How do I troubleshoot a car that was driven into a barn under its own power but now (23 years later) does not start?

CHRISTOPHER SA

MEMBER
1985 JAGUAR SOVEREIGN
4.2L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I am looking at purchasing this vehicle but would like to know beforehand how to troubleshoot it and get it running with the minimum of fuss and expense.

As far as I have been told, this car was parked in a barn under its own power and was running very smoothly at the time. It stayed there for 23 years, and the body and interior are still in great shape.

When I contacted the seller, they tried starting it and found that no power was going to the dashboard, and it could not be started.

What are the steps that can be taken to get it running with the minimum of fuss and expense?

Image (Click to make bigger)

9 Replies

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Since this vehicle has been sitting for such a long time, there could be any number of issues you might have to fix.
So, it is nearly impossible to say what would be the minimum fuss/expense.
It could be any defective component(s).

The best course of action would be to first install a new battery, then test all the fuses and replace them as needed. That could help with not getting power to the dashboard. Also, all those relays need to be checked and tested.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If you are getting power but it is not starting, then check for sparks and fuel.
Also, there is a good chance that the fuel lines are dried out and could need replacement as well as all the vacuum hoses.

See if you can source a repair manual for this vehicle, as that can help with many issues.

In order for us to provide you with some insights, you will first have to inspect the vehicle and let us know what you have found and what is not working or missing. Then we will have an idea of which areas to diagnose and repair.

Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 AT 10:32 PM

CHRISTOPHER SA

MEMBER
222 POSTS

Hi Sean,

Yes, indeed! The only thing was it was 3,500 miles away in Vancouver! If it was local to me I would have snapped it up as it is a gorgeous car and the last well-made Jaguar before the quality went belly up.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 AT 10:44 PM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

I personally like these old XJs. Overall has a unique appeal compare to the later year ones.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 2:09 PM

CHRISTOPHER SA

MEMBER
222 POSTS

Hi Sean,

Yes! That particular body style and design was unique in the automotive world. It's gorgeous! And that 6-cylinder engine is the best that Jaguar ever made in my opinion (apart from the V12). I've always wanted to have one of them and when that vehicle in Vancouver popped up, I did some research and discovered that that car series was the last to be styled under Sir William Lyons' tenure. He was also a stickler for quality and under his watch these cars became extremely reliable. After he left the quality went out the window because the bean counters wanted to cut costs.

Yup, I agree with your view on the later models. To me personally, they suck!

I would have really enjoyed getting it into tiptop shape with the help of you guys.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 2:25 PM

SQM