We bought our first XJ a couple weeks ago ('98/4L/auto/4X/170K mi.) and wanted to thank all who contribute to the forum for the help I've already found figuring out where to start dealing with the "kushtakas" that live in it:

• No backup lights, will try to rebuild existing NSS and replace if that doesn't do it (new $40 NSS on order from ebay).
• Windows usually only work from driver controls (door locks go manual when the windows work at other seats), will check for corrosion/breaks/shorts then try to rebuild kid lock-out and replace entire module or jumper if no good).
• Fobs didn't work...new batteries and a little alcohol clean and now they usually work.

I've enjoyed it a lot so far...handles solid and has an outstanding turning radius. Does great in and out of our steep, icy, drive and on icy roads with well used and not very agressive tires.

It's a backup rig so will take some time and try to put it in good working order over time...nothing fancy.

I'm sure I'll be asking a few questions so "Thanks!" in advance to those who take the time to answer!

Merry Christmas to all
~D

 

Welcome to the family.

 

welcome to CF

 

Welcome and Merry christmas from across the pond.

 

Welcome to the site

 

Nice to hear a welcome from all you folks...even one from Merry ol' England!

1ATony, if your outfit ever comes out with a custom fit vinyl floor for a '98 vintage XJ I'll be real interested in hearing about it. We have OEM vinyl flooring in the PU and it works great in our wet environment!

Thanks to all and a Happy New Year!
~D

 

Welcome to CF.

 

seems to be a common problem. my windows only work from driver side also. and back up lights dont work either.

 

Ol' Blue,

Thanks for the welcome! Big Brother (turns 80 next year) has a dark blue '87 (I think) xj 4L/5-sp that he bought new. About the time it turned 150K miles he dubbed it "Ol' Blue"...it's over 250K now and still running strong. What a great backwoods rig it's been for us for 25+ years.

Rush K.

I think this is going to be an "interesting" rig.

After I wrote the post with stuff that didn't work and that the fobs were usually working I couldn't get one of the fobs to work for unlock...then a day or so later it wouldn't work for lock either. Took it apart cleaned etc. but still no joy. The other one still worked for both lock/unlock. Took both apart and switched the (all new) batteries. Now both work fine.

When I bought the rig the rugs were wet and smelled like wet dog (probably 'cause the PO would keep his wet, ancient, Lab in there). I finally got it dried out (vacuum, old bath towel on the floor, heater on high w/windows open etc.) and now the windows work from the passenger seats as well as the drivers and the door locks work too. Wet rug shorted a wire maybe.

Sure wish this thing had manual locks and manual window regulators.

So, all the mechanical stuff is good except the back-up lights now. The new NSS is at Darling Daughter's in Montana (they wouldn't ship to Alaska) and we'll pick it up in a few weeks when we go south to "warm up" (colder right now in parts of AZ & TX than here). That SHOULD take care of the BU lights.

There's lots of "cosmetic" stuff (new windshield/replace fog lights/front & rear hitch/fix or replace rear hatch interior trim/fix or replace tow hooks/bump out a couple little dents/yadda yadda) to fix after all the mechanical/electrical is in order.

One of the PO's removed the AC pump/clutch/etc. and replaced them with a fabricated idler (correct term?) pulley. I see some folks asking about removing their AC and looking for a pulley to replace it so, when I get time and inclination, I'll post a few pics and dimensions in the xj mods section. I'll probably want to put the AC in working order eventually but for now it's a real back-burner project.

I got pretty chatty there! Better go do something 'fore "She Who Must Be Obeyed" catches me goofin' off...again.

Happy New Year!