Jag Vanden Plas Check Engine Light and Pinging

JAGUAR XJ8
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MICHAELFOCHT
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I have a 2001 Jag Vanden Plas (4.0 v-8 with 85k miles) and recently been having a couple of problems. About every other week the check engine light comes on and remains for 3-4 days, then resets. I notice during this time that there is a pinging in the engine on acceleration. Also, on a couple of occasions, at freeway speed, the car will lose almost all power, but the RPM's remain high. Taking my foot on and off the accelerator eventually "fixes" this problem with a "bang" as the power re-engages. As you would expect, this causes the check engine light to come on. I recently had the timing chain replaced, but no other significant work has been done on the vehicle. Also, a couple of months ago, I got a check engine light and it was determined that the engine was getting too much air in the mix. I discovered that the air intake from the hood was loose and tightened that. Upon doing so, my mileage increased about 1.5 mpg to a blended rate of about 19-19.5 mpg. Because of the increase in mileage, I think the first check engine light is not connected to the current problem.....but I'm no mechanic.
Nov 30, 2007 at 9:03 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

There is a few bugs to be ironed out here, but first get the fault codes read as this is the first place to start looking for clues. the pinging could be a faulty knock sensor get the codes first before tinkering with anything.

Mark (mhpautos)
Dec 1, 2007 at 12:15 AM
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FSTRANGER302
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[/quote] hello, it sounds like a couple problems first the pinging sounds like you have aknock sensor going or is bad,, second the banging your having at highway speeds sounds like a possible trans problem get the codes read and then email me back so i can help with the problems hope this helps leet me know pat
Dec 5, 2007 at 10:49 AM
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