Just wondering if anyone has had this problem. My XJ just started hesitating as it goes from 1st to 2nd, feels like a loss of power, maybe something with the fuel/filter/pump? Generally only does it just after it's started not once it has been running.

I back out of my driveway, then put it in drive and when it get's to the point where it will shift from 1st to 2nd it just kind of hangs, if I push the accelerator not much happens, if I take my foot off of it it still hangs for a bit but seems to catch quiker.

Any thoughts before I start poking around it her?

*1997 XJ Classic, 4.0l i6, Automatic

 

ok, i just finished up a 3 week long ordeal chasing down that same problem. IF ITS YOUR ENGINE, there are a few things it could be. 1: fuel filter, its cheap and easy so you might as well do it 2: air filter+fuel filter another cheap fix if you havent done so already 3: dirty fuel injectors, if you dont want to pull them,test them, and soak em in carb cleaner for good measure, run some sea foam or other carb/injector cleaner in there for 1-2 tanks worth of gas. 4: vacuum leak. this was the source of my problem. this can be a tricky thing to fix if you dont know what to look for. get a vacuum diagram for your specific vehicle/engine and trace all the lines while checking all the fittings for a good seal as well as cracks in the line. i would also check the PCV valve ( shake it & if it rattles its good, if not buy another one for $3)

how many miles are on your xj? fuel pumps rarely go out so i would rule that out.
is it even shifting into second or is it staying in first untill you coax it into second? if so, i would highly recomend getting a tranny flush/fluid change.

 

Cheers, will have a poke around on the weekend, had planned to replace the fuel filter anyways as I don't know when the last time it was done. Air filter was just replaced the oil change before last so it should be fine, will have a look though.

I've put in some injector cleaner for this tank and will use the rest in the next just to see how it goes.

It's got about 240,000km (just under 150,000 miles)on the clock. Just hesitates, still shifts fine through the other gears and even this problem is only occasionally and always only on the initial start. Once it's been running it shifts quick and smooth.

 

ok in that case, it definitely sounds like a transmission issue rather than an engine issue. your syncros are probably a bit worn in first gear. i would recommend you go get your tranny fluid flushed and fluid replaced. i would put money on that fixing your problem for the time being. im assuming that you still have the original transmission in it. if so, 240,000 km is a very typical milage for transmissions to start having issues.