🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJS

Product Name:

JAGUAR 4.0 Litre 5.3 Litre and 6.0 Litre XJS Vehicle Mainte

Platform:

XJS

Chassis Code:

XJ-SC

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jaguar XJS was a luxury grand tourer produced by Jaguar Cars from 1975 to 1996. Known for its distinctive styling and V12 engine options, it occupied a niche in the high-end GT market.

Competitors:

Competed with other European luxury coupes and convertibles such as the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, BMW 6 Series, and Porsche 928.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on powerful engines, refined suspension, and opulent interiors.

Engine Options:

Initially offered with the 5.3L V12, later variants introduced a 6.0L V12 and the 4.0L AJ6/AJ16 inline-six engine for improved efficiency and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Engine Variants:

4.0 Litre, 5.3 Litre, 6.0 Litre

Applicable Vin Range:

179737 to 188104

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 500+

Type:

Vehicle Maintenance Sheet / Workshop Manual Supplement

Language:

English

Format:

Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

V12 (5.3L, 6.0L) and AJ6/AJ16 (4.0L) - cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, lubrication, cooling

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems (Bosch KE-Jetronic, Lucas-GEMS), ignition systems, ECU diagnosis

Transmission:

Automatic transmissions (e.g., GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400, ZF 4HP22) - overhaul, adjustment, servicing

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, differential, drive shafts, half-shafts

Suspension:

Front and rear independent suspension, wishbones, coil springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bars

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic circuits, caliper servicing

Steering:

Power assisted steering system, rack and pinion, steering column

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays

Bodywork And Trim:

Body panel alignment, interior trim removal and installation, seals

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system (maintenance and service procedures)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based fault finding, common issues and solutions

Engine Repair:

Top-end rebuilds, gasket replacement, timing chain/belt inspection and replacement (where applicable)

Transmission Service:

Fluid and filter changes, adjustments, minor repairs

Brake System Service:

Pad and disc replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Component replacement (bushings, ball joints, tie rods), alignment specifications

Electrical Component Testing:

Testing of alternators, starters, ignition coils, fuel injectors

Fuel System Servicing:

Injector cleaning, fuel pump testing, fuel line maintenance

Cooling System Servicing:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump replacement, coolant system pressure testing

Depth:

Comprehensive workshop level diagnostics and repair procedures for the specified VIN range and engine variants.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed Booklet

Paper Quality:

Durable, semi-gloss paper suitable for workshop environments.

Binding:

Staple-bound or perfect bound for ease of use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

5.3 Litre V12 (90°)

Engine Code 1:

5H, 5P

Displacement 1:

5343 cc

Bore Stroke 1:

83.8 mm x 81.3 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.0:1 or 9.5:1 (depending on variant)

Power 1:

Approx. 260-295 bhp (194-220 kW)

Torque 1:

Approx. 320-350 lb-ft (434-475 Nm)

Engine Type 2:

6.0 Litre V12 (90°)

Engine Code 2:

6H

Displacement 2:

5993 cc

Compression Ratio 2:

10.0:1

Power 2:

Approx. 318 bhp (237 kW)

Torque 2:

Approx. 375 lb-ft (508 Nm)

Engine Type 3:

4.0 Litre Inline-6 (AJ6/AJ16)

Engine Code 3:

4.0 AJ6, 4.0 AJ16

Displacement 3:

3980 cc

Bore Stroke 3:

91 mm x 102 mm

Compression Ratio 3:

9.0:1 or 10.0:1 (depending on variant)

Power 3:

Approx. 217-245 bhp (162-183 kW)

Torque 3:

Approx. 278-300 lb-ft (377-407 Nm)

Injection System V12:

Bosch KE-Jetronic (5.3L) / Lucas-GEMS (6.0L)

Injection System I6:

Lucas-GEMS multi-point fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (Octane Rating: 95 RON recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type Automatic:

GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (3-speed) for early V12 models, ZF 4HP22 (4-speed) for later V12 and inline-six models.

Type Manual:

Manual transmissions were rare and typically 4-speed or 5-speed Getrag units; this manual likely focuses on automatics.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary by transmission and engine, detailed in manual.

Fluid Type:

Dexron III (GM TH400) or equivalent ATF; ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (ZF 4HP22) or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,900 - 5,000 mm (depending on specific model and year)

Width:

Approx. 1,770 mm

Height:

Approx. 1,250 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,640 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,750 - 2,000 kg (depending on engine and body style)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 2,150 - 2,350 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No specific modern crash test ratings available for this era. Design focused on occupant protection with robust structure and limited electronic aids.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional or standard on later models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts

Airbags:

Driver's airbag typically standard on later models; passenger airbag not generally fitted.

Structure:

Body-on-frame construction with a robust steel monocoque chassis.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and amplifier. Later models may have CD changers as an option.

Display:

Basic analog gauges and dashboard indicator lights. No central digital display.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Connectivity Features:

None beyond basic power windows and mirrors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 12 months (or as specified in the original service schedule, refer to manual for precise intervals).

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Every 30,000 - 40,000 miles or 24-36 months for automatic transmission fluid and filter.

Coolant Interval:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months for coolant replacement.

Spark Plugs:

V12: Replace every 20,000-30,000 miles. Inline-6: Similar or longer intervals.

Engine Oil Capacity V12:

Approx. 8.5 Litres (17.8 US Pints)

Engine Oil Capacity I6:

Approx. 6.0 Litres (12.7 US Pints)

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ/SL or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-30 (synthetic recommended for V12).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mix 50/50 with distilled water. Jaguar recommendation is typically green or blue coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Engine Cooling System:

V12 overheating issues due to marginal cooling system capacity; regular flushing and coolant checks are vital. Thermostat failure is common.

Electrical Gremlins:

Characteristic of older Jaguars, wiring harness degradation, faulty relays, and intermittent sensor failures can occur.

Rust:

Wheel arches, sills, and boot floor can be prone to corrosion, especially in damper climates.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear in suspension bushings can lead to vague handling and noise.

Fuel Injection System:

KE-Jetronic systems can be sensitive to fuel pressure and air leaks. Injector seals can degrade.

Headliner:

The foam backing on the headliner can degrade and sag.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Jaguar has a long history of producing luxury sports cars and grand tourers, known for performance, styling, and craftsmanship.

Development Timeline:

Launched in 1975 as a successor to the E-Type, the XJS underwent significant updates over its 21-year production run, including engine upgrades (introduction of 3.6L inline-six, then 4.0L, and 6.0L V12) and chassis refinements.

Production Years:

1975 - 1996

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

Vin Range Details:

The VIN range 179737 to 188104 generally corresponds to later production models, likely from the late 1980s to early 1990s, encompassing the 5.3L V12 and potentially early 4.0L inline-six variants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

While not winning specific awards in a modern sense, the XJS was critically acclaimed for its V12 engine and luxurious grand touring capabilities, often featured in classic car collections and enthusiast publications.