Actron diagnostic code reader a handy tool

The Jaguar has been running poorly lately and I decided to invest in a Code Reader to help troubleshoot the problems.

I choose the Actron CP9125 on Amazon.com for around $62. The code reader will hook up to vehicles for model years 1996 and above.

As the above photo shows, it was simple to hook into my 1998 Jaguar's onboard computer via a connector located alongside the transmission hump near the accelerator pedal.

After starting the engine, the code reader went to work and returned several codes that I was able to lookup using the included software, such as the "P0171" code shown on the display in the photo. My problems include a lean mixture on engine cylinder banks 1 and 2. It also returned a transmission error that I need to get checked out right away.

So it looks like I'm headed to my local Jaguar mechanic in a few days and I'll already have an idea of what my problems are.

That's always valuable information for a Jaguar owner.

Lost and found: I have my Jaguar key

Hooray! I found my Jag key after a long night of worrying. I arrived at the bank early the next morning and had to pace around the titled lobby until they opened.

As soon as the big, thick metal gate raised, I raced up the escalator, took a quick glance at the table where I suspected I had left them. Then I went straight to a teller window.

"Did you find any key," I asked. "Let me check on the table down here." said the teller. "What color are your key," asked the teller. "Jaguar green," I replied as I breathed a sigh of relief.

Sure enough, a good samaritan had found the keys and turned them in to one of the tellers. I told them my story and they couldn't resist the opportunity to fuss at me, like my wife had when she had to drive down to the office the night before to pick me up. They all said I should have had a spare key made years ago.

As a backup plan, I had called the Jag dealership and they could have replaced the key with proof of identity and ownership of the car. It would have cost around $70. But that's only for the key and not the security remote. In addition to getting a security remote from the dealer, they are also available from online retailers.

Anyhow, I'm a happy camper again, with plans to get a spare key made.

Lost my Jaguar key and security key fob

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I lost the only key to the 1998 XJ8 yesterday. I think I left it in the bank when I went to make a deposit. Probably left them on the counter where the deposit slips are located.

The Jag is resting in the office parking lot. It stayed there all night. Today, I'll retrace my steps by starting with the bank. If no luck there, then it's a call to the local dealership to start the replacement process.

I'm hoping someone honest at the bank found them and turned them in at one of the teller windows. Hopefuly I will not have to update my parts database.

Stay tuned for the latest on this Jag problem.

What Jaguar parts cost

When it's time to purchase a part for you Jaguar, the first question that comes to mind is how much will it cost. In most cases you don't know until you reach the parts counter.

This database will give you an idea of what other Jaguar owners have paid for parts for their cars. If you purchase parts from the dealer, I imagine the costs should be about the same as what's listed here for local Jaguar dealer purchases.

I'll start with costs that I have paid for my own Jag, a 1998 XJ8, and if you have a cost to contribute to this database, drop an email to JagLifemail@gmail.com. I'll be happy to add your entry to the database. Just include the model year, part purchased, the cost and where it was purchased.

Thank for helping out other Jaguar owners.

Gas flap magnet needed on the XJ8

The magnet that my gas cap attaches to on the underside of the fuel flap on my 1998 XJ8 needs some attention.

The yellow, torn-up part in the photo is supposed to contain a magnet, which the gas tank cap attaches to it by way of a metal plate underneath the gas cap.

So I’ll be visiting the dealer soon to see if I can order a replacement part. Let’s hope I don’t have to replace the entire fuel flap.