XJ 40 starting problem.

Mar 24, 2005 4 Replies

Can anyone help. My 1994 4.0 XJ40 Sovereign has developed a slight problem on starting first thing in the morning. The starter engages, everything is fine but the engine does not fire up until the instant I release the key back to the on position. It used to start after about one second with the key engaged at the start position (as normal). It only does this first thing in the morning. After that it starts like any normal car. The only potential clue is that I have a Fuel Fail 14 code (coolant temp sensor out of range) which I intend checking this weekend. Also I have seen that there may be two feeds to the coil to decrease the voltage to the coil when running compared to when starting. Are these likely to be possible causes or is it something else?



Cheers



Paul


Replace sensor and then check back. Probably not sensing the need to choke. (cold)

Blake

Thank you. I shall give it a try.

Regards

Paul

I had the same problem which turned out to be spark flashover (to the + terminal) at the coil ht lead on moist mornings. I put some silicone in the boot (as opposed to new wires) to fix it, but the real problem was plugs that had never been changed (120K miles) and had a gap that twice what it should have been. Spray water mist from a spray bottle onto the coil when the car is running to test for this.

-jk

I forgot: Check your distributor cap to see if the carbon button is still there.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required