Review: Jaguar Series I XJS (1992-93)

Overview

Released in Australia in February 1992, the Jaguar Series I XJS was available as two-seat convertible or two-plus-two coupe. Manufactured in Coventry, England, the rear-wheel drive XJS was initially available with 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder and 5.3-litre V12 petrol engines, mated to four- or three-speed automatic transmissions respectively. Of the engines,

• The 4.0-litre AJ6 engine had an aluminum alloy block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, Lucas electronic ignition and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. This engine was mated to a four-speed ZF 4HP24E transmission which had Normal and Sport operating modes; and,
• The hand-assembled 5.3-litre V12 engine had an aluminum alloy block and cylinder head, a single overhead camshaft (per cylinder head), two valves per cylinder, Marelli electronic ignition and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. This engine was mated to General Motors’ TH400 three-speed automatic transmission.

Compared to its XJ-S predecessor, the XJS could be identified by its slim-line radiator grille, body-coloured wiper grille, restyled framless tinted windows, redesigned buttresses and rectangular tail-lights’ inside, there were new instrument dials. The XJS also had a stiffer structure due to the addition of a cross-bracing strut beneath the engine bay.

The XJS coupe and convertible were 4764 mm long, 1793 mm wide, 1254 mm tall and had 2591 mm long wheelbases. For the convertible, the soft-top roof had catches at the windscreen edge which, when released, enabled the power-operated roof to be lowered in twelve seconds.

The XJS had double wishbone front suspension and independent rear suspension with lower transverse wishbones, radius arms and driveshafts acting as upper links. A limited slip differential was also fitted as standard.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the XJS consisted of ABS. A driver’s airbag was available as an extra-cost option.

Features

Standard features for the six-cylinder XJS models included 15-inch cast alloy wheels with 235/60 VR15 tyres, an RDS audio system with a radio and cassette player, herringbone tweed seat upholstery, power adjustable front seats, air conditioning, central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, tinted windows, stainless steel tread plates and burr walnut veneers. Beyond this, the six-cylinder coupe models had firmer ‘sports’ damper settings, while the convertibles had leather-trimmed consoles and armrests.

Compared to the six-cylinder models, the V12 models were further equipped with leather seats, heated front seats with power adjustable lumbar support, cruise control, driver memory settings (for seat and door mirror positions), heated headlight washer jets, leather-trimmed console and armrests.

The V12 models were also available with an optional Sports Suspension System with increased spring rates, a larger front anti-roll bar and retuned dampers. Furthermore, power assistance was reduced to provide greater steering feel. Visually, these models could be identified by their 16-inch ‘lattice’ forged alloy wheels with 225/55 ZR16 P600 Pirelli tyres.

Review: Jaguar Series II XJS (1993-96)

Overview

Released in October 1993 for the 1994 ‘model year’, the Series II XJS introduced two-plus-two seat convertible bodies, upgrades for the six cylinder engines and a new 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. The 1994 model year changes, however, were ‘phased-in’ such that they did not all coincide with the October 1993 release date. Of the engines,

• Changes for the 4.0-litre AJ6 engine included a new one-piece intake manifold, a revised camshaft cover (which incorporated the engine oil filler and a new gasket), improved exhaust gas recirculation system, revised rear mufflers for the rectangular exhaust finishers; and,
• The 6.0-litre V12 engine was based on the previous 5.3-litre unit but with an increased stroke of 78.5 mm (previously 70 mm). However, other changes included a low-restriction air intake system, new piston rings, modified camshaft profiles, shorter stem intake valves and compression ratio of 11.0:1. Furthermore, this engine was mated to General Motors’ 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission which provided Normal and Sport operating modes.

Visually, the updated XJS could be identified by its body-coloured bumpers while the two-plus-two convertible bodies had a shortened rear window to allow the roof to fold behind the rear passenger seats. Furthermore, V12 models had body-coloured headlight surrounds, door mirrors and grilles, while a rear spoiler was also fitted as standard.

Inside, the 1994 model year XJS featured improved panel and trim fitment, an HFC-based climate control system, an injection-molded glovebox, an SAE standard cigar lighter with illuminated glow ring and front sun visors with interior lights and separate illuminated vanity mirrors.

Other changes for the XJS included:

• Greater refinement through improved joint seams and sealing, new front and rear floor panels with fewer seams, moulded sound insulation material and the introduction of metric-sized body fasteners;
• Improved corrosion resistance due to increased zinc coating of panels (to 60 per cent, previously 40 per cent), standardized weld studs and drilled holes eliminated or incorporated in panels during forming; and,
• For the suspension, revised spring rates and reduced diameter roll bars. The rear suspension was also redesigned to accommodate outboard disk brakes with new calipers (previously inboard discs).

July 1994: AJ16 engine

In July 1994, the 4.0-litre AJ6 engine was upgraded and redesignated AJ16. Changes for the AJ16 included a more rigid cylinder block casting, revised cylinder head, higher camshaft lift, new pistons and valves, modified intake and exhaust manifolds, a new throttle body and fuel injectors, coil-on-plug ignition, a higher compression ratio (10.0:1) and a new electronic engine management system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the updated XJS was extended to include dual front airbags.

Features

Standard features for the XJS were extended to include Connolly leather seats, climate control air conditioning, heated headlight washer jets and an integrated security system.

The V12 models featured 16-inch ‘Diamond turned gold’ five-spoke alloy wheels with 225/60 ZR16 tyres (with a space-saving spare wheel) and Connolly Autolux leather seats in a four-panel design with ruched centre panels and contrasting piping. 

July 1994 XJS: update

In July 1994, further improvements were introduced to coincide with the AJ16 engine. Inside, the post-July 1994 models featured an Alpine audio head unit with a detachable front panel, aluminium tread plates (previously stainless steel) and were pre-wired for a cellular phone. Coupe models also had front seats with stowage pouches on the lower cushion and thinner rear seats for greater interior space.

Visually, these models could be identified by their alloy wheels:

• Six-cylinder models received five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-turned finish, the centre cap of the wheel featured a silver growler on a red background and the leaper badge on the bonnet had a matching red background; and,
• V12 models received twenty-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-turned finish, the centre cap had a gold-tone growler on black background and there were silver-toned V12 badges on the front fenders.

Both six- and twelve-cylinder models were fitted with 225/60 ZR16 Pirelli 4000E tyres.

For six cylinder models, standard features were extended to include variable (i.e. speed-sensitive) power steering assistance, though the trip computer was replaced with an analogue clock. The V12 models were also fitted with a six-disc CD changer as standard.

1995 XJS Celebration

In 1995, a limited-run of ‘Celebration’ XJS vehicles were released to commemorate sixty years of production. Solely available the six cylinder engines, the XJS Celebration models could be identified by their 16-inch ‘Aerosport’ diamond-turned alloy wheels, black front grilles, chromed exterior mirrors and rear number plate surrounds, new enameled bonnet badges and twin painted coachlines. Inside, the XJS Celebration models featured leather seats with contrast piping, embossed front seat head restraints, sapwood walnut veneers and a solid wooden gearknob.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Jaguar XJS

Recalls: Jaguar XJS

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Jaguar XJS

• In March 1992, a recall was issued for Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe and Convertible models because the high tension lead from the ignition coil could move close to the #4A fuel injector hose, causing the outer and inner injector hoses to crack or split. If this occurred, fuel would be expelled in the engine compartment which could start a fire. To fix, the high tension leads were replaced with shorter leads, while the fuel injector and #4A fuel injector hose were also replaced as necessary (PRA 1992/1552).
• In June 1992, a recall was issued for Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe and Convertible models that were manufactured from June 1990 to August 1990 (inclusive) and with serial numbers in the range 174767 to 176089. In these vehicles, oil may leak from the crimping on the power-assisted high pressure power steering hose, resulting in a loss of power steering assistance. To fix, the original high pressure hose was replaced (PRA 1992/1638).

Problems and faults: Jaguar XJS

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Jaguar XJS AJ16: stalling

In November 1994, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 44-23 for Jaguar XJS vehicles with 4.0-litre AJ16 engines. In these vehicles, the engine may stall when the transmission is shifted to Reverse or Drive from Park; stalling was most likely to occur when the engine was cold. According to technical bulletin, either of the following could cause stalling:

• A restricted control unit oil seal in the transmission housing; or,
• A sticking torque converter control valve in the valve body causing partial engagement of the torque converter clutch.

Jaguar XJS AJ16: intermittent high idle

In April 1996, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 19-38 for 1995 to 1996 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with 4.0-litre engines and VINs in the range 194775 to 225822. Under certain driving conditions, some of these vehicles may occasionally exhibit a higher than target idle speed; this may occur under city driving conditions when there was no pressure on the accelerator pedal. According to the service bulletin, the throttle pedal, cable and adjustment were to be checked. If the condition was still present, the throttle spring was to be replaced with a stronger spring.

Jaguar XJS AJ16: MIL and DTC P0300

In February 1998, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 18-49 for 1996 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with 4.0-litre engines and VINs in the range 222632 and 224124. In these vehicles, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0300 may be logged due to close software tolerances in the engine control module (ECM) rather than a mechanical problem with the engine. To fix, one or both of the Programmable Read Only Memories (PROMs), depending on the VIN, needed to be replaced with new PROM(s) from the appropriate modification kit.

Jaguar XJS AJ16: camshaft cover oil leaks

In January 1996, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 12-60 for 1995-96 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with VINs in the range 194775 to 224599. In these vehicles, torque specification (65 Nm) for the camshaft cover retaining bolts was revised from VIN 225600 to ensure that the shoulder on the shank of the bolt bottomed against the surface of the cylinder head for even compression of the camshaft cover gasket and to reduce the incidence of oil leakage.

Jaguar XJS AJ16: valve timing change

In August 1995, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 12-57 for 1995 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with 4.0-litre AJ16 engines. To improve idle quality, revised camshafts with reduced valve timing overlap were introduced as running change 95/13. The original camshafts, with a maximum opening position of 110 degrees were superseded by camshafts with a maximum opening position of 114 degrees. This change was accomplished by machining the camshaft slot in a different position. As a result valve timing overlap was reduced from 22 degrees to 14 degrees. Normally aspirated engines with the 110 camshafts that exhibited poor idle quality could be modified to achieve the same reduction in valve timing overlap as with the 114 camshafts.

Jaguar XJS AJ16: spark plug specification change

In May 1995, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 12-54 for 1995 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with naturally aspirated 4.0-litre AJ16 engines. In these vehicles, hotter spark plugs were installed in production from VIN 194775.

Jaguar XJS V12: rough idle/engine misfire

In November 1994, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 18-43 for Jaguar XJS vehicles with V12 engines. In these vehicles, rough idle and engine misfire conditions may develop after approximately 30,000 kilometres due to high voltage leaks between the spark plug wires and cylinder head bolts. New spark plug wire sets with revised routing were introduced for VINs after 195367 (engine number 8D 11717).

Jaguar XJS V12: hard starting

In November 1994, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 19-28 for Jaguar XJS vehicles with V12 engines and VINs in the range 687219 to 707625. In these vehicles, the driver may experience cranking times in excess of five seconds when attempting to start the vehicle when the engine is hot or warm. According to the service bulletin, damage to the O-ring that sealed the fuel pressure regulator to its housing could cause low fuel pressure during cranking, resulting in this hard starting condition.

Jaguar XJS V12: FF44 and FF45

In August 2001, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 18-57 for 1994-95 model year Jaguar XJS V12 vehicles with VINs in the range 188105 to 221234. In these vehicles, the ‘check engine’ malfunction indicator light may illuminate and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) FF44 and/or FF45 may be stored. According to the technical bulletin, these DTCs show an inconsistent reading from the heated oxygen sensors (HO2S) due to a slight degradation of the engine to body ground straps. To prevent this issue from recurring, two supplementary ground straps were to be added to all vehicles within the above VIN range.

Jaguar XJS V12: spark plug specification change

In May 1995, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 12-55 for Jaguar XJS V12 vehicles with engine numbers after 8D 12479. In these vehicles, new specification spark plugs were introduced in production which enabled deposits to be more readily burned off during normal driving. The revised specification spark plugs (part no. NAB 3850DA) could be fitted to all 1990 MY and beyond XJS V12 vehicles, except the XJR-S.

Jaguar XJS: airbag lamp illuminated

In August 2002, Jaguar Cars North America issued an amended technical bulletin 17-12 for 1195 to 1996 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with 4.0-litre AJ16 engines and VINs in the range 194775 to 226645. In these vehicles, a high rate of EGR valves were replaced following illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) – this was understood to be a result of accumulated contamination within the EGR valve that could produce possible drivability problems such as rough idle, hesitation and difficulty starting. Following consultation with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Jaguar issued a recall for all vehicles with this engine to perform modifications, including the introduction of a cleaning cycle to the EGR valve. No such recall, however, was issued for Australia.

Jaguar XJS: poor hot starting

In January 1997, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 17-8 for 1995-96 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with VINs in the range 194775 to 226645. In these vehicles, the driver may experience extending cranking when attempting to start the engine when it is hot (i.e. the engine has been recently running and then turned off) due to a defect with the fuel tank pressure control valve (Rochester valve). If confirmed, the valve was to be replaced.

Jaguar XJS: Service Action S458 and air pump clutch

In August 1997, Jaguar issued an amended technical bulletin 17-9 for 1993-94 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with 4.0-litre petrol engines. In these vehicles, the operation of the AIR pump clutch was controlled by a relay located in the engine compartment. The contacts of this relay could become contaminated by the entry of water or cleaning solutions containing silicones. For affected vehicles, the AIR pump clutch relayed was to be replaced with a sealed unit.

Jaguar XJS: air conditioning compressor leaks

In September 1998, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 82-51 to advise that seal leakage from Sanden 709 A/C R12 air conditioning compressors (part no. CCC-4929) could be repaired using gasket and seal kits, such that the entire compressor did not need to be replaced.

Jaguar XJS: loss of seat and mirror adjustment

In July 1995, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 86-159 for 1994 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with VINs in the range 190528 to 192880. In these vehicles, the driver may experience a loss of seat adjustment or door mirror adjustment due to failure of the seat control module (SCM). To fix, the seat control module and the mirrors were to be replaced.

Jaguar XJS: erratic fuel gauge

In September 1994, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 88-19 for 1994 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with VINs in the range 190528 to 191261. In these vehicles, the fuel gauge may indicate more fuel than is in the tank and then suddenly drop to the correct reading. According to the technical bulletin, a tight float rod bushing in the fuel sender unit caused the float to stick. To fix, the fuel tank sender unit was to be replaced.

Jaguar XJS: bonnet difficult to latch

In November 1994, Jaguar issued technical bulletin 76-96 for 1994 to 1995 model year Jaguar XJS vehicles with VINs in the range 190528 to 196254. In these vehicles, the driver may have difficulty latching the bonnet due to friction in the latch pawl pivots. From VIN 196255, the latches were lubricated and revised latch back plates (cable end retaining brackets) were installed. To prevent inadvertent bonnet release, a release lever guard was introduced in production at VIN 194776.

Jaguar XJS: Other problems and faults

• General: changes implemented during its production mean that parts are not always interchangeable and therefore more expensive.
• Rust is a common problem. Rust in the rear radius arm mount points is a serious problem since it requires new mount points to be welded in.
• 5.3-litre V12 engine:
  • Overheating may cause dropped valve seats. If this occurs, the cylinder head has to be removed and repaired, though the engine may require a rebuild.
  • Overheating may be caused by failure of the rear O-rings on the GM A6 AC compressor.
  • For early models, fuel hoses connecting each injector to the fuel rail have been known to crack and have fuel leaks, causing a fire. As such, the fuel hoses should be changed if they are dry and brittle and a technical service bulletin was issued recommending they be changed every five years. From 1992, the injectors were clipped into the fuel rail.
  • The Marelli ignition rotor could fail, causing one of the cylinder banks not to get spark. As a result, the catalytic converter would fill with unburnt fuel. The driver may notice this through a loss of power and, if the engine is not shut down, the fuel will ignite and cause a fire. For this reason, it is recommended to keep a spare cap and radiator (with tools) on hand so that these can be changed and the vehicle can be driven. It is also recommended that the ignition cap and rotor are replaced annually.
• 6.0-litre V12 engine:
  • The 6.0-litre V12 engine addressed many of the weakness in its 5.3-litre predecessor since it reached its operating temperature more quickly, it had a better cooling system and a Sanden AC compressor was introduced.

Released in Australia in February 1992, the Jaguar Series I XJS was available as two-seat convertible or two-plus-two coupe. Manufactured in Coventry, England, the rear-wheel drive XJS was initially available with 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder and 5.3-litre V12 petrol engines, mated to four- or three-speed automatic transmissions respectively… Read full Jaguar XJS review

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Images: Jaguar Series II XJS (1993-96)

Released in October 1993 for the 1994 ‘model year’, the Jaguar Series II XJS introduced two-plus-two seat convertible bodies, upgrades for the six cylinder engines and a new 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. The 1994 model year changes, however, were ‘Phased-in’ such that they did not all coincide with the October 1993 release date. The Jaguar Series II XJS could be identified by its body-coloured bumpers while the two-plus-two convertible bodies had a shortened rear window to allow the roof to fold behind the rear passenger seats. Furthermore, V12 models had body-coloured headlight surrounds, door mirrors and grilles, while a rear spoiler was also fitted as standard.

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