🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ Series (X308)

Model Line:

XJ

Generation:

X308

Years Covered By Manual:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Chassis Code:

X308

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Appeal:

Comfort, refined ride, potent V8 engines, classic British luxury styling

Benefit To Owner:

Cost savings on maintenance and repairs, empowerment for DIY tasks, comprehensive technical knowledge

Convenience:

Instant download, accessible on multiple devices, no wear and tear compared to physical manuals

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific number not stated, but implied extensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine Service/Repair, Engine Control System

Engine Management:

Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System

Transmission:

Transmission Service/Repair

Drivetrain:

Differential/Drive, Axle

Brakes:

Brake System

Steering:

Steering

Suspension:

Suspension

Cooling System:

Cooling System

Heating And Ac:

Heater/Air Conditioner

Electrical System:

Electrical System, Wiring Diagram

Body And Chassis:

Chassis/Body, Interior

Restraint Systems:

Restraint System

Maintenance Procedures:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements

Repair Procedures:

Component Disassembly and Reassembly, System Overhauls

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Diagnostic Steps, Fault Finding

Depth:

Comprehensive, Step-by-step instructions with photos and illustrations

Target Audience:

Do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

All Windows Versions, Mac OS, Web Browser Access (PC, Smartphone, Tablet)

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free)

Printability:

Printable (entire manual or specific pages)

Binding:

Digital (PDF) - no physical binding

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Jaguar AJ-V8

Engine Codes Common:

AJ26, AJ27 (V8 variants)

Displacement Options:

4.0 Liters (naturally aspirated and supercharged), 3.2 Liters (naturally aspirated)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 240 hp to 370 hp depending on engine and configuration

Torque Range:

Approximately 284 lb-ft to 385 lb-ft depending on engine and configuration

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Automatic

Transmission Model Standard:

ZF 5HP24

Transmission Type Optional:

None for X308 in this era

Transmission Features:

Adaptive Shift Control, Sport Mode (on some variants)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Jaguar recommends JLM 20742 or equivalent (e.g., ZF Lifeguardfluid 5, Dexron III H, Mercon V compatible fluid)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

118.5 inches (3010 mm)

Overall Length:

197.7 inches (5022 mm)

Overall Width:

70.8 inches (1798 mm)

Overall Height:

53.3 inches (1354 mm)

Curb Weight Approximate:

3,800 - 4,100 lbs (1724 - 1860 kg) depending on engine and trim

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Information:

Limited official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this era, but generally considered safe for its time. Focus on passive safety features.

Active Safety Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control (TCS) on some models

Passive Safety Features:

Front Airbags, Side Airbags (optional on some models), Crumple Zones, Seatbelt Pre-tensioners

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional premium audio systems (e.g., Alpine, Harman Kardon), cassette player, CD changer (optional), basic climate control with manual or automatic options.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise Control, parking sensors (rear, optional on later models).

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards. Typically includes analog connections for external audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific engine and oil type)

Major Service Intervals:

Spark plug replacement (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type), coolant flush (e.g., every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years)

Engine Oil Type Standard:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic (API SJ/SL or ACEA A2/A3)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 7.7 US quarts (7.3 Liters) for 4.0L V8, 6.6 US quarts (6.2 Liters) for 3.2L V8 (check manual for precise capacity)

Coolant Type:

Jaguar recommends a long-life OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically blue or green, or equivalent meeting Jaguar specification JLM 209702

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Problems:

Nikasil cylinder liner issues (early AJ-V8 engines, primarily 1997-1999 models), timing chain tensioner wear, coolant leaks from plastic components (thermostat housing, water pump), ABS sensor failures, headliner sag, transmission control module issues.

Maintenance Recommendations For Known Issues:

Regular inspection of coolant hoses and thermostat housing, use of correct coolant, proactive replacement of timing chain tensioners and guides on higher mileage examples, checking for oil in the spark plug wells (valve cover gasket leaks).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for producing luxurious, performance-oriented grand tourers and sedans with distinctive styling and engineering.

Predecessor:

Jaguar XJ40

Successor:

Jaguar X350 (XJ Series)

Key Changes From Predecessor:

Introduction of the V8 engine, updated styling (especially front and rear lights, grille), improved interior ergonomics and materials.

Production Period:

1997-2003

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

While specific awards for the X308 are less commonly cited than its predecessors or successors, the XJ series generally received praise for its ride comfort, refinement, and V8 engine performance.