Jaguar Repair: 1986 Jag XJ6 Series III - Engine Wont Turn Over, 1986 jaguar xj6, diesel battery

Question
I was recently given a 1986 Jaguar XJ6 Series III as a first car by an uncle of mine. It is a beautiful car with 97,000 miles on it and has been garaged for its whole life. It has not been driven in over a year due to a lack of time.

However, when the ignition is turned, one can hear a distinct "whining" noise but the ignition does not turn over. I have put a new battery in the car but that does not seem to have worked. Also, the oxygen sensor light is on.

Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Elliot,
You need to first look at the new battery to see if you got a "Deep Charge" or "Diesel" battery. The series III Jag requires it. But since it does not spin over you need to check the starter relay on the firewall on the passengers side up high. It is the larger metal can. Tap on it with a wrench when someone tries to start the engine. If it still does not try to turn the engine over, pull the white w/red tracer wire off of the relay and connect a jumper wire to it and touch the jumper to the (+) post of the battery with the key on. (make sure the car is in "Park")
If that don't make it spin the starter then you need to test the cable connections, (+) battery to solenoid, engine to frame ground strap, body to (-) post of the battery. and if still no spin over, you need to have the solenoid and starter tested.
Howard