Positioning:
Premium luxury sedan of its era, offering refined comfort and performance. This manual caters to owners who wish to maintain or repair their vehicles to factory standards.
Competitors:
Competed against other luxury sedans of the mid-1990s, such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, and Cadillac DeVille.
Vehicle Highlights:
Long wheelbase, opulent interior appointments, refined ride quality, powerful yet smooth engine.
Value:
Provides licensed, OE-derived information for DIY repairs, saving money compared to dealership service. Offers convenience and accessibility over traditional printed manuals.
Major Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical, HVAC, Body, Interior
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (Online Access)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics, emissions control
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (likely ZF 4HP22 or similar), fluid service, diagnostics, component overhaul
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, half-shafts, axle bearings
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, power steering system, steering rack
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics, brake fluid service
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, power windows, power seats, central locking
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant service, component replacement
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, trim
Body Interior:
Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpeting, trim pieces
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for various systems
Repair Overhaul:
Component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for major vehicle systems
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and diagnostic procedures, suitable for experienced DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement:
3980 cc (4.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 245 hp @ 4750 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 284 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.2 US Quarts (6.8 Liters)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SJ/CF
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.0 US Quarts (9.5 Liters)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (Jaguar recommend).
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (likely ZF 4HP22 EH)
Transmission Type:
N/A (Standard for Vanden Plas)
Shift Modes:
Standard Drive, Sport Mode (may vary by specific transmission variant)
Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 US Quarts (9.9 Liters) (pan drop and filter change)
Length:
Approx. 197.8 inches (5024 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 115.3 inches (2930 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4050 lbs (1837 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4750 lbs (2155 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not specified/recommended for towing.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year and trim. Jaguar vehicles of this era generally focused on structural integrity.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (likely on higher trims or as an option)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all seating positions
Audio System:
Premium sound system, likely with cassette player and AM/FM radio. CD player may have been an option.
Display:
Analog gauges, basic climate controls. No integrated navigation or color displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were not standard or widely available for this era.
Phone Integration:
N/A (No Bluetooth or smartphone integration)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Coolant Flush Replace:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 miles or 48 months.
Power Steering Fluid:
Jaguar specified Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Failures:
Headliner sagging, blower motor resistor failure, coolant leaks (especially hose connections), air suspension issues (if equipped), minor electrical gremlins, door seal degradation.
Common Repairs:
Water pump replacement, thermostat housing gasket, rear main seal leak, transmission cooler line leaks.
Heritage:
Jaguar Cars, a British marque known for its luxury, performance, and distinctive styling, has a long history dating back to the 1920s.
Predecessor:
The Vanden Plas variant is an evolution of the Jaguar XJ (XJ40) platform, representing the most luxurious and prestigious offering within the XJ range.
Production Years:
The XJ40 platform, including the Vanden Plas, was produced from 1986 to 1994. The 1996 model likely refers to a specific market or a carry-over model based on the final XJ40 derivatives before the X300/X308 generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
