Jaguar XJ (2008 year). Service manual — part 43

173

Suspension

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Suspension

AIR SUSPENSION

This vehicle is fitted with a fully automatic
air suspension system. It ensures that the
vehicle is always at the correct ride height
with varying load conditions, including
luggage compartment load or when
towing.

The system will automatically adjust the
amount of air in the springs to level the
vehicle. Air is supplied either from an air
reservoir or a compressor. The
compressor will run periodically to refill
the reservoir.

Changes in ambient temperature will also
have an effect on vehicle height when the
vehicle is parked.

Caution:
• Do not overload the vehicle. Vehicle

load weights are shown on page
273.

• A slight air loss is expected over

time causing the vehicle to lower,
so do not store or place anything
under the vehicle if it is to be left for
an extended period.

Speed lowering

When driving at highway speeds, the
system will lower the vehicle to improve
aerodynamics and vehicle stability. The
suspension will automatically return the
vehicle to the normal height when the
vehicle slows.

Changes in ambient temperature will also
have an effect on vehicle height when the
vehicle is parked.

Speed lowering is undesirable when
towing. Only Jaguar approved towing
equipment will not allow this feature.

Warning messages

If the message VEHICLE TOO LOW is
displayed when the ignition is switched
on, start the engine and wait for the
suspension to raise. The vehicle should
not be driven until the message is cleared.

If the message VEHICLE TOO LOW is
displayed when driving, restrict the
vehicle speed and wait for the system to
regain the correct height and the
message will then clear. If the message is
displayed frequently, inform your Dealer
to have the system attended to.

If the message AIR SUSPENSION
FAULT is displayed at any time, drive with
caution. Have the vehicle checked by a
Dealer at the earliest opportunity.

Note: If your vehicle needs to be
recovered by a roadside emergency
service ensure that the vehicle is securely
lashed by the wheels and NOT the body.

Driving Information

174

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Driving Information

Before driving off, check the gauges and
warning indicators and messages. Take
special note of any warning indicator that
is on.

!

WARNING:

Ensure the EPB is on and the automatic
gear selector is in P or N before
attempting to start the engine.

Seat belts are provided for your safety
and it is unwise, and in certain countries
illegal, to commence any journey,
however short, without wearing them.

DRIVING TIPS

Engine Braking on Downhill Gradients

When driving on mountain roads with long
downhill gradients it is advisable to select
a low gear.

Use Of Headlamps In Daylight

When visibility is poor the headlamps with
low beam setting should be switched on
so that the vehicle may be seen more
easily by other road users. The instrument
illumination dimmer control adjusts the
brightness of the panel illumination.

Parking the Vehicle

When leaving the vehicle, remember the
following:
• Whenever the vehicle is being parked,

apply the EPB and move the gear
selector to Park P.

• Do not leave children or pets in the

vehicle unattended.

• Do not leave luggage or valuables on

view. Always take your valuables with
you or lock them in the luggage
compartment.

• Remove the ignition key and spare

keys, even when the vehicle is in your
garage.

• When the vehicle is unoccupied, close

all windows and lock all doors
securely.

• Park the vehicle where it can be seen.

At night, park in a well-lit area.

• When leaving the vehicle unattended,

for maximum security ensure that the
doors are double-locked (where
fitted).

• Ensure that the keys and the key

transmitters are removed from the
vehicle before locking the doors, and
that all doors, the luggage
compartment and the hood are
closed.

175

Driving Information

R

WINTER DRIVING

Freeing a frozen door lock

Caution: Do not apply a proprietary
lock de-icer through the keyhole.

Should the lock become frozen, warm the
end of the key before use.

Windshield wiper blades

Before driving away, clear any ice from
the windshield and check that the wiper
blades are free. Switching on the heated
screen will accelerate this process.

Frost precautions

The correct concentration of coolant must
be maintained at all times when topping
up or refilling the cooling system.

TOURING

Foreign travel

Before planning foreign travel, check with
a motoring organisation to ensure that
your vehicle will comply with legal
requirements of the countries you intend
to visit.

International motoring organisations are
helpful for all aspects of long distance
touring advice.

In some countries it is a legal requirement
to carry spare vehicle bulbs.

First aid kit

A first aid kit is compulsory equipment in
certain countries. Your Jaguar Dealer can
supply a first aid kit.

Fire extinguisher

Many countries make it compulsory to
carry a fire extinguisher. If your vehicle is
not supplied with a fire extinguisher, your
Jaguar Dealer can supply and fit one. See
page 231.

Gasoline in containers

Some countries forbid the carrying of
gasoline in containers, as do most ferry
and hovercraft operators.

Cellular radio telephones

Ask your motoring organisation about the
use of cellular radio telephones before
travelling abroad, as some countries
exercise controls on the importation and
use of such equipment.

Roof rack

Only the Jaguar approved roof rack
should be used, (see page 273 for load
weight details).

The maximum load, including the weight
of the rack, must not exceed the load
rating indicated on the roof rack bars and
must be deducted from the vehicle
maximum luggage load.

Loads on the roof rack may affect vehicle
handling, especially in crosswinds or
when cornering.

Jaguar warning triangle

A warning triangle to give traffic advanced
notice of a disabled vehicle is compulsory
in many countries.

A triangle, designed to international
standards, is fitted as standard
equipment in certain countries.

Hazard warning lamps must be used with
the warning triangle.

The warning triangle, with its stand legs
folded flat, may be mounted on the inside
of the luggage compartment lid.

In an emergency, remove the triangle and
unfold its stand legs. Place the triangle in
the road in accordance with local traffic
regulations to give oncoming traffic
warning of an immobilised vehicle.

Driving Information

176

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TOWING A CARAVAN OR
TRAILER

Your Jaguar Dealer, and the main
motoring and caravanning organisations
can advise you on towing, towing weight
capacities and about regulations that
apply in other countries.

The following are important points of
safety, stability and comfort upon which
further advice should be sought:
• Maximum braked towing weight is

permissible, provided long periods of
uphill driving on gradients over 8%
are not undertaken.

• In high altitude mountainous regions,

the thinner atmosphere can reduce
engine performance.
Above 1000 metres (3280 feet) the
stipulated maximum permitted gross
train weight must be reduced by 10%
for every 1000 metres (3280 feet) in
altitude.

• The curbside weight of the vehicle can

be found in the Specifications
Section, page 272, of this Handbook.

• When towing at the maximum

permissible rear axle load keep within
legal towing speeds.

• Tires must be inflated to the normal

(higher) pressures shown on the tire
pressure label on the fuel filler flap.

• The recommended maximum tow ball

tongue weight is shown in the
Specifications Section, page 273, of
this Handbook. Having a lower tongue
weight or exceeding the maximum
tongue weight limit may impair the
vehicle’s handling.

• When towing, the tongue weight of

the caravan or trailer and the tow bar
assembly must be deducted from the
permissible maximum load, see the
Specifications Section, page 273, of
this Handbook.

• Avoid heavy braking. As the overrun

brake on the caravan or trailer is not
connected to the ABS, heavy caravan
or trailer braking could critically affect
the stability of the outfit as a whole.

• Ensure that the towing vehicle’s

engine, transmission, suspension,
brakes and tires are fully efficient and
regularly serviced. Similarly check the
wheels, tires, brakes and wheel
bearings of the caravan or trailer.

Caution:
• When not in use, it is recommended

that the removable tow ball is either
securely stowed in the luggage
compartment or, preferably, not in
the vehicle. Do not leave it loose in
the vehicle.

• It is essential that only a Jaguar tow

bar and Jaguar electrical tow bar
kit are supplied and fitted by a
Jaguar Dealer. This is particularly
important with this vehicle having
air suspension. If unapproved
towing equipment is used whilst
towing, the air suspension speed
lowering function will not be
inhibited. This may result in a
change in trailer weight distribution
and attitude.