1984 Jaguar Xjs problems
The Jaguar XJ-S (later called XJS) is a luxury grand tourer manufactured and marketed by British car manufacturer Jaguar Cars from 1975 to 1996, in coupé, fixed-profile and full convertible bodystyles. There were three distinct iterations, with a final production total of 115,413 units over 20 years and seven months.
Originally developed using the platform of the then-current XJ saloon, the XJ-S was noted for its prominent rear buttresses. The early styling was partially by Jaguar's aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer—one of the first designers to apply advanced aero principles to cars—however Sayer died in 1970, before the design was finalised.
Its final iteration, produced from 1991 to 1996, was manufactured after Jaguar was acquired by Ford, who introduced numerous modifications – and eliminated the hyphen in the name, marketing Jaguar's longest running model simply as the XJS.
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Common 1984 Jaguar Xjs problems
The Jaguar XJS, produced from 1975 to 1996, is known for its luxurious grand tourer capabilities, but also has a reputation for several common issues. These problems can be grouped into electrical issues, engine problems, suspension and steering issues, and transmission issues.
- Electrical Issues:
- Faulty alternators and batteries
- Malfunctioning fuel pumps and injectors
- Electrical arcing or sparks
- Smoke wafting up from the engine compartment
- Engine Problems:
- Overheating and coolant leaks
- Valve and piston failures
- Oil leaks and low oil pressure
- Injectors staying wide open and flooding the engine
- Random pulsing of injectors in no rhythm
- Suspension and Steering Issues:
- Worn out suspension components
- Steering rack and power steering pump failures
- Transmission Issues:
- Gear slippage and transmission fluid leaks
- Torque converter failures
These issues can be further categorized by year and model, as well as by the type of engine installed in the vehicle. For example, the 1984 Jaguar XJS 5.3-liter V12 may have specific problems related to its window motor/regulator assembly, windshield wiper motor, valve cover gasket, or fuel injection system.
Electrical issues are a common complaint among Jaguar XJS owners, with problems ranging from faulty alternators and batteries to malfunctioning fuel pumps and injectors. These issues can lead to the engine starting and stopping intermittently, or the engine dying out when the gas pedal is touched.
Engine problems are another area of concern for Jaguar XJS owners. Overheating, coolant leaks, valve and piston failures, oil leaks, and low oil pressure are all common issues.
Suspension and steering issues are less common but still present in the Jaguar XJS. Worn out suspension components and steering rack or power steering pump failures can lead to a less than optimal driving experience.
Transmission issues are a significant concern for Jaguar XJS owners, with gear slippage, transmission fluid leaks, and torque converter failures being reported. These issues can be expensive to repair, so prompt attention is recommended.
It's important to note that the Jaguar XJS has undergone several updates and improvements over its 21-year production run, which may affect the frequency and severity of these common issues. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any problems can help ensure a long and enjoyable ownership experience.
What are the problems with Jaguar XJ-S?
The engine is divided into two banks, separated by the ignition system. The rotor is prone to breakage, and the result is that your engine won't get a spark, and your catalytic converter will get hot while being filled with combustible air. If ignored, the catalytic converter will set the car on fire.
Why is the XJS so cheap?
The Jaguar XJ-S was built from 1975-96 and was the most affordable mass-produced V-12 sports car ever built. But owners constantly balanced enjoyment and aggravation, which has depressed prices to bargain levels. Stiffer emissions and safety regulations demanded a new kind of Jaguar sports car in the 1970s.
Is the XJS reliable?
The XJ finished top in the luxury car class in our most recent reliability survey, with an excellent overall score of 94.3%.
What is a 1984 Jaguar XJ-S worth?
The Jaguar XJS 1984 prices range from $6,600 for the basic trim level Coupe XJS H.E. to $9,350 for the top of the range Coupe.
1984 Jaguar Xjs car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jaguar Xjs problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Jaguar Xjs vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1984 Jaguar Xjs complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Jaguar Xjs.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-01
- VIN: SAJNV5840EC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK CRACKED CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK INTO VEHICLE WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. THERE WAS RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT, BUT HAS BEEN REMEDIED YEARS AGO. HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: SAJNV5846EC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS FAILED. *DSH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: SAJNV5846EC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SURGES OCCUR FREQUENTLY, CAUSING HIGH PITCHED NOISE INSIDE CAR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: SAJNV5846EC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO START CAR UNTIL SECOND OR THIRD TRY.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: SAJNV5846EC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO FUNCTION AFTER RECALL. (90V035000)
1984 Jaguar Xjs recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1984 Jaguar Xjs.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR ROVER TRIUMPH INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR THAT, AFTER PROLONGED CYCLING, COULD WEAKEN THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE.
- Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE FUEL TANK LEAKS WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OFAN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REVISED FUEL PURGE SYSTEM WHICH ELIMINATES EXCESSIVE VAPOR PRESSURE BUILD-UP.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR ROVER TRIUMPH INC.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES IN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY DUE TO DIRT ENTERING THE VALVES.
- Consequence: CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE UNDER NORMAL OPERATINGCONDITIONS WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL VACUUM DUMP VALVE.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR CARS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
- Summary: POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF THE HOSE/CLIP FITTINGS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, WITH FUEL LEAKAGE, COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE OR THE DESTRUCTION OF IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR CAP.
- Remedy: A NEW FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE FUEL HOSE CLIPS WILL BE INSTALLED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1984 Jaguar Xjs problems:
Jaguar XJS: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Jaguar XJS Common Problems and Solutions · Complete Loss of Power · Car Pulling To Side · Slow Braking · Knocking From Gearbox (All Automatics) · Overheating Engine ...
'84 XJS engine problems..... - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ...
Mar 11, 2012 ... These are THE classic symptoms of the injector loom failing and arcing to earth, meaningthe injectors stay open and flood. The injectors are ...
V12 engine Problems - XJ-S - Jag-lovers Forums
Nov 13, 2019 ... Hi all im a newbie here and live in the uk. I recently acquired a 1978 xjs which was running very badly and obviously not on 12 cylinders.
Advice on buying a Jaguar XJS | FinalGear.com Forums
The problem with this design is that the ignition cap and rotor are not that great. The rotor specifically will fail in such a way that half of ...
Transmission issues - XJ-S - Jag-lovers Forums
Nov 15, 2017 ... 1990 Series III V12 Vanden Plas. 1990 XJ-S Classic Collection convertible. 1987 XJ6 Vanden Plas. 1984 XJ6 Vanden Plas. 1969 E-Type FHC. 1957 MK ...
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