Car has been inspected for leaks and fault codes at the Jaguar dealer and no issues found. The problem is only with the rear air shocks as the car "droops" after sitting for 2-3 hours or more and when I press unlock on the key fob I hear a "swish" and the back end comes up to proper height. No problems driving, only after sitting or parked on a an incline. It seems to me that it must be an electrical issue such as a sensor, but the dealer seems puzzled. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Scott

1997 Jaguar XK8 Convertible

Submitted by vineyardman68@… on Thu, 09/26/2013 - 23:28

Scott,
I'm glad you are on top of the issue and that you know about Arnott. If you deside to replace the rear air shocks, it's a simple issue that you alone can do, or with the help of a friend.

Keep us posted on the issue for the information is priceless. As a side note, my right rear shock was a problem (Very loud banging noise as if the shock portion of the unit had come loose internally) going over any pothole or what ever) and thus my contact with Arnott. For some reason, the shock has corrected itself and I have not had the problem for months now.

Cheers

Garfield

Submitted by smose2400@sbcg… on Thu, 09/26/2013 - 15:03

Edited on 2013-09-26 15:05:18
Garfield,

Thanks for your input. The rebuilt shock I got replaced under warranty was from Arnott. I am aware of the notes in the driver's handbook, but the rear drooping is more extensive than one would expect. When I start the car I see the front also rise a tad, but the rear end is down over the top of the tire which is not normal as I have discussed this with the Jaguar dealer mechanic.

Best,

Scott

Submitted by vineyardman68@… on Wed, 09/25/2013 - 20:14

Part two:
If by chance you do have a problem with the air ride system, before you spend bushels of money at a dealer, check out this company.
From all information I can find, their products are top notch, and no, I don't have an interest in the company.

ARNOTT.com

Submitted by vineyardman68@… on Wed, 09/25/2013 - 20:02

I've read this thread with interest, because I too have an XJ8, although it is the "L" model and the year is 2005, but I doubt that the air suspension has changed much, if at all between the two years mentioned.

Although you have been advised to check this or that, change this or that, I wonder if you have read the section of your owners manual under [Suspension].

In my manual, it makes a point about the air suspension and how it operates, specifically the way the suspension operates under normal conditions, I quote from the manual:
"A slight air loss is expected over time causing the vehicle to lower, so do not store or place anything under the vehicle if it is to be left for an extended period." It goes on to say:
"Changes in ambient temperature will also have an effect on vehicle height when the vehicle is parked."

With my car, after it has been parked for a week or so, when I first start the car, I watch the car rise, indicating to me that the system is working correctly.

Replacing parts, chasing a problem can be expensive. Reading a little bit often explains and releaves ones mind.

IMHO

Submitted by smose2400@sbcg… on Mon, 09/23/2013 - 14:15

***UPDATE ***

I have been watching the car closely the past few days and find that the problem is intermittent. For example, after sitting in the garage overnight the height stance this
morning looked normal.

Scott

Submitted by helicoptorman@… on Sun, 09/22/2013 - 23:29

Scott thanks for responding. I'm interested in how things go with the 2004 xj. I was looking at a silver one today w/ 90 somthing thousand miles w/ perfect interion. I'm hoping to get it for under $9,000. But I have also seen a 1997 xk8 convert. for around $6,000. So as u can see I'm on the fence. Thanks for your insight.

Submitted by smose2400@sbcg… on Sat, 09/21/2013 - 21:07

John,

Thanks for your thoughts. I purchased the car about 3 months ago and left rear shock had been replaced by the former owner's shop last October. He had driven only about 500 miles before I purchased the car. It was siting in his garage for sale. I got that part replaced under warranty paying only the labor to install. I think I had 2 problems - the LR replacement shock was bad - and this other issue of drooping down 2-2 1/2 inches after sitting. Speaking to the 30-year mechanic at the Jaguar dealer that did my work, he says it must be a subtle leak somewhere in system. However, no fault codes. He suggests driving 3-4 more weeks and hoping we get a code.

I bought my 1997 Jaguar XK8 Convertible in 2008 with 58,000 miles. I am now at 102,000
miles and the car has been great! I carefully service my cars so I have very few issues. Only thing I notice is that it does use some oil depending upon driving conditions. More in the mountains and less on regular freeway driving. I run full synthetic 5W-30 motor oil and change it and he filter every 3,000-4,000 miles. New air filter every 10,000 miles.

This has been and probably will always be my favorite among the 8 Jaguars I have owned over the years. I suggest you have a trained mechanic inspect and drive the car, as I did, before buying.

Best,

Scott

Submitted by helicoptorman@… on Sat, 09/21/2013 - 11:54

Oh Scott, PS. When the system's integraty has not been compromised it will hold air in it. the sensors should not have to kick on . You may have a point. But, I think that is after you find out why it's drooping in the first place. The leak my be very very subtle. But you have a leak. could be in the lines,the compressor,the airbags. If it were me the first thing I would do is check out the rear airbags. Remove them and do the soapy water test like a tire for a nail.....good luck.

Submitted by helicoptorman@… on Sat, 09/21/2013 - 11:45

Hi scott, My exper. w/ air scock systems is that when they droop the system is deflating. so you have a leak. I would change the rear shocks(air bags) I realy like the 2004 xj8. But , this seems to be the acillies heal. go on you tube ( enter 2004 xj8 air shocks) and you can see some realy good videos on how to replace them or how to install struts and get rid of the problem for good. NOTE: if you keep reliying on the compresser to pump up the suspension , youll burn it out then you'll need to replace that and the airbages. BIG BUCKS This was a big issue with the lincoln town cars. remember that jag is a ford product....