I have a '99 XJ8 with 286,000 miles on it (poor old thing), and I keep getting alternating warning messages "Stability Control Failure" and Failsafe Engine Mode" along with an amber light. I hate taking it to the dealer only to have my wallet emptied, so I would appreciate any info you could offer as to the possible cause of the messages so I can avoid being taken again. Also, can anyone recommend an honest and reliable mechanic anywhere in the East Bay or Sacramento areas? In addition, does anyone know why headlights would keep going out? Just as I replace one, the other goes out.

Thanks for your assistance.
AP

Submitted by c5cruiser@hotm… on Wed, 02/02/2011 - 21:13

I just posted (hopefuly my last post) regsrding the "stability control issue on my XJ8.
It was my wheel sensonrs causing the problem. I took the wheels off, removed the sensors, washed them with Dawn dish washing soap, dryed them and reinstalled them and the problem hasn't returned.

Here are my link regarding this and the links where I got the information.
http://jcna.com/forums/view.php?Vref=JCNA&Vfnum=170&Vthread=6377

http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/jaguar/jaguar_xj8/8120075-1.html
http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37434

Let me know if that helps.

Steve

Submitted by vogelbp@gmail.com on Tue, 02/01/2011 - 22:54

Allison,

As I've said to several others on recent "related threads" here, you really do need to have a CAN/OBD-II reader to have even a vague chance of self-diagnosing what might be causing your issues that trigger warning messages. Even if you don't have a clue as to what they mean yourself, it's amazing how much more seriously you'll be taken if you go to any garage and are able to tell them what DTCs have been being thrown by the car.

Can't help with the headlights.

Here are two shops about which I've received very good feedback on another British car forum:

Acme Car Service ÔÇô George & Carlen Colgett - http://www.acmecar.com/
1015 Grove Way
Hayward, CA 94541
Phone: (510) 582-6800 or, in CA Only, (800) 404-ROLLS
Contact [e-mail] page: http://www.acmecar.com/contact.html

British Car Service ÔÇô Dan Kelly
2541-D Tower Ave
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 489-5361

Good Luck