Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Audi A8
Distinguishing Features:
Renowned Jaguar styling, refined ride quality, premium interior appointments, powerful V8 engine options
Convenience:
Instant online access, searchable content, compatible with various devices
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic)
Chassis:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, brake system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, HVAC electrical, power accessories, engine control module (ECM) wiring, chassis control module (CCM) wiring, audio system wiring
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, glass, doors, hood, trunk lid
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair, including refrigerant systems, blower motors, climate control modules.
Body Controls:
Power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, power seats, heated seats, memory seats, sunroof operation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics
Repair:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings), steering system repair, electrical component replacement, HVAC system repair
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, component testing
Troubleshooting Electrical:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component location charts, and diagnostic flowcharts for electrical faults.
Engine Management:
ECM/PCM component identification, sensor testing, actuator testing, fuel injector testing, ignition coil diagnosis.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 5 years, then every 2 years thereafter (using Jaguar-specific coolant).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (meeting Jaguar specification JLM.S.380 or equivalent API SJ/SL).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Jaguar Approved Long Life Coolant (typically green or pink depending on formulation).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (high-performance).
Common Problems:
Timing chain tensioner wear (especially on early 4.0L AJ-V8), coolant hose degradation, air suspension issues (if equipped), intermittent electrical gremlins, sun visor failure, minor body corrosion in certain areas.
Oil Filter:
Example: Mann-Filter HU821X, Wix WL7234, or Jaguar OEM C2A1504.
Air Filter:
Example: Mann-Filter C35120/1, Wix WA9418, or Jaguar OEM JLM10535.
Heritage Focus:
Jaguar's long-standing reputation for luxury, performance, and elegant design.
Vanden Plas Positioning:
The Vanden Plas represented the pinnacle of luxury and comfort within the Jaguar XJ line.
Platform Basis:
Based on the X308 generation, itself an evolution of the X300 platform.
Model Production Run:
X308 generation: 1997-2003 (Vanden Plas variants typically spanned these years, with the 2004 model year being a carryover or slight update within the X308 lineage, sometimes referred to as early X350 transition or late X308).
