🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ8

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

X308

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (X308) represented the pinnacle of Jaguar's luxury sedan offering, competing with German and American luxury marques.

Competitors:

BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Audi A8.

Vehicle Highlights:

Refined styling, V8 engine smoothness, luxurious interior, advanced for its time features.

Utility:

Essential for maintaining the performance, reliability, and longevity of this sophisticated luxury vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the 1998 Jaguar XJ8.

Specific Systems:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, HVAC, Electrical System, Bodywork, Interior.

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for V8 engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, timing chain, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics, performance tuning.

Transmission Automatic:

ZF 5HP24 transmission repair, maintenance, fluid changes, torque converter, valve body diagnostics.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension component replacement (wishbones, shock absorbers, springs), power steering system service, steering column adjustments.

Brake System:

Front and rear disc brake service, ABS system diagnostics and repair, brake fluid replacement, parking brake adjustments.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery service, lighting system, power windows, central locking, fuse and relay locations.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, climate control module diagnostics.

Body And Interior:

Panel replacement, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, trim removal and installation, glass replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, differential fluid change.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing major components like alternators, starters, radiators, fuel pumps, suspension arms, brake calipers.

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, and assembly procedures for complete engine overhauls.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Testing procedures for sensors, actuators, ECUs, and wiring harnesses using multimeters and diagnostic tools.

Depth:

In-depth, factory-level technical information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagrams:

Includes detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, exploded views, and torque specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for professional printing of specific sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

AJ26 (later AJ27 in late 1998 models)

Engine Type:

3.2L or 4.0L DOHC V8

Displacement 3.2L:

3248 cc

Displacement 4.0L:

3996 cc

Horsepower:

290 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

290 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Horsepower:

240 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:

284 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Timing Mechanism:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) with timing chains

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP24)

Optional Transmissions:

None (5-speed automatic was standard across all XJ8 models)

Gear Ratios 4.0L:

3.08:1 (Rear Axle Ratio)

Transmission Fluid:

Mercon V / JLM 20011

📐 Dimensions

Length:

197.0 inches (5004 mm)

Width:

71.0 inches (1803 mm)

Height:

53.3 inches (1354 mm)

Wheelbase:

118.5 inches (3010 mm)

Curb Weight:

approx. 3900-4100 lbs (1769-1860 kg)

Trunk Volume:

15.4 cubic feet (436 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Not rated for this specific year/model in a comprehensive manner by NHTSA, but equipped with modern safety features for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

Body Construction:

Reinforced safety cage construction

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems, often with CD changer capability.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control with dual-zone functionality.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated cellular phone system (may be dated by modern standards).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles or as per specific vehicle history.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SJ or higher, ACEA A3/B3)

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene Glycol based, Jaguar specification JLM 2097

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Timing Chain Tensioners:

Early AJ26 V8 engines (pre-1998 and some early 1998) were prone to timing chain tensioner failure (plastic guides breaking). This is a critical repair and should be addressed if not already updated.

Nikasil Cylinder Liners:

Some early AJ26 engines (especially those in the US market with less than ideal fuel quality) could suffer from Nikasil liner degradation. Later engines (post-1998) typically used aluminum liners. The manual provides diagnostic procedures.

Jts Seized Bolts:

Corrosion can cause exhaust manifold bolts and other fasteners to seize. The manual will detail methods for removal.

Transmission Leaks:

Common areas for leaks include the transmission cooler lines and seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Jaguar Legacy:

Jaguar Cars has a long-standing reputation for producing elegant, powerful, and luxurious sporting sedans and grand tourers.

Xj Series Heritage:

The XJ series has been Jaguar's flagship sedan for decades, evolving through various generations, with the X308 representing a significant update to the X300 platform.

Production Period X308:

1997-2003

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

Updates:

Late 1998 models often received the AJ27 engine (a minor revision of the AJ26), with slight power increases and improved reliability.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The XJ8 series was generally well-received for its blend of performance, luxury, and classic styling, though early V8 reliability concerns were noted in some publications.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports often rated the XJ series with mixed reliability scores, particularly noting issues related to early V8 engine components and certain electrical systems. This manual is crucial for addressing these potential problems.