Hi, I have a 91' xjs 12 cyl that cranks and cranks but won't start. The fuel pump is working and getting juice but there's no spark at the other end. I've cleaned off corrsion at the wire that go to the starting coil which worked for a while but now it's back and less fixable it seems. There is also a slow drain on the battery (maybe from an improperly removed alarm?) that I haven't traced down yet. I'm not sure if there is any relationship. Does any of this ring a bell? The enging cranks but gets no spark. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Charlie
This is my first time reading/posting to this group - I'm usually farting around on ramva - old vw's.
I've just returned to Toronto (cold) after 23 years in the orient. My brother's just loaned me his old 1990 XJ6, and I seem to have the same "crank & crank & crank & no start" problem.
It ran fine last week, had a coupla slow starts one day and fired up perfectly afterward each time, but after that, and now, won't start at all.
I'm not used to working on such modern - hahaha - cars. I'm an excellent mechanic, but have no experience on injectors/computerized engines, etc. although I do a lot of work on PC's and real time instrument interfaces to them.
I read the manual and the XJ6 has a similar crankshaft sensor, and there does not seem to be an ECU failure code available for it.
I suppose it's located at the front - what - half way up the RHS of the - what's that coggy wheel in the diagram - a timing drive pulley?
I'll check it in the morning.
What's the easy/safe way to check for fuel available at the injectors?
Can I just stick a spare plug on a wire to see if there's a spark, as I usually do?
Thanks for any advice - I'll be a Jaguar mechanic by the weekend.
My mistake - it's actually a 1990 Sovereign. Is there much of a difference, other than the spelling?
Checked the spark - it's okay. Ran it for a few seconds on the quickstart spray can stuff, so I know it works, but it wouldn't run on it's own. We're charging the battery back up overnight, and I will throw some gas conditioner (methanol?) in the tank. when the battery's good I'll see if the gas is there at the fuel rail, and if not check the pump.
If I could get the car inside overnight somewhere it'd probably start and run okay - darn cold weather!
I've located the fuel pump - underside of vehicle under the rear left seat - but I have no idea where that crank position sensor is. I've looked everywhere that I can see from below under the front of the engine.
Can you tell me where/how to find it? I don't think I need to touch it this time, but maybe next time . . . ?
My brother says he's going to keep this thing till it dies, so I better get a manual for it.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.