accessed from below or with
the intake manifold unbolted
9.3 The coolant temperature sender unit
(arrowed) is located in the top of the
thermostat housing - it is the sender unit
with the single wire
3261 Jaguar XJ6

3Remove the screws holding the cruise-
control ECU in place (see illustrations), then
remove the four screws holding the ECU
mounting plate in place.
4Disconnect the vacuum lines and electrical
connectors at the blower housing, identifying
each connection with marked masking tape
for reassembly, or write down the colour
codes of the vacuum tubing. Remove the duct
tape connecting the blower housing to the
duct from the heater/air conditioning unit.
5Remove the two bolts holding the top of the
blower housing to the cowl (see illustration).
6Pull down and back on the housing until itsqueezes past the metal brace below it (see
illustration).It will take some force at first.
7To access the left blower motor, remove
the left-hand brace rod from the steering
column forward to the body(see illustration),
then repeat Steps 4 and 5 on the left blower
housing. The blower housing should now drop
straight down and out.
8If the blower motor does not operate,
disconnect the electrical connectors at the
blower motor and connect the black wire
terminal to chassis ground, and the purple
wire terminal to a fused source of battery
voltage. If the blower doesn’t operate, itshould be renewed. If it does operate, there is
a problem in the feed or earth circuit.
9If the motor is good, but doesn’t operate at
any speed, the problem could be in the
heater/air conditioning control assembly or
the heating/air conditioning computer.
Diagnosis either of these electronic com-
ponents is beyond the scope of the home
mechanic, and should be referred to your
Jaguar dealer or other qualified repair facility.
10If either blower motor must be renewed,
remove the five clips and one screw holding
the blower housing halves together (see
illustration).
3•8 Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems
10.2a The right blower housing (arrowed)
is located behind the glove box area
of the dash10.2b Apply heavy duct tape to the sharp
edge of this brace (dotted line) when
working behind the glove box area of the
dash - the metal is very sharp10.3a Remove the screw (A) holding the
wiring harness in place, then remove the
two lower cruise-control ECU screws (B) . . .
10.3b . . . then remove the upper ECU
screw (arrowed) and pull down the ECU,
then remove the ECU mounting plate10.5 Two bolts (arrow indicates the left
bolt) hold the top of the blower housing
to the cowl10.6 Pull down and out on the housing
until it clears the sheet metal brace
below it
3261 Jaguar XJ6 10.7 Remove this brace rod (small arrow)
for clearance to remove the left blower
motor housing (large arrow)
10.10 Remove the five clips (two shown
here with arrows) and one screw holding
the halves of the housing together

11Separate the housing halves and pull up
the plastic plate holding the motor and fan
(see illustration). The fan doesn’t come off
the motor, but loosen the clamp-bolt on the
motor’s mount bracket and slide the motor
and fan out for renewal (see illustration).
Note:Some 1988 models had problems with
cracking of the fan blades and noise from the
blowers. These blowers and fans have been
superseded with improved parts, available
from your Jaguar dealer.
12When either blower housing is separated,
you’ll find two relays mounted inside (see
illustration). These are the blower isolation
relay and blower relay. Before refitting the
blower housing in the car, refer to Chapter 12
for testing of these relays.
13Refitting is the reverse of removal. Check
for proper operation.11 Heater core-
removal and refitting
4
Warning: Later model vehicles
are equipped with airbags. To
prevent the accidental deploy-
ment of the airbag, which could
cause personal injury or damage to the
airbag system, DO NOT work in the vicinity
of the steering wheel or instrument panel.
The manufacturer recommends that, on
airbag-equipped models, the following
procedure should be left to a dealer service
department or other repair workshop
because of the special tools and techniques
required to disable the airbag system.1Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Caution: If the stereo in your vehicle is
equipped with an anti-theft system, make
sure you have the correct activation code
before disconnecting the battery.
2Drain the cooling system (see Chapter 1).
Disconnect the heater hoses where they enter
the bulkhead (see illustration). Note:Use
compressed air in one of the pipes to blow out
any remaining coolant and collect it. This will
prevent any spills on the carpeting when the
heater core is removed. Plug the pipes to
prevent any remaining coolant from spilling out.
3Refer to Chapter 11 for removal of the
under-dash panels on both the driver and
passenger sides, and removal of the glovebox.
Warning: When working around
the area behind the glove box,
watch out for a strip of sheet
Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems 3•9
3
3261 Jaguar XJ6 10.11a Separate the housing halves - the blower motor (arrowed)
is attached to a plastic plate sandwiched between the
two housing halves
10.11b Loosen the clamp bolt (arrowed) on the motor bracket and
then pull the motor and fan out as an assembly
10.12 Inside the blower case are the blower and isolation relays
(arrowed) - while the case is apart, test these relays for
proper operation11.2 Disconnect the heater hoses from the pipes at the bulkhead
(small arrows) - the large arrow indicates the evaporator case
retaining nut

metal bracing that has a very sharp edge
(see illustration 10.2b). Apply some heavy
duct tape to the edge of the brace before
beginning work in this area, or you could
injure your hands.
4On the passenger’s side, under the dash,
remove the screws holding the plastic cover
where the heater pipes enter the heater/air
conditioning housing (see illustration).
5With the cover off, there is access to
remove the four Allen bolts holding the two
pipes to the heater core (see illustration).
6Move to the right side and unbolt the
climate control computer and pull it down and
away from the heater/air conditioning housing
(see illustrations).
7Remove the four small screws and remove
the plastic plate over the heater core, right
behind where the climate control computer
had been (see illustration).
8Carefully slide the heater core out from the
right side of the heating/air conditioning
housing (see illustration). Note:Keep plenty
of towels or rags on the carpeting to catch any
coolant that may drip.
9Refitting is the reverse order of removal.
When refitting the heater core, make sure all
of the foam insulation strips are in place and
refit new O-rings where the heater pipes enter
the core (see illustration).
10Refill the cooling system, reconnect the
battery and run the engine. Check for leaks
and proper system operation.
12 Heater and air conditioning
control assembly- check,
removal and refitting
4
Warning: Later models are
equipped with airbags. To
prevent the accidental deploy-
ment of the airbag, which could
cause personal injury or damage to the
airbag system, DO NOT work in the vicinity
of the steering wheel or instrument panel.
The manufacturer recommends that, on
airbag-equipped models, the following
procedure should be left to a dealer service
department or other repair workshopbecause of the special tools and
techniques required to disable the airbag
system.
Removal and refitting
1Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Caution: If the stereo in your vehicle is
equipped with an anti-theft system, make
sure you have the correct activation code
before disconnecting the battery.
2Refer to Chapter 11 for removal of the
console heater control/radio assembly trim
bezel.
3Remove the mounting screws retaining the
heater/air conditioning control assembly to
the console (see illustrations). Pull the
assembly out, and disconnect the electrical
connectors.
3•10 Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems
11.4 Remove these screws (small arrows)
to remove the plastic plate over the heater
core pipes on the left side11.5 With the cover off, remove the Allen
bolts (arrows indicate three of the four) to
pull the coolant pipes out of the left side of
the heater core11.6a Remove three screws (one arrowed;
one at the top-back and one below) to take
out the climate-control computer on right
side of heater/air conditioning assembly
11.6b Pull away the climate control
computer (arrowed)11.7 Remove the four screws (arrowed)
and the heater core cover plate11.8 Pull the heater core out to the right
3261 Jaguar XJ6
11.9 Retain the original foam insulation on
the heater core or transfer to the new
core, and replace the two O-rings
(arrowed)
12.3a Remove these six screws (arrowed)
to release the control panel/radio
assembly from the console

cushions fit on the mounting points and that
any foam insulator strips are still in place or
transferred to the new condenser.
6Reconnect the refrigerant lines, using new
O-rings. If a new condenser has been
installed, add 84 cc (3 fluid ounces) of new
refrigerant oil. Note:The oil and O-rings must
be compatible with the type of refrigerant you
are using.
7Refit the remaining parts in the reverse
order of removal.
8Have the system evacuated, charged and
leak tested by the workshop that discharged
it.
17 Air conditioning evaporator
and expansion valve-
removal and refitting
4
Warning 1: The air conditioning
system is under high pressure.
Do not loosen any hose fittings
or remove any components until
the system has been discharged. Air
conditioning refrigerant should be properly
discharged into an EPA-approved
recovery/recycling unit by a dealer service
department or an automotive airconditioning repair facility. Always wear
eye protection when disconnecting air
conditioning system fittings.
Warning 2: Later model vehicles
are equipped with airbags. To
prevent the accidental
deployment of the airbag, which
could cause personal injury or damage to
the airbag system, DO NOT work in the
vicinity of the steering wheel or instrument
panel. The manufacturer recommends
that, on airbag-equipped models, the
following procedure should be left to a
dealer service department or other repair
workshop because of the special tools and
techniques required to disable the airbag
system.
1Refer to Chapter 11 for removal of the glove
compartment, under-dash panels and
console. Note:The removal of the
heater/evaporator housing is difficult and
time-consuming, much more so than the
removal of the heater core (see Section 11).
For some home mechanics, the job is better
left to a Jaguar dealership or other qualified
repair workshop.
2Disconnect the air conditioning lines from
the backside of the expansion valve (at the
bulkhead, just to the right of the engine), usingtwo spanners (see illustration). Cap the open
fittings and expansion valve after dismantling
to prevent the entry of air or dirt.
3Refer to Section 11 for moving the climate-
control computer aside and disconnecting the
heater core pipes.
4From the engine side of the bulkhead, near
the expansion valve, remove the nut retaining
the heat/air conditioning assembly housing
(see illustration). Another mounting nut is on
the left side, under the wiper motor (see
illustration 11.2).
5Disconnect the defroster ducts on the left
and right side of the evaporator housing (see
illustration).
6Identify all of the vacuum motor lines with
masking tape and a felt pen, then disconnect
the lines. Note:Most vacuum lines are colour-
coded. Make notes on which ones go to
which devices.
7Tag and disconnect the wiring plugs
connected to the heating/air conditioning
housing.
8At the bottom left and bottom right of the
housing, pull off the rubber drain tubes that go
into the flooring.
9Remove the four rod-type support braces.
Two support the dash, and two connect the
case to the floor of the car (see illustrations).
3•14 Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems
17.5 Left duct (large arrow) can be removed
by pulling off the clip (small arrow) - right
duct pulls out without a clip17.9a Unbolt the four support braces
(small arrows) from the case (large arrow)
and floor17.9b Black case-support rods are held
with nuts (arrowed), the gold dash-support
rods are retained by a bolt/nut to the dash
3261 Jaguar XJ6 17.2 Use two spanners when disconnecting the air conditioning
lines (arrowed) at the bulkhead, on the backside of the expansion
valve - one spanner holds the body of the expansion valve
17.4 Remove the housing retaining nut (arrowed) on the engine
side of the bulkhead, near the expansion valve - another nut is on
the right, near the heater core pipes

same dimensions, amperage rating, cold
cranking rating, etc. as the original.
6Refitting is the reverse of removal.
4 Battery cables-
check and renewal
1
Caution: If the stereo in your vehicle is
equipped with an anti-theft system, make
sure you have the correct activation code
before disconnecting the battery.
1Periodically inspect the entire length of
each battery cable for damage, cracked or
burned insulation and corrosion. Poor battery
cable connections can cause starting
problems and decreased engine performance.
2Check the cable-to-terminal connections at
the ends of the cables for cracks, loose wire
strands and corrosion. The presence of white,
fluffy deposits under the insulation at the
cable terminal connection is a sign that the
cable is corroded and should be renewed.
Check the terminals for distortion, missing
mounting bolts and corrosion.
3When removing the cables, always
disconnect the negative cable first and hook it
up last or the battery may be shorted by the
tool used to loosen the cable clamps. Even if
only the positive cable is being renewed, be
sure to disconnect the negative cable from
the battery first (see Chapter 1 for further
information regarding battery cable removal).
4Disconnect the cables from the battery,
then trace each of them to their opposite ends
and detach them from the starter solenoid
and earth terminals. Note the routing of each
cable to ensure correct refitting.
5If you are replacing either or both of the old
cables, take them with you when buying new
items. It is vitally important that you replace
the cables with identical parts. Cables have
characteristics that make them easy to
identify: positive cables are usually red, larger
in cross-section and have a larger diameter
battery post clamp; earth cables are usually
black, smaller in cross-section and have a
slightly smaller diameter clamp for the
negative post.
6Clean the threads of the solenoid or earth
connection with a wire brush to remove rust
and corrosion. Apply a light coat of battery
terminal corrosion inhibitor, or petroleum jelly,
to the threads to prevent future corrosion.
7Attach the cable to the solenoid or earth
connection and tighten the mounting nut/bolt
securely.
8Before connecting a new cable to the
battery, make sure that it reaches the battery
post without having to be stretched.
9Connect the positive cable first, followed by
the negative cable.
5 Ignition system- general
information and precautions
1All models are equipped with a computerised
ignition system. The ignition system consists of
the ignition coil, the crankshaft position sensor,
the amplifier and the electronic control unit
(ECU). The ignition ECU controls the ignition
timing and advance characteristics for the
engine. The ignition timing is not adjustable,
therefore, changing the position of the distributor
will not change the timing in any way. Note:In
the event the distributor must be removed from
the engine, be sure to follow the precautions
described in Section 9 and mark the engine and
distributor with paint to ensure correct refitting. If
the distributor is not marked and Ihe crankshaft is
turned while the distributor is out of the engine,
have the distributor installed by a dealer service
department. The distributor must be installed
using a special alignment tool.
2The distributor is driven by the intermediate
shaft which also drives the power steering pump.
The crankshaft position sensor is located on the
front timing cover. It detects crank position by
pulsing an electronic signal to the ECU. This
signal is sent to the ECU to provide ignition
timing specifications.
3The computerised ignition system provides
complete control of the ignition timing by
determining the optimum timing in response to
engine speed, coolant temperature, throttle
position and vacuum pressure in the intake
manifold. These parameters are relayed to the
ECU by the crankshaft position sensor, throttle
potentiometer, coolant temperature sensor and
MAF sensor. Ignition timing is altered during
warm-up, idling and warm running conditions by
the ECU. This electronic ignition system also
consists of the ignition switch, battery, coil,
distributor, spark plug leads and spark plugs.
4Refer to a dealer parts department or car
accessory outlet for any questions concerning
the availability of the distributor parts and
assemblies. Testing the crankshaft position
sensor is covered in Chapter 6.
5When working on the ignition system, take
the following precautions:
a) Do not keep the ignition switch on for
more than 10 seconds if the engine will
not start.
b) Always connect a tachometer in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. Some tachometers may be
incompatible with this ignition system.
Consult a dealer service department
before buying a tachometer for use with
this vehicle.
c) Never allow the ignition coil terminals to
touch earth. Earthing the coil could result
in damage to the igniter and/or the
ignition coil.
d) Do not disconnect the battery when the
engine is running.
6 Ignition system- check
2
Warning: Because of the high
voltage generated by the
ignition system, extreme care
should be taken when working
on the ignition components. This not only
includes the amplifier, coil, distributor and
spark plug leads, but related components
such as connectors, tachometer and other
test equipment also.
1With the ignition switch turned to the “ON”
position, a “Battery” light or an “Oil Pressure”
light is a basic check for ignition and battery
supply to the ECU.
2Check all ignition wiring connections for
tightness, cuts, corrosion or any other signs of a
bad connection.
3Use a calibrated ignition tester to verify
adequate secondary voltage (25,000 volts) at
each spark plug (see illustration). A faulty or
poor connection at that plug could also result in a
misfire. Also, check for carbon deposits inside
the spark plug boot.
4Check for carbon tracking on the coil. If
carbon tracking is evident, renew the coil and be
sure the secondary wires related to that coil are
clean and tight. Excessive wire resistance or
faulty connections could damage the coil.
5Check for battery voltage to the ignition coil
(see illustration). If battery voltage is available,
check the ignition coil primary and secondary
resistance (see Section 8).
6Check the distributor cap for any obvious
signs of carbon tracking, corroded terminals or
cracks (see Chapter 1).
7Using an ohmmeter, check the resistance of
the spark plug leads. Each wire should measure
less than 25,000 ohms.
8Check for battery voltage to the ignition
amplifier (see Section 7). If battery voltage does
not exist, check the circuit from the ignition
switch (refer to the wiring diagrams at the end of
Chapter 12).
5•2 Engine electrical systems
6.3 To use a calibrated ignition tester
(available at most car accessory outlets),
remove a plug lead from a cylinder,
connect the spark plug boot to the tester
and clip the tester to a good earth - if there
is enough voltage to fire the plug, sparks
will be clearly visible between the
electrode tip and the tester body
3261 Jaguar XJ6