Non starting XK8 - advice on jump starting
Discussion
I have a 2000 XK8 which has sat undriven for 2 weeks. Just tried to start it and I get nothing. Car has recently had a full service and was running well up until now.
The dashboard cycles through the start-up sequence as normal and there are no warning messages on the dash. Radio and ventilation system still work so I assume the battery isn't completely dead.
Will try jump starting it this evening. I have heavy duty cables - is there anything else I need to watch out for when jump starting an XK8? I know the electrical systems can be flakey on these cars and I don't want to do any damage.
The dashboard cycles through the start-up sequence as normal and there are no warning messages on the dash. Radio and ventilation system still work so I assume the battery isn't completely dead.
Will try jump starting it this evening. I have heavy duty cables - is there anything else I need to watch out for when jump starting an XK8? I know the electrical systems can be flakey on these cars and I don't want to do any damage.
When you say you get nothing, do you mean when you turn the key against the spring there is not even a click? Or do you mean it cranks but doesn't fire? Have you tried putting your foot on the brake and moving the lever into neutral and back and trying again?
I personally avoid jump starting anything with delicate electronics but prefer to charge the battery instead.
Ian
I personally avoid jump starting anything with delicate electronics but prefer to charge the battery instead.
Ian
Orcadian said:
When you say you get nothing, do you mean when you turn the key against the spring there is not even a click? Or do you mean it cranks but doesn't fire? Have you tried putting your foot on the brake and moving the lever into neutral and back and trying again?
I personally avoid jump starting anything with delicate electronics but prefer to charge the battery instead.
Ian
Just a click, no sound from the starter motor. I personally avoid jump starting anything with delicate electronics but prefer to charge the battery instead.
Ian
Haven't tried shifting into neutral and back - not even sure if the box will let me shift out of Park without the engine running. Will try that later.
How do you charge the battery without jump starting? Do you mean using one of those mains charger packs?
With the ignition on and your foot on the brake you can select any gear and start in neutral or park.
To charge the battery you can use either the terminals under the bonnet ( covered with rubbers, one either side of bay in front of plastic covers at rear of bay) or directly in the boot on the battery terminals. Yes, with a normal battery charger left until almost no current is flowing is IMO the best way. Any high current method, jump starting or power packs can cause problems.
Ian
To charge the battery you can use either the terminals under the bonnet ( covered with rubbers, one either side of bay in front of plastic covers at rear of bay) or directly in the boot on the battery terminals. Yes, with a normal battery charger left until almost no current is flowing is IMO the best way. Any high current method, jump starting or power packs can cause problems.
Ian
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