🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

Vanden Plas

Year:

1990

Trim Level:

Vanden Plas

Generation Designation:

XJ40 (Second Generation)

Chassis Code:

XJ40

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Premium luxury sedan, positioned as a high-end offering within the Jaguar XJ range, emphasizing comfort, refinement, and exclusivity.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other luxury sedans of the era such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Cadillac Fleetwood. The Vanden Plas offered a distinct British luxury character.

Key Features:

Extended wheelbase, enhanced interior luxury appointments, refined ride quality, sophisticated styling.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with accurate, factory-level repair and maintenance data, enabling cost savings and proper vehicle upkeep for a classic luxury automobile.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, transmission, drivetrain, chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical system, climate control, bodywork, interior.

Page Count:

Digital (Extensive Content, equivalent to several thousand printed pages)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Online/Digital Access (Web Browser Compatible)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical (4.0L AJ6), Engine Management (EFI), Fuel System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22), Driveshafts, Differentials, Front Suspension (Independent), Rear Suspension (Independent, trailing arm), Steering System (Hydraulic Power), Brake System (ABS), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Component Locations), Climate Control (Air Conditioning), Body & Chassis, Interior Trim, Diagnostic Procedures.

Procedures Included:

Scheduled Maintenance, Routine Inspections, Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures, Component Removal and Installation, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service and Repair, Brake System Service, Suspension and Steering Alignment, Electrical System Diagnosis, HVAC System Repair, Body Panel Repair and Replacement, Interior Component Repair.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks and maintenance schedules to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repair. Includes factory-level detail.

📊 Manual Specifications

Access Method:

Web-based platform accessible via standard internet browser.

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Licensing:

Officially Licensed, OE (Original Equipment) derived information.

Access Duration:

1 Year (with discounts for extended access available).

Device Compatibility:

Compatible with PC, Laptop, Smartphone, and Tablet.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

AJ6

Engine Type:

Inline 6-Cylinder, DOHC

Displacement:

3.980 cc (4.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

94.0 mm x 96.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 221 hp @ 4,800 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 277 lb-ft @ 3,750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91-93 Octane)

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition with Distributor and Coil

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based (Jaguar recommends specific OAT or HOAT for modern replacements, check manual for original spec)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.2 Liters (6.6 US Quarts) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic

Optional Transmission:

Manual transmission was not typically offered on Vanden Plas models of this era.

Transmission Features:

Electronic control, sport/economy modes (depending on specific calibration).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III / Mercon (Check manual for precise OE recommendation or approved equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 Liters (Dry fill, refer to manual for accurate capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2,959 mm (116.5 inches)

Overall Length:

Approximately 4,965 mm (195.5 inches)

Overall Width:

Approximately 1,795 mm (70.7 inches)

Overall Height:

Approximately 1,360 mm (53.5 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified, refer to VIN plate.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120.65 mm (often referred to as 5 x 4.75 inches)

Wheel Size:

Typically 15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels.

Tire Size Front:

Typically 205/70VR15 or 205/60VR16

Tire Size Rear:

Typically 205/70VR15 or 205/60VR16

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

NHTSA and IIHS ratings from this era are not directly comparable to modern standards. Focus is on passive safety features of the time.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Passive Safety Features:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), crumple zones, safety-designed cabin structure, seatbelt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Period-appropriate premium audio system (often Jaguar branded or equivalent), cassette player, optional CD player. Analog climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, ABS.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB).

Headlight Type:

Halogen sealed beam or composite headlights.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact Jaguar recommendation for 1990.

Transmission Service Interval:

Check fluid and filter every 24,000 miles or 24 months. Consider fluid flush/replacement at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 60,000 miles).

Coolant Replacement Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles for conventional coolant. Long-life coolant intervals vary.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Typically 30,000-50,000 miles for standard spark plugs, consult manual for specific type used.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for specific Jaguar recommendation)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron II/III or specific Jaguar fluid (Check manual)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.5 Liters (11.1 US Quarts)

Known Issues:

Nikasil bore liners (pre-1992 models can be prone to wear with poor maintenance, though less common on 4.0L), head gasket leaks, electrical gremlins (especially Lucas components), heater matrix issues, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), ABS sensor failures, rust (especially on wheel arches, sills).

Common Repairs:

Replacement of various rubber bushings and suspension links, cooling system component replacement (thermostat, radiator hoses), fuel injector service, ABS system diagnosis and repair, electrical connector cleaning and repair.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Jaguar has a long and storied history of producing luxurious, performance-oriented vehicles, dating back to the 1930s. Known for elegance, refinement, and sporting pedigree.

Model Evolution:

The XJ40 generation replaced the XJ-S. The Vanden Plas represented the pinnacle of luxury within the XJ40 lineup, featuring an extended wheelbase and heightened interior appointments, building upon the 'Vanden Plas' historical designation for ultra-luxury Jaguars.

Production Period:

1986-1994 (XJ40 generation)

Production Location:

Coventry, England, United Kingdom.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1990 Vanden Plas are not prominently documented, the XJ40 generation was generally well-received for its blend of luxury, performance, and refinement in its class.

Ratings:

Subjective reviews from period automotive publications praised its ride quality and interior comfort, often citing it as a true luxury cruiser.