🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jaguar Model: XJ8 Year: 1998 Generation Generation Name: X308 Codes Chassis Code: X308 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and Jaguar owners seeking detailed repair information. Competitive Analysis Comparison To Printed: Offers greater convenience, instant access, and potentially a more up-to-date information base compared to older printed manuals. Key Features Licensing: Officially licensed information derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials. Access Duration: One year of access, with options for renewal discounts. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Overview: Comprehensive service and repair information for the 1998 Jaguar XJ8. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (software-based, access to all relevant pages) Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Online Software / Web-based Access 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: V8 engine systems, including lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emissions control. Transmission: Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 5HP24) service, repair, and diagnosis. Brakes: Brake system diagnostics, repair, and maintenance, including ABS. Suspension: Front and rear suspension component service, alignment, and repair. Steering: Power steering system diagnosis and repair. Electrical: Full electrical system coverage, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and diagnostic procedures. Climate Control: HVAC system service, repair, and refrigerant handling. Bodywork: Body panel repair, interior trim, and accessory installation. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic routines, fault code interpretation, and symptom-based troubleshooting. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems. Disassembly Reassembly: Detailed procedures for component removal and reinstallation. Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level technical data, diagnostic procedures, specifications, and repair methods. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Accessibility: Web-based access compatible with PC, laptop, smartphone, and tablet browsers. Print Quality Print Option: Printable pages (user responsibility) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Access) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Access) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: AJ26 (for the XJ8) Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V8 Displacement: 3.2 Liters (for XJ8), 4.0 Liters (for XJR) Performance Horsepower 3.2L: Approx. 245 hp @ 6,250 rpm Torque 3.2L: Approx. 284 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm Horsepower 4.0L (Xjr): Approx. 306 hp @ 6,000 rpm (supercharged) Torque 4.0L (Xjr): Approx. 383 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (supercharged) Fuel System Fuel Injection: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP24) Optional Transmission Options: N/A for 1998 XJ8 (automatic only) Features Transmission Fluid Type: Mobil ATF LT 71141 (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: approx. 118.5 inches Overall Length: approx. 201.5 inches Overall Width: approx. 70.9 inches Overall Height: approx. 53.5 inches Weights Curb Weight: approx. 3,900 - 4,100 lbs (depending on configuration) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by model, consult specific vehicle data 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Not widely published for this era in a standardized format. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags. Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Premium audio systems, often with cassette and CD players. Harman Kardon systems were available. Navigation: Optional GPS navigation system available. Driver Assistance Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCS) was often standard or optional. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on phone integration (if equipped with a factory cellular system). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, consult manual for exact specification. Major Service Interval: Refer to manual for 30,000, 60,000, and 100,000-mile service recommendations. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for climate specific recommendations). Coolant Type: Jaguar specific long-life coolant (e.g., Jaguar Extended Life Coolant). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Known Issues Timing Chain Tensioners: Early AJ26 V8s are known for plastic timing chain tensioners that can degrade and fail, leading to catastrophic engine damage. This is a critical item to inspect/address. Head Gaskets: Potential for head gasket leaks, particularly on the 4.0L engine. Symptoms include coolant loss or white smoke. Nikasil Cylinder Liners: Early AJ26 engines used Nikasil liners, which could be susceptible to wear from high-sulfur fuels. Later versions and remedies exist. Transmission Issues: ZF 5HP24 transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting or failure to engage if not properly maintained. Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial. Dsc Module: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module failures can occur, affecting traction control and ABS operation. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Heritage Summary: Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for luxury, performance, and elegant design in the automotive world. Model Evolution X308 Introduction: The X308 generation, introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, succeeded the X300. It featured updated styling, a new all-aluminum V8 engine, and significant interior refinements. Production Production Period: 1997-2003 (for X308 generation) Manufacturing Location: Coventry, England 🏆 Awards & Recognition Recognitions Awards Summary: While specific awards...
Diagnostic routines, fault code interpretation, and symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed procedures for component removal and reinstallation.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level technical data, diagnostic procedures, specifications, and repair methods.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Accessibility:
Web-based access compatible with PC, laptop, smartphone, and tablet browsers.
Print Quality
Print Option:
Printable pages (user responsibility)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Access)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Access)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
AJ26 (for the XJ8)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (for XJ8), 4.0 Liters (for XJR)
Performance
Horsepower 3.2L:
Approx. 245 hp @ 6,250 rpm
Torque 3.2L:
Approx. 284 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
Horsepower 4.0L (Xjr):
Approx. 306 hp @ 6,000 rpm (supercharged)
Torque 4.0L (Xjr):
Approx. 383 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (supercharged)
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP24)
Optional
Transmission Options:
N/A for 1998 XJ8 (automatic only)
Features
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mobil ATF LT 71141 (or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
approx. 118.5 inches
Overall Length:
approx. 201.5 inches
Overall Width:
approx. 70.9 inches
Overall Height:
approx. 53.5 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
approx. 3,900 - 4,100 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult specific vehicle data
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Not widely published for this era in a standardized format.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Premium audio systems, often with cassette and CD players. Harman Kardon systems were available.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system available.
Driver Assistance
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) was often standard or optional.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on phone integration (if equipped with a factory cellular system).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, consult manual for exact specification.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for 30,000, 60,000, and 100,000-mile service recommendations.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for climate specific recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Jaguar specific long-life coolant (e.g., Jaguar Extended Life Coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Timing Chain Tensioners:
Early AJ26 V8s are known for plastic timing chain tensioners that can degrade and fail, leading to catastrophic engine damage. This is a critical item to inspect/address.
Head Gaskets:
Potential for head gasket leaks, particularly on the 4.0L engine. Symptoms include coolant loss or white smoke.
Nikasil Cylinder Liners:
Early AJ26 engines used Nikasil liners, which could be susceptible to wear from high-sulfur fuels. Later versions and remedies exist.
Transmission Issues:
ZF 5HP24 transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting or failure to engage if not properly maintained. Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial.
Dsc Module:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module failures can occur, affecting traction control and ABS operation.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage Summary:
Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for luxury, performance, and elegant design in the automotive world.
Model Evolution
X308 Introduction:
The X308 generation, introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, succeeded the X300. It featured updated styling, a new all-aluminum V8 engine, and significant interior refinements.
Production
Production Period:
1997-2003 (for X308 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards Summary:
While specific awards for the 1998 model year are not prominently highlighted, the Jaguar XJ series generally received accolades for its luxurious interior, refined ride, and powerful V8 engines in automotive reviews of its era.
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