Troubleshooting Jaguar Check Engine Light
Has your Jaguar’s check engine light come on? It can be on for something as simple as a loose gas cap or indicate a severe engine problem.
This guide will discuss common problems that cause the Jaguar check engine light to stay on and how to diagnose the problem yourself.
What does it mean when the Jaguar check engine light stays on?
When the check engine light on a Jaguar stays on even after you start the engine, it means the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system has detected a problem with the engine, transmission, or Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP).
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The problem can be caused by several issues, ranging from a loose gas cap to worn spark plugs, a faulty ignition coil, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, a clogged catalytic converter, or a dirty mass airflow sensor.
These common problems can trigger the check engine light on a 1996 and newer Jaguar, including XE, XF, XJ, E-PACE, F-PACE, or F-TYPE. To find out why your Jaguar’s check engine light is on, read the fault codes with an OBD-II scanner.
How to Troubleshoot Jaguar Check Engine Light
How to Read Jaguar Check Engine Fault Codes
A diagnostic scanner is needed for this procedure. In this demonstration, we used a Launch Creader VII multi-system scanner. The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read related fault codes on all makes and models.
- Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard.
- Connect your OBD-II scanner and turn on the ignition.
- Turn on your OBD-II scanner and select Jaguar from the main menu.
- Select your model.
- Select the Powertrain Control Module.
- Scroll down to Read Codes.
- Select Read Codes and write down all the codes that come up.
Research each cod that comes up. Learn what each code means and what the possible causes are. Some codes are easy to fix, while others may require further troubleshooting.
Common Causes
Common causes that trigger the Jaguar check engine light.
Spark plugs
Bad spark plugs can cause misfires, which the engine management system will detect. Another cause would be bad spark plug wires or high resistance due to age. In either case, replacing the spark plugs or spark plug wires will be the solution.
Loose fuel tank cap
It causes fuel fume leaks that the onboard system will detect, causing a lit CEL. There have also been cases where a full tank sets off error codes in the evaporative system, also causing the Jaguar check engine light to come on.
Catalytic converter
A broken catalytic converter will cause the CEL to light. Note that catalytic converters are mandated in the U.S. to be warranted for eight years or 80,000 miles. If this is the component at fault, then replacement should not cost the owner within the warranty period.
Oxygen sensor
Measures the amount of unburnt fuel in your engine exhaust. A malfunctioning sensor can trigger the CEL. While reasonably sturdy, O2 sensors fail, and you need to replace them immediately. Broken O2 sensors increase fuel consumption noticeably.
Mass airflow sensor
A blocked or faulty airflow sensor will trigger the check engine light. A problem with this sensor will also increase fuel consumption, affect performance, and increase emissions.
Ignition Coil
Faulty ignition coils cause a misfire, which can cause rough idling and poor engine performance. If left unrepaired for too long, this condition will damage the catalytic converter.
A stuck thermostat will give erroneous temperature readings. The temperature readings may not be within the expected range of the coolant sensor, and a lit CEL will be the result.
Supercharged engine
A leak in the system will cause the CEL to turn on. This will also cause a lean condition that can damage the engine if it is run hard.
EGR system
An exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system can also trigger the CEL. What happens is that one of the seals in the system hardens. This loss of flexibility can cause an air leak, triggering the CEL.
Jaguar Check Engine Light On / Restricted performance mode
A flashing check engine light denotes a critical fault. As a safety measure, the ECU defaults to limp mode so the driver can reach a dealer, service shop, or safe place. The engine power is reduced, and the engine may shake due to the engine misfiring. Continuing to drive the car for a long time will result in catalytic converter damage and may need replacement.
There are many possible causes of a blinking check engine light. It can be that a sensor has failed or an ignition coil is causing a misfire. Problems with the spark plugs, ignition coils, MAF sensor, EGR valve, fuel injectors, the engine itself, or the ECU can also cause a flashing check engine light. A blinking CEL has also been reported to occur after an engine wash or when the spark plug wells become flooded with oil or water.
When a blinking CEL occurs, the only way to determine what is at fault is to read the codes thrown by the ECU.
What do you do when the Jaguar CEL turns on?
- Check the gas cap – this is a common cause of a CEL turning on. Sensors detect a gas fume leak, resulting in a lit CEL. The fix is ensuring the gas cap is fully seated (at least three clicks of the cap when tightening). Note that it will take several ignition cycles before the CEL turns off.
- Check engine oil level – an unseated dipstick or low oil level can trigger Jaguar CEL.
- Coolant temp – the temperature gauge will indicate the coolant temperature. In this case, the CEL will have lit because the sensor reads the coolant as too hot or too cold. A stuck thermostat usually causes this. It is worth noting that some of the newer Jaguars use Ford-derived engines, and it may be possible to find a more reliable thermostat from a Ford.
- Monitor performance – if you notice that your Jaguar is performing sluggishly, you may have a clogged catalytic converter. Of course, a bad ignition coil or another fault may be causing the engine to run in safe or limp-home mode. Only by reading the codes will you better understand what is causing poor engine performance.
- Read the OBD codes – since the OBD (on-board diagnostics) port is standard in all modern cars, investing in an OBD2 scanner is highly recommended. You can buy a dedicated reader that plugs directly into the OBD port, or you can purchase Bluetooth-enabled transmitters that will interface with your smartphone or tablet, where you can display the error codes.
It must also be reiterated that a blinking check engine light on your Jaguar denotes a critical fault. Try to get to a service area within five miles and have your car checked. If the CEL is lit and not blinking, you should still have the error codes read as soon as possible.
We hope you find the Troubleshooting Jaguar Check Engine Light guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Jaguar.
