🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ8

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

X308

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information for their Jaguar XJ8

Competitors:

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

Vehicle Appeal:

Refined luxury, powerful V8 engine, classic styling, comfortable ride

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and independent mechanics with factory-level repair knowledge, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

V8 Engine (AJ-V8), Cylinder Heads, Pistons, Crankshaft, Timing System (Chain, Tensioners, Guides), Lubrication System, Cooling System

Engine Management:

ECU (Engine Control Unit), Fuel Injection System (EFI), Ignition System, Emission Controls (EVAP, EGR), Sensors and Actuators

Transmission:

ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic Transmission, Torque Converter, Gearbox Operation, Fluid, Seals, Mechatronics Unit

Brakes:

Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Brake Hydraulics, Calipers, Rotors, Pads, Fluid

Suspension:

Independent Front Suspension (Double Wishbone), Independent Rear Suspension (Multi-link), Springs, Dampers (Shock Absorbers), Bushings, Anti-roll Bars

Steering:

Hydraulic Power Steering System, Steering Rack, Column, Pump, Fluid, Alignment

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System, Lighting (Headlights, Taillights, Interior), Fuses and Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Grounding Points

Body And Chassis:

Chassis Construction, Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seals, Body Trim, Corrosion Protection

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System, Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Blower Motor, Controls, Refrigerant

Interior:

Seats, Upholstery, Dashboard, Door Panels, Trim, Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)

Infotainment:

Audio System, Speaker Replacement, Antenna System

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and Filter Changes, Air Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush and Fill, Brake Fluid Flush, Transmission Fluid Service, Tire Rotation

Engine Repair:

Head Gasket Replacement, Timing Chain and Tensioner Replacement, Piston and Ring Replacement, Bearing Replacement, Valve Adjustment (if applicable)

Transmission Repair:

Transmission Rebuild, Valve Body Service, Seal Replacement, Torque Converter Installation

Brake Service:

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Caliper Rebuild, ABS System Bleeding, DSC Sensor Calibration

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Shock Absorber Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Ball Joint Replacement, Tie Rod End Replacement, Power Steering Pump Replacement, Steering Rack Repair

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring Harness Repair, Component Testing, Sensor Diagnosis, Fuse and Relay Troubleshooting, ECU Diagnostics

Bodywork And Trim:

Panel Replacement, Dent Repair, Trim Removal and Installation, Glass Replacement

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant Recharge, Blower Motor Replacement, Heater Core Replacement, A/C Component Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Symptom-based diagnostics, Fault Code Interpretation, Diagnostic Tree Guidance

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of Jaguar-specific tools

Depth:

Comprehensive; Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

AJ-V8 DOHC

Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3200 cc) and 4.0 Liters (3996 cc)

Configuration:

V8

Bore X Stroke 4.0L:

86 mm x 86 mm

Compression Ratio 4.0L:

10.0:1

Horsepower 4.0L:

290 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 4.0L:

290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 3.2L:

245 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 3.2L:

284 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline

Fuel Pump Pressure:

Refer to Manual (Specific Value)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic

Transmission Options:

None for 1998 XJ8

Gear Ratios:

Refer to Manual (Specific Ratios)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mercon V or equivalent (Jaguar JLM 20237)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Refer to Manual (Specific Capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 197.4 inches (5014 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.8 inches (1367 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 118.5 inches (3010 mm)

Curb Weight 4.0L:

Approx. 3900 lbs (1769 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Refer to Vehicle Data Plate

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120.65 mm (5x4.75 inches)

Tire Size Standard:

205/60R16 (may vary by trim)

Wheel Size Standard:

16 inch

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

Not rated in modern standards; likely performed reasonably well for its era.

ABS:

Standard

Dsc:

Standard (Dynamic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Side Airbags (Optional/Standard depending on market/trim)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems were available, often with cassette players and CD changers. Manual covers speaker replacement and basic system diagnostics.

Traction Control:

Standard traction control system

Stability Control:

Standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)

Phone Integration:

Optional cellular phone integration systems may have been available, though basic by modern standards.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 24 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (Platinum Plugs)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 36 months

Transmission Fluid Service Interval:

Every 60,000 miles or 48 months (severe service may require more frequent changes)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SG or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

7.2 Liters (7.6 Quarts) for 4.0L, 6.7 Liters (7.1 Quarts) for 3.2L

Coolant Type:

Jaguar Premium Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, Green)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent

Timing Chain Tensioners:

Early AJ-V8 engines (especially pre-2002) are known for plastic timing chain tensioners that can degrade, leading to potential catastrophic engine failure. The manual will cover inspection and replacement procedures.

Head Gaskets:

Some AJ-V8 engines can experience head gasket leaks, particularly coolant leaks into the cylinders. The manual provides detailed procedures for replacement.

Transmission Bottleneck:

The ZF 5HP24 transmission is generally robust but can develop issues with valve bodies and mechatronic units. The manual details diagnostic and repair procedures.

Rust And Corrosion:

As with many vehicles of this era, underbody rust and corrosion can be an issue, especially in certain climates. Body panel integrity is also important to check.

Electrical Gremlins:

While Jaguar electrical systems are sophisticated, intermittent issues can arise from connectors, grounds, and control modules. The detailed wiring diagrams in the manual are crucial for diagnosis.

📚 Vehicle History

Jaguar Legacy:

Renowned for luxury, performance, and distinctive styling.

Xj Lineage:

The XJ series has been Jaguar's flagship luxury sedan since the 1960s, consistently evolving in design and technology.

X308 Generation:

Introduced in late 1997 for the 1998 model year, the X308 represented a significant update to the XJ line, featuring the new AJ-V8 engine and a revised exterior and interior over the previous X300 generation. This generation marked Jaguar's move away from the inline-six engines.

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

Production Years X308:

1997-2003

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The XJ8 of this era was generally praised for its ride comfort, V8 engine performance, and classic British luxury styling.

Consumer Reports Historical:

Historically, Jaguar's reliability ratings were mixed, but specific model assessments would vary. This manual provides the necessary detail for owners to maintain their vehicles effectively.