🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ8

Year:

1998

Product Type:

Repair Manual

Vin Code Prefix:

SAJ

Generation Designation:

X308

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops specializing in luxury vehicles.

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Highlights:

Elegant styling, powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior, refined ride quality, rear-wheel drive.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive technical information essential for maintaining and repairing the 1998 Jaguar XJ8, saving owners significant costs compared to dealership servicing.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Body and Trim, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Climate Control, Electrical System, Lighting, Body Panels, Interior Components

Additional Coverage:

Specifications for Wheel Alignment, Torque Wrench Settings for critical fasteners, Lubrication Charts.

Estimated Page Count:

~1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

AJ26 4.0L V8 Engine, Variable Valve Timing (VVT), Ignition System, Fuel Injection System, Engine Mechanical Components, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Emission Control Systems

Transmission Systems:

ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic Transmission, Gearbox Controls, Hydraulic System, Electrical Connections

Electrical Systems:

Wiring Diagrams, Fuses and Relays, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting Circuits, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Climate Control Electronics, Power Accessories, Diagnostic Connectors (OBD-II)

Suspension And Steering:

Front and Rear Independent Suspension, Power Rack and Pinion Steering, Self-Leveling Suspension (optional), Anti-roll Bars.

Braking System Details:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs; ABS system components and diagnostics.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Air Filter Replacement, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Belt Inspections and Replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine Component Overhaul, Transmission Removal and Installation, Suspension Component Replacement (Bushings, Ball Joints, Shocks), Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement, Steering Rack Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Alignment

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Fuel Trim Analysis, Ignition Timing Diagnosis, System Performance Checks

Bodywork Procedures:

Panel alignment, rust repair techniques, bumper repair/replacement, door and trunk seal replacement.

Interior Trim Procedures:

Seat removal and repair, headliner replacement, dashboard removal and reassembly, interior panel fitting.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Includes detailed exploded views, wiring schematics, and step-by-step procedure illustrations.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Extensive troubleshooting trees for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear diagrams, and searchable text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

AJ26

Engine Type:

4.0L Naturally Aspirated V8

Bore X Stroke:

86 mm x 86 mm

Displacement:

3996 cc

Compression Ratio:

10.1:1

Horsepower:

290 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

290 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Engine Control Module:

Jaguar (specific module designation typically found in manual)

Variable Valve Timing:

Jaguar Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, controlled by the ECM.

Timing Mechanism:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), Four Valves Per Cylinder, Timing Chain

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Modes:

Sport Mode, Winter Mode

Transmission Fluid Type:

JAGUAR LT 71141 (or equivalent approved fluid)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

~8.5 Liters (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

118.2 inches (3002 mm)

Overall Length:

197.6 inches (5019 mm)

Overall Width:

71.6 inches (1819 mm)

Overall Height:

53.7 inches (1364 mm)

Curb Weight:

~4000-4200 lbs (depending on trim)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5000 lbs

Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:

5x120.65 mm

Standard Tire Size:

225/60R16 (Base Models), 225/55R17 (Sport/Luxury Models)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

N/A (Vehicle safety ratings for this era often not directly comparable to modern standards)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Optional Side Airbags

Restraints:

Three-point Seatbelts with Pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced Safety Cell, Crumple Zones

Braking System:

Four-wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Cassette/CD Player with optional Premium Sound System (Alpine/Jaguar branded)

Navigation:

Optional factory-fitted navigation system (typically CD-ROM based).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Climate Control Type:

Automatic Climate Control with Cabin Air Filtration

Diagnostic Interface:

OBD-II compliant diagnostic connector

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles (recommend checking manual for specific interval).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or as per manual recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approx. 100,000 miles (refer to specific plug type).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API certified - check manual for exact specification)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 US quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Green (Jaguar spec recommended)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual)

Power Steering Fluid:

Jaguar spec fluid (typically Dexron III compatible, but verify in manual)

Common Wear Items:

Timing chain tensioners (early models), water pump, alternator, front suspension bushings, engine mounts, coolant expansion tank, gearbox selector cable bushings, seat leather wear.

Electrical Gremlins:

Intermittent issues with interior lights, power windows, and dashboard warnings can occur due to aging wiring or module failures.

Engine Cooling:

Plastic coolant pipes can become brittle; thermostat housing leaks are also noted.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Essence:

Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for producing luxurious, high-performance grand tourers and sedans with a focus on refined driving dynamics and elegant styling.

Predecessor:

Jaguar XJ (XJ40)

Generation Designation:

X308

Key Updates From Predecessor:

Introduction of the AJ-V8 engine, significant interior and exterior styling revisions, improved safety features, updated electronics.

Introduction Of Aj V8:

The AJ26 4.0L V8 was a significant departure from previous Jaguar inline-six engines, marking a new era of powertrain for the brand.

Production Years:

1997-2003

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Accolades:

While specific awards for the 1998 model year might be scarce, the XJ series consistently received praise for its refined ride, luxurious interior, and timeless design throughout its production run.