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Stopping the "Big Cats" from EnglandPosted 4/15/1998By Rich Cregar
There are at least two statements with which most "motorheads" can agree: 1) Jaguar never built an ugly car; and 2) Jaguar never built a reliable car. Because Jaguars are so handsome with high resale value, and because they have a really obnoxious Vehicle Condition Monitor (VCM) that flashes bright warnings in the instrument cluster and is very hard to ignore, they will keep coming in for repair. Actually, any tech who works on Jags should be pleased to do so, as they provide job security! One aspect of Jag engineering, the high pressure hydraulic system, is the cause of many problems. Hydraulic assist is used for brake boost and self-leveling of the rear suspension. It is found in the XJ-6 (40) series sedans for 1988 and 1989. Ride leveling suspension was still used through 1992, but the brake boost system was replaced in 1990 by a Teves Modular Brake/ABS system. In 1992, Jaguar reverted to conventional spring and shock rear suspension and the hydraulic system was history. One of the most common failures of this hydraulic system is that it simply runs out of fluid. The fluid reservoir is located in the right front corner of the engine compartment and its design will confound and confuse any sane person who might venture under the hood. To paraphrase an old saying, "It makes sense only to Mad Dogs and Englishmen!" Low fluid level will cause both a "Low Brake Pressure" warning and an "ABS Failure" warning on the VCM display. Common sense would dictate the use of a reservoir float to monitor fluid level, which would set a "Low Fluid" warning symbol, but that is much too sensible! Is Jaguar just trying to scare owners back to the dealer for service with "Low Pressure" and "ABS failure" warnings? The fluid level can only be determined by observing the plastic bubble on top of the green reservoir. If the red ball is visible, then the system is low on fluid. A gambling man would wager that if you pulled 10 of these cars into your shop, you'd find the red ball showing on seven or eight of them. Of course, the scholars at Jaguar engineering didn't want the great unwashed masses of independent techs and Jaguar do-it-yourself owners to be able to put the wrong fluid into this system so they designed a reservoir that could only be filled with a syringe-type applicator. To service this system, you'll need one of these applicators, which are made by Girling. They come with 500 ml of mineral oil and can be purchased wherever Jaguar parts are sold. Insert the syringe onto the reservoir fitting and twist-lock it into place. Squeeze in fluid until the red ball disappears. Run the engine, pump the brakes several times and then wait 10 minutes for any bubbles to rise out of the fluid. Check again for the red ball and refill, if needed. An empty applicator bottle can be refilled with any approved type of 5966 mineral oil such as Lucas or Pentosin CHF fluid. To service the hydraulic system or to replace a leaky pressure switch, depressurize the system by pumping the brake pedal repeatedly 20 times before loosening any lines or fittings. For assistance working on these beautiful but cantankerous Big Cats from across the pond, don't hesitate to tap into our many years of hands-on Jag experience and extensive knowledge base here at AutoLine Telediagnosis.
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