The last couple of months I have had to start my car twice. The first key turn it will not turnover but it does on the second. The other day I tried to start it and it just would rotate but not turnover. I don't know if this has anything to do with it but my Battery gauge was fluttering at the below twelve range while driving but the car ran without fail. I have checked the battery and it is fully charged. Before it stopped starting the gauge popped back into normal range. Now I get a dead sound as if the battery is dead but the shop checked and it is completely charged. Please help if possible.

Eddie S

Submitted by vackels@isp.com on Thu, 08/09/2007 - 14:47

I suspect the problem is at the starter solenoid. On my XJ12, the connection to the solenoid is shared with the alternator and battery cable. A previous owner made a repair in the area and removed a heat shield above the catalytic convertor, causing excessive heat/corrosion at the main terminal. The resulting loose connection caused inconsistant charging of the battery, and intermittant starting. Recommend you replace the starter if there is heat damage.
Replacing the starter is not easy and requires moving the engine to gain access to the two bolts that hold it to the bell housing, and requires disconnecting the exhaust from the manifold. All work should be done on a lift to gain access. Hopefully an XJ6 is easier.
Good luck.
Vern Ackels
1996 XJ12 X300 Owner
It Purrs!

Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Wed, 08/08/2007 - 13:29

other simple checks:

5) the Cable to the Starter - a loose or corroded cable connection at the Starter can cause a lot of strange symptoms. This must be checked from below with the car on a lift.

6) a loose or corroded Ground Strap, usually from the engine/transmission to the chassis, can cause strange symptoms. Again, from below the car on a lift.

7) dirty/loose Battery cables at the battery Posts or their counterparts at the chassis, like the Ground (Black) cable.

Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Wed, 08/08/2007 - 13:16

what year and model?

not knowing the above info., but since all cars start/crank on the same principles, and the Battery, Alternator, and Alternator Belt tightness have been eliminated as the problem, then I would check:

3) the Starter Solenoid. Contained within the Starter itself if the car is a modern Jaguar, might require a Starter replacement, in which case you can get one of the new generation of Starters for less money than the original part. >> Related check: the Start-Lock Relay.

4) the Ignition Switch. If a Series 3 XJ-6, (1980-1987), this is a known issue after a certain mileage. Replace the ignition switch or rebuild the old one for a few years of additional service. Works in tandem with the Start-Lock Relay and the Starter Solenoid.