Jaguar Computer fault

Honest John Back Room » The Back Room Archive
View Threaded
Mon 26 Mar 2001 20:58
Jaguar Computer fault - richard turpin
I have just bought a 3.6 jaguar sovereign, D registration, 113000 miles. The computer says that there is "Brake Falure" for the first 10 minutes of a trip and then goes out. The brakes are fine, even under heavy repeated application. Also the computer says "Bulb Falure" every time I apply the brake and then goes out till next braking. Both bulbs are the same wattage (21) and look the same brightness to the naked eye.
Does anyone have any ideas? Are the faults connected? The rest of the computer seems to work OK.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 27 Mar 2001 09:34
Re: Jaguar Computer fault - Cliff Pope
Is it actually a 'computer' or just a resistance-sensing device like the thing Volvos have had for years?
Erratic 'bulb failure' displays can occur for no particular reason, but sometimes in my experience from an old bulb that is on its way out but still working. Perhaps they develop a higher resistance as they age, and this can trigger the detector?
This may be irrelevant to your problem though.
Cliff Pope
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 27 Mar 2001 16:28
Re: Jaguar Computer fault - Dave N
Sorry to say all the faults are connected, to a 'D' reg jag! You are probably about to find out why Jag's had such a bad reputation for reliability. It wasn't the major components that failed, but all the niggly little things like electrics.

Have a word with some of the Jag specialists, but be careful if you poke about with a meter or jumper wires to try and find where the fault is, as you can inadvertantly blow up one of the numerous ecu's that they had (engine, a/c, cruise and ABS).
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 27 Mar 2001 20:33
Re: Jaguar Computer fault - richard turpin
Thanks Cliff and Dave. At £750 with MOT and 2 months tax I'll have to lump it. Just cover the relevant bit of the dash with tape and enjoy the CD player in the cool aircon inside (It's very cold) with cruise on. If I pass a shopwindow i can look at the 5 spoke alloys if I get bored.
It may be good value at the price for a year's motoring but you are right, it's not a german or sweedish car. Although it still looks OK, there is rot starting everywhere including the boot, under carpets and in the engine bay. Also the steering rack bushes are going so it wanders a bit! The leather and wood is still nice though.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link