Market Segment:
Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Audi A8
Manual Value Proposition:
Officially licensed, OE-derived information, convenient online access, cost savings on repairs
Vehicle Usp:
British luxury, refined ride, powerful V8 engine, classic styling
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service and repair information
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical factory service manuals for this era are 1000+ pages)
Manual Type:
Online Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Web-based software (accessible via browser)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, emissions control
Drivetrain Systems:
Automatic transmission (ZF 5HP24), final drive, axles
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension, power steering system, steering column
Braking Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), traction control (TCS), brake hydraulics
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power seats, mirrors, audio system, ECU (Engine Control Unit), BCM (Body Control Module), wiring diagrams
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system, climate control
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, trim, convertible top (if applicable, though not for Vanden Plas)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-II)
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement, transmission service, brake component overhaul, suspension and steering repair, electrical component replacement, A/C system repair
Component Removal And Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing all major and minor components
Technical Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, including specifications, tolerances, and torque values
Software Compatibility:
PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet with a web browser and internet connection
Print Quality Expectation:
N/A (digital format, but derived from OE materials implies high quality) - Printable pages
Binding Type:
N/A (digital format)
Paper Type Expectation:
N/A (digital format, but derived from OE materials implies high quality paper historically)
Engine Type:
4.0L V8 DOHC 32-valve
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
290 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 (or 5W-30) Synthetic Engine Oil
Oil Capacity:
8.3 Liters (8.8 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
Jaguar Premium Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based)
Coolant Capacity:
11.5 Liters (12.2 US Quarts)
Transmission Type:
ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic
Optional Transmission:
N/A for Vanden Plas in 2001
Transmission Features:
Adaptive shift control, Comfort/Sport modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent such as Mobil ATF LT 71141)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts) - dry fill
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Not specifically rated for this model year by NHTSA, but built to high safety standards of the era.
Active Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, Side airbags, Crumple zones, Reinforced passenger compartment, Seatbelt pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Premium audio system with CD player, optional navigation system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, Parking sensors (rear, optional).
Connectivity:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on in-car audio and climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
As per manual recommendations, typically 50,000-75,000 miles or under severe service conditions.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 4 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Power Steering Fluid:
Jaguar specified PAS Fluid (often Dexron III compatible)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Issues:
Timing chain tensioners (plastic type degradation), Nikasil cylinder liners (early models, less common by 2001 but worth noting history), Transmission control module issues, Air suspension compressor (if equipped, though standard Vanden Plas used coil springs), Electrics (various modules and connections), Cooling system leaks (hose deterioration).
Brand Heritage:
Jaguar Cars is a British brand renowned for its luxury, performance, and elegant design, with a history dating back to 1922.
Vanden Plas Evolution:
The Vanden Plas nameplate has historically represented the most luxurious variant of Jaguar's sedans, offering extended wheelbase and enhanced interior appointments. The X308 generation Vanden Plas builds upon the XJ series, known for its classic styling and refined driving experience.
Production Period:
1997-2003 (X308 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England