Jaguar XK8 / XKR Window Memory Loss

I wanted to quickly add this post as I have just managed to start my Jaguar XK8 after several weeks layup in my garage. However the driver and passenger electric windows have lost their memory due to the battery having lost a lot of charge. In my case due to lack of use of the car but this could also be indicative of a failing battery. If this happens, the windows will retract slightly when a door is opened but won’t shut completely when the door is shut !. This is really frustrating when you come to lock up the car and there is a 1.5 inch gap !! – not great when it’s raining which is often the case here in Scotland therefore I thought I would post up the reset procedure.

Jaguar XK8 / XKR Electric Window Switches

Sitting in the car with the ignition on, press the drivers side window button to the down position and hold until you hear a soft ‘click’. Then press the window button to the up position and hold until the glass has fully sealed at the top of it’s travel and again wait until you hear the soft ‘click’. Repeat the operation with the passenger window.

If you use the car infrequently as I do and as there is a constant drain on the battery of the Jaguar XK8 / XKR, I suggest the use of a battery saver device. If the battery is allowed to fully discharge then there is the risk that the battery will fail completely and not hold power on a recharge. This will even apply to a new battery. This can be frustrating and costly in having to replace the battery.

A quality battery saving device simply attaches to the battery terminals and connects to a mains socket. They will trickle charge your battery and will significantly prolonge the life of it. Also following limied use, your XK8 / XKR will then be ready to burst into life when starting up.

Recommended Jaguar XK8 / XKR parts:

Just in case your battery has failed completely then you will need the size 017 to replace it. Also consider a quality battery saving device. Click Here for our Battery Charger / Conditioner Review.

You may also be interested in our post on the XK8 / XKR key fob programming procedure - Click Here

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Changing front wheel bearing parts on many cars can be a fairly straight forward job but changing the bearing parts on an XK8 / XKR can be challenging and a special tool will be required to do the job. There is nothing complex about the XK8 wheel bearing as such as they are a standard one piece bearing together with 2 circlips that retain the bearing in the housing.

Jaguar XK8 - XKR Front Wheel Bearing Part

ABS Rotor Nut for XK8 XKR Wheel Bearing Removal

The XK8 / XKR bearings are not noted for their longevity with car mileages between 30000 and 40000 miles typically requiring front wheel bearing changes. Indicative signs of worn wheel bearings are the constant drone of the bearings which get worse if you turn the steering wheel and generally the rough feel when driving the car. At the first signs of a worn wheel bearing, they should be changed as soon as possible to avoid additional work (and costs) in the future. One of the first problems to be encountered is the removal of the bottom ball joint which will be tight and often has to be cut off. Removal of the calliper and disc is usually straightforward. However, removal of the ABS rotor nut is required and this requires a special tool (rotor nut socket) to undo it without causing expensive damage. The rotor nut has a series of castellations on it for the wheel speed sensor to pick up. The sensor has to be removed which is also expensive if damaged.

With the hub off the car and suitably retained in a vice, the next challenge is to remove the rotor nut which requires considerable force requiring a very large torsion bar lever to move it. Once the nut is undone, two special circlips need to be removed and then the bearing has to be pressed out of it’s housing. A hydraulic press is best for this and ideally a cradle to secure it. Best use your local auto engineer / garage for help here. Refitting is the reverse of the above, but hopefully now you will have a much quieter XK8 / XKR and overall improved driving feel.

Copywright: XK8 and XKR Parts

In earlier examples of the Jaguar XK8 / XKR, slow or erratic operation of the hood is typically caused by the type of oil used in the hydraulic system. This has a tendency to coagulate and take on the form of marmalade type strands which obviously then will affect the operation of the hood mechanism. Since then, Jaguar changed the oil used in the XK8 / XKR hood mechanism.

To therefore resolve problems with the XK8 / XKR hood operation parts and system in the earlier cars there is a need to drain the system, to then fully strip down the hydraulics, flush through the oil and then replace with the new oil. Ideally the system needs to be flushed 2-3 times to ensure the old oil is fully removed and to ensure the future smooth operation of the hood mechanism system.

The procedure to change the oil should be available in one of the Jaguar forums.

One of the XK8 / XKR tools that may be required is the Allen key supplied with all convertible models and sited in the boot next to the pump. This enables the hood to be hand wound down in the event of complete electrical failure.

The correct fluid to use is Pensoil CHF 11S.

Correct oil for XK8 and XKR convertibles

These custom fit covers have been cleverly designed to fit both Jaguar XK8 and XKR convertibles & coupe models. Ideal if your ‘pride and joy’ like my XK8 is regularly stored in a garage to prevent dust, dirt, sunlight and protect against birds, pets, kids! and those annoying little scuffs & scratches that can so easily happen.

Jaguar XK8 and XKR Dust Cover

Also they are essential to maintain the finish of a car wash / polish. If left exposed especially if there is any damp in the garage, the finish will eventually be lost and potentially a need to start all over again. The cover featured is breathable to allow damp & moisture to escape.

Other features include:

1. fitted door mirror pockets

2. double stitching for strength

3. non-scratch latest generation material in a royal blue colour

4. elasticated front and rear.

5. The fabric is 100% supplied in a strong zipped storage bag, this cover takes up very little space and can be tucked away easily when not in use.

6. Detachable underbody straps are provided for extra security. Keeps your pride & joy away from prying eyes!

7. The fabric will not leave fluff on paintwork or hooding materials, is non-absorbant & non-shrink.

XK8 and XKR Parts

The good news is that XK8 4.2 engines fitted to cars from 2003 onwards are on the whole virtually bullet proof with all the problems associated with the earlier XK8 engines fitted from 1996 to 2002 having being resolved. For earlier XK8 owners like me, there are some serious issues but thankfully all can be resolved.

For cars built before 2003, the main problem areas are Nikasil engines, water pumps and last but not least timing chain tensioners and guides – potentially a costly problem if not checked and if required sorted out. The problem arose prior to 1996 as part of the XK8 parts design process relating to the V8 engines and the objective of reducing weight as much as possible using plastic component parts. This included the timing chain tensioners in particular the secondary chain tensioners.

In the earlier XK8 models, given the stress, heat and wear that this item has to endure sooner or later they can crack and begin to break up allowing chain contact with the metal inner support. This can then potentially lead to the chain slipping by a cog. A grinding nose on start up of a cold engine could be indicative that this has happened in which case the damage will have been done. Worst case scenario (chain slip or snap !) could be severe engine damage and costly engine repairs / engine replacement.

XK8 Upper Tensioner showing cracks and general wear to the plastic parts components.
To add further complications, there are also the lower timing chain tensioners and dampers which are far more inaccessible. These tend to be more reliable as the chain does not ride directly over the lower tensioner. If there is a pronounced rattling noise from the engine then these tensioners need to be replaced as well. Jaguar recognised the above problems and changed the design several times finally using a more conventional steel type of tensioner as fitted to the 4.2 XK8 engine.

High mileage cars may well of had their tensioners replaced but if not then it’s advised to have them checked and if required replaced with the later 4.2 litre type tensioners and guides.

There are two XK8 Parts kit options on the market just now but the key thing is that both should be genuine Jaguar XK8 parts to ensure the highest quality for these critical component parts .

The XK8 Parts kits are:

TOP TENSIONERS / CHAINS SERVICE KIT

Price from £140 to £175 + labour costs

TOP AND BOTTOM TENSIONERS / CHAINS SERVICE KIT

Price from £360 to £395 + labour costs

Additional parts may be required for the job as they can get damaged when removing the cam cover: These are:

Cam cover gasket: Outer Seal, Spark Plug Seals, bolt seals, variable cam sensor sealing ring etc)

It is possible for a reasonably competent amateur to do the job but specialist tools will be required as follows:

Camshaft position setting tool

Sprocket retaining tool

Suitable short Allen key socket

Quality socket set

To Order the latest 4th Generation V8 Timing Chain Parts CONTACT DAVE AT XK8 PARTS

XK8 and XKR Parts