🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ8

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

X308

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

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

Key Competitors:

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

Distinctive Features:

Elegant styling, powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior, advanced (for its time) technology, comfortable ride quality

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides in-depth technical knowledge to maintain and repair this complex luxury vehicle, saving on dealership service costs.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Repair/Technical Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Page Count:

Approximately 1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

AJ26 4.0L V8 Engine (Naturally Aspirated and Supercharged variants)

Transmission:

ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Suspension:

Independent Front and Rear Suspension (Double Wishbone Front, Multi-link Rear), Adaptive Dynamics (CATS - Computer Active Technology Suspension)

Brakes:

Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Steering:

Hydraulic Power Steering

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Tank and Lines

Cooling System:

Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Coolant Lines, Fan Assembly

Electrical System:

Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Fuse Boxes, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting Systems, Ignition System, Starting and Charging

Climate Control:

Automatic Climate Control, HVAC System, Air Conditioning, Heating

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Trim, Glass, Seals

Interior:

Seats, Upholstery, Dashboard, Instrumentation, Interior Trim, Airbags

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Trouble Codes (DTCs), Diagnostic Procedures

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Brake Service, Tire Rotation

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance problems

Repair:

Engine component replacement (pistons, valves, bearings), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, interior component repair

Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild procedures

Installation:

Component installation guides, accessory fitting procedures

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing procedures, electrical system schematics, dimensional data

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams included.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

AJ26

Engine Type:

4.0L V8 DOHC 32-valve

Bore X Stroke:

86 mm x 86 mm

Displacement:

3996 cc (243.8 cu in)

Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:

290 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Naturally Aspirated:

290 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Horsepower Supercharged Xjr:

370 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Supercharged Xjr:

387 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91 Octane Recommended)

Engine Management System:

Jaguar 'MEMS 3' ECU (Engine Management Module)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic

Optional Transmission:

N/A for this model year

Transmission Modes:

Comfort/Sport (COMFORT/SPORT button)

Transmission Fluid Type:

JLM 20602 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon) - Check manual for exact specification

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

118.5 inches (3010 mm)

Overall Length:

199.9 inches (5078 mm)

Overall Width:

72.3 inches (1836 mm)

Overall Height:

55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Front Track:

61.0 inches (1550 mm)

Rear Track:

60.5 inches (1537 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3850 - 4050 lbs (1746 - 1837 kg), depending on trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4800 lbs (2177 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this era; owner assessments generally positive for structural integrity.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not specifically rated by IIHS for this era.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS - often standard on XJR, optional on XJ8)

Passive Safety:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags (optional on XJ8, standard on XJR), crumple zones, reinforced safety cage

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Cassette player and CD changer (optional), analog radio, basic trip computer.

Display:

Central LCD display for climate control and radio information.

Driver Assistance:

Cruise control, parking sensors (optional on some models)

Connectivity Features:

Analog cellular phone integration (optional, largely obsolete)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles (or as per manual recommendations, especially if towing)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 100,000 miles (using iridium or platinum type plugs)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.8 Liters (9.3 US Quarts)

Coolant Capacity:

10.5 Liters (11.1 US Quarts)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Problems:

Timing chain tensioner failure (early models with plastic tensioners), nikasil cylinder liners (early AJ26 engines – later ones have aluminum/silicon liners), ABS/traction control module failures, secondary air injection system issues, water pump leaks, transmission control module issues, driver's side airbag recall (potential).

Recommended Preventative Maintenance:

Proactive replacement of plastic timing chain tensioners with updated metal versions on early models, regular inspection of ABS module connections, keeping coolant system in good order.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for building luxurious, high-performance vehicles with a focus on style and driving dynamics.

X308 Introduction:

The X308 generation replaced the X300 and introduced the new AJ-V8 engine, marking a significant departure from the inline-six engines previously used.

Engine Development:

The 4.0L V8 was Jaguar's first mass-produced V8 and was developed in collaboration with Ford.

Production Period:

1997-2003

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

Key Variants:

XJ8 (standard wheelbase), XJ8L (long wheelbase), XJR (sport variant with supercharged engine)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

While specific awards for the '98 model are scarce, the XJ series has historically been recognized for its styling, luxury, and comfort.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Ratings varied in its time, with particular attention paid to reliability concerns related to the early V8 engines and electrical systems. The manual helps address these.

Manual Certification:

Derived from official Jaguar factory service documentation, ensuring accuracy and adherence to manufacturer standards.