Great informative video as usual. I have just retired and wanted to use my pension windfall £50k budget to change my 1998 XKR (my 2nd XK). Considered lots of different cars on a bucket list, and what have I just bought? A low mileage 2005 XKR-S. Obviously I love this model, (so that's 3 in a row) but I also really couldn't bear to lose my relevance in following TTG !!!
Accepted I have a different gearbox, but to me activating aport and driving slowly still results in the gear shift points increasing. I therefore leave sport off.
The S mode on two of my cars (‘95 X300 and ‘05 S-Type) has very seldom been used. Can that explain why I cannot feel a difference in RPM build-up when switching from normal to S mode? In other words, is the S option totally dormant? If so is there a simple way to wake it up (like fast cornering, rapid acceleration etc)?
Do you have any experience with balljoints on these cars? My 01 XJ8 has had most of the front suspension redone except for the lower balljoints. When I hit a bump or a dip there is a sound. It could be the control arm bushings or it could be the balljoint. I just wondered if you had any experience in know which.
2000 XK8 won’t switch out of sport mode (light in switch won’t turn off). Will this gearbox reset fix this or is it a separate issue that needs dealing with? Thanks for all the informative videos. You’re a life saver.
Far more likely to the switch. They do fail, and are known to throw up all sorts of other errors when they do. Get a good used one off ebay or a breakers.
Hey john... is chris from USA....what is the button next to the sport button for? Thanks...all answers welcome....also what transmission oil/fluid is good for this trans....?...I was thinking of using Valvoline max life. Bc that fluid they call for is really expensive...any thoughts.?
HO MADISON241000. ITS THE CRUISE CONTROL ARMING BUTTON. As for the fluid. Check out the recommendations in Gary VanRemortels XK8 Bible www.tothegarage.co.uk/services-1
Tell me John, do you ever left foot brake in the Jags? I started doing it years ago and it eventually becomes second nature. I find that it means you can balance the drivetrain when downchanging manually for even smoother shifts. In effect, it’s a bit like heel and toe in a manual. The only problem I’ve ever had with this technique is in VAG machines which won’t allow brake and throttle applications simultaneously. I do it in the MB as well, but it’s not so necessary as the 9G transmission really works so well with the engine management that the throttle blips it provides are pretty seamless anyway.
Hi Gerard. I have tried it but find that whilst my right foot is analog, the left is Digital🤣. I have real trouble doing anything other than standing the car on its nose when braking with my left. Im sure if I persevered long enough I would get it. But to date I have not. And ironically I used to Heel and Toe and left foot brake a manual around many many a club circuit in my youth?
@@ToTheGarage I reckon it’s worth persevering with. The reduced servo effect of early XK8s makes them ideal. Perhaps you shouldn’t have updated the brakes on yours after all 😉
@@ToTheGarage John, waiting with bated breath. I just negotiated the purchase of a 2003 XKR. Funds should be shifted at bank in a few days (damn weekends). This is why I've been devouring your videos like a bowl of cheesies.
Great video as per the norm - my XKR doesn't seem to light up in the gear selector as you mentioned. My car also has an issue since I've owned her (4yrs now). In around 4rd or 5th (mine is 6 speed) whereby when it shifts into 4th or 5th (I'm not sure which gear actually) under reasonable acceleration (say 50% load) there is somewhat of a clunkiness or slippage type feel upon engagement. The noise is hard to describe but you can also feel it. It's kind of like the feel of a dodgy U Joint/driveshaft or diff-type thing - really hard to describe but it kind of feels like it's to the rear. I should probably record it on video - now there's an idea!. This only occurs when I give it around 50% oomph mind you - when I really floor her it's not really noticeable at all - mind you when floored in that gear range I can easily get up to 180kph or faster so it might not even be reaching that gear! 😉 200kph is easily reached - on a track of course 😝. It's hard to tell what gear you're in really even while driving manually as the electronics do override somewhat it seems. I'm guessing it's one of those actuator thingees (yeah real technical speak showing now lol) that may be the issue but who knows - I don't want to get it looked at because it will probably involve another mortgage top-up 😁 Another trans issue is when in Sport mode only - coming to a semi-stop at say a Give Way sign whilst still rolling she bangs into first when you re-accelerate. That is nasty and frankly rather embarrassing - only in S though. Any transmission expert please comment! 😨😲😁 Keep up your great videos John - they continue to help me immensely in my journey with my lovely XKR!
I’m not sure my 04 4.2 has a kick down. I found a plastic switch that seems to fit under the pedal but there is no electrical connection to it. It’s in the glovebox now.
Im not familiar with the 4.2 model Johnson but its quite possible that you only have a plastic pedal stop in them. I know from my friend Gareth (he appeared in a recent video chat with me and his Mini and TVR.) that on the XJ8 there is no switch. It works on a very specific throttle position being achived. On them the Plastic stop under the pedal can be adjusted to achieve this position. So maybe its the same on the 4.2? Someone will know and hopefully put us right👍
@@ToTheGarage As soon as it cools down, and I can spend more then 15 minutes in the garage, I plan on pulling the cover and checking it out. Today it was reading 132F or 55.5C in the garage. Going to be another 2 to 4 weeks before I can go out and spend some time in the garage. Both lights are permanently on. Sport mode switch and the cruise control switch. The cruise control works fine, so I know it is permanently on.
The CATS System notices stronger acceleration...and thus Suspension gets firmer compared to normal driven.. There is no real electric connection , it''s a Standalone electric sensor Suspension system . But the Sensors notice how Bumbs are taken faster compared to normal input. These Cars were way ahead in time when they where build.., also with the Adaptive Cruise Control.
Hi Viraf, although the difference would be small. its more economical to keep it in drive as that way the car can stop delivering fuel when it is on a down hill overrun. (The road is trying to speed the engine up) rather than in neutral where the car has to deliver some fuel to keep the engine turning.
I don't think the video is quite right about sport mode. My '97 XK8 definitely shifts differently with sport mode armed even when driving calmly and in a straight line.
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Hi John, always clear and perfect explanations :)
Hey, thanks!
Like this series of videos a lot! Makes me want to get in mine and floor it..... just for scientific purposes of course.....
Of course😉 love the new Logo. And im loving my Vampires too. Who Knew their was such thing until your subscriber suggested them.
Sometimes i think i am out of my depth,then you make it sound simple,cheers again john
I am simple Gareth🤣
Great video and again I learned something new about the secrets of the XK8 - thanks John!
Great informative video as usual. I have just retired and wanted to use my pension windfall £50k budget to change my 1998 XKR (my 2nd XK). Considered lots of different cars on a bucket list, and what have I just bought? A low mileage 2005 XKR-S. Obviously I love this model, (so that's 3 in a row) but I also really couldn't bear to lose my relevance in following TTG !!!
Well done sir. An excellent choice👍
Accepted I have a different gearbox, but to me activating aport and driving slowly still results in the gear shift points increasing. I therefore leave sport off.
The S mode on two of my cars (‘95 X300 and ‘05 S-Type) has very seldom been used. Can that explain why I cannot feel a difference in RPM build-up when switching from normal to S mode? In other words, is the S option totally dormant? If so is there a simple way to wake it up (like fast cornering, rapid acceleration etc)?
Do you have any experience with balljoints on these cars? My 01 XJ8 has had most of the front suspension redone except for the lower balljoints. When I hit a bump or a dip there is a sound. It could be the control arm bushings or it could be the balljoint. I just wondered if you had any experience in know which.
2000 XK8 won’t switch out of sport mode (light in switch won’t turn off). Will this gearbox reset fix this or is it a separate issue that needs dealing with? Thanks for all the informative videos. You’re a life saver.
Far more likely to the switch. They do fail, and are known to throw up all sorts of other errors when they do. Get a good used one off ebay or a breakers.
Hey john... is chris from USA....what is the button next to the sport button for? Thanks...all answers welcome....also what transmission oil/fluid is good for this trans....?...I was thinking of using Valvoline max life. Bc that fluid they call for is really expensive...any thoughts.?
HO MADISON241000. ITS THE CRUISE CONTROL ARMING BUTTON.
As for the fluid. Check out the recommendations in Gary VanRemortels XK8 Bible
www.tothegarage.co.uk/services-1
Tell me John, do you ever left foot brake in the Jags? I started doing it years ago and it eventually becomes second nature. I find that it means you can balance the drivetrain when downchanging manually for even smoother shifts. In effect, it’s a bit like heel and toe in a manual.
The only problem I’ve ever had with this technique is in VAG machines which won’t allow brake and throttle applications simultaneously. I do it in the MB as well, but it’s not so necessary as the 9G transmission really works so well with the engine management that the throttle blips it provides are pretty seamless anyway.
Hi Gerard. I have tried it but find that whilst my right foot is analog, the left is Digital🤣. I have real trouble doing anything other than standing the car on its nose when braking with my left. Im sure if I persevered long enough I would get it. But to date I have not. And ironically I used to Heel and Toe and left foot brake a manual around many many a club circuit in my youth?
@@ToTheGarage I reckon it’s worth persevering with. The reduced servo effect of early XK8s makes them ideal. Perhaps you shouldn’t have updated the brakes on yours after all 😉
Superb !
Thank you! Cheers!
I live in Atlanta, and with these beautiful gears and this chaotic traffic, I have yet to use these other gears on my XKR....😒
Well I will demonstrate how they can benefit you when you are able to break free of the city in a video coming soon
In XJR 308 in D gearbox work from second gear. In sport, first gear are avaliable
👍
Merc gearbox! I was thinking of getting a money pit called CL500, w215. But a metallic red with ivory and wood xk8/r would be a better buy me thinks!!
I'm still waiting for someone to explain when and how one is to use the 2, 3, 4 choices on the left of the 'u'.
Coming soon Libertarian45 look out for 'How to drive J Gate'
@@ToTheGarage John, waiting with bated breath. I just negotiated the purchase of a 2003 XKR. Funds should be shifted at bank in a few days (damn weekends). This is why I've been devouring your videos like a bowl of cheesies.
Great video as per the norm - my XKR doesn't seem to light up in the gear selector as you mentioned. My car also has an issue since I've owned her (4yrs now). In around 4rd or 5th (mine is 6 speed) whereby when it shifts into 4th or 5th (I'm not sure which gear actually) under reasonable acceleration (say 50% load) there is somewhat of a clunkiness or slippage type feel upon engagement. The noise is hard to describe but you can also feel it. It's kind of like the feel of a dodgy U Joint/driveshaft or diff-type thing - really hard to describe but it kind of feels like it's to the rear. I should probably record it on video - now there's an idea!. This only occurs when I give it around 50% oomph mind you - when I really floor her it's not really noticeable at all - mind you when floored in that gear range I can easily get up to 180kph or faster so it might not even be reaching that gear! 😉 200kph is easily reached - on a track of course 😝. It's hard to tell what gear you're in really even while driving manually as the electronics do override somewhat it seems. I'm guessing it's one of those actuator thingees (yeah real technical speak showing now lol) that may be the issue but who knows - I don't want to get it looked at because it will probably involve another mortgage top-up 😁
Another trans issue is when in Sport mode only - coming to a semi-stop at say a Give Way sign whilst still rolling she bangs into first when you re-accelerate. That is nasty and frankly rather embarrassing - only in S though. Any transmission expert please comment! 😨😲😁
Keep up your great videos John - they continue to help me immensely in my journey with my lovely XKR!
Hi Trevor.
There is a Guibo or rubber doughnut joint at the end of the prop shaft. It could just be that Trevor.
@@ToTheGarage thank you Sir, I shall look into this further. 👍
I’m not sure my 04 4.2 has a kick down. I found a plastic switch that seems to fit under the pedal but there is no electrical connection to it. It’s in the glovebox now.
Im not familiar with the 4.2 model Johnson but its quite possible that you only have a plastic pedal stop in them. I know from my friend Gareth (he appeared in a recent video chat with me and his Mini and TVR.) that on the XJ8 there is no switch. It works on a very specific throttle position being achived. On them the Plastic stop under the pedal can be adjusted to achieve this position.
So maybe its the same on the 4.2?
Someone will know and hopefully put us right👍
My sport mode light is always on. Could never get it to turn off. One of these days going to have to pull the cover and check out the switch.
You might find its been looking like its on, but actually its stuck in the off position😮
Think of the power upgrade if it is😋
@@ToTheGarage As soon as it cools down, and I can spend more then 15 minutes in the garage, I plan on pulling the cover and checking it out. Today it was reading 132F or 55.5C in the garage. Going to be another 2 to 4 weeks before I can go out and spend some time in the garage. Both lights are permanently on. Sport mode switch and the cruise control switch. The cruise control works fine, so I know it is permanently on.
@@ToTheGarage power upgrade?
What is the other button for?
Its the arming button for the cuise control @tainchains
Where did you read all that? 😂. I’m not convinced of any connection between the sports button and the CATS suspension on these generation Jags.
The CATS System notices stronger acceleration...and thus Suspension gets firmer compared to normal driven..
There is no real electric connection , it''s a Standalone electric sensor Suspension system .
But the Sensors notice how Bumbs are taken faster compared to normal input.
These Cars were way ahead in time when they where build.., also with the Adaptive Cruise Control.
Yeah there are 3 accelerometers for CATS.
I've always wondered if placing the gearbox in neutral whilst rolling down hill (to save fuel) will damage it.
Anyone have any ideas on the issue?
Hi Viraf, although the difference would be small. its more economical to keep it in drive as that way the car can stop delivering fuel when it is on a down hill overrun. (The road is trying to speed the engine up) rather than in neutral where the car has to deliver some fuel to keep the engine turning.
You need to keep an auto in gear at all times. Otherwise the gearbox will be severely damaged. It has to be in gear to keep the pump going.
@@iancouper3644 thanks.
Does the rotation of the wheels not drive the pump?
I will keep it in gear but am just curious as to how things work.
I don't think the video is quite right about sport mode. My '97 XK8 definitely shifts differently with sport mode armed even when driving calmly and in a straight line.
Hi Chris it will change at different revs but unless 'Activated' by the way you drive, it won't change the way that the lock torque converter locks up
...waiting for news... hi john !
Hi udo. you were early🤣
qq
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