Land Rover Repair: starter and transmission problems related?, coolant temperature, transmission shops

Question
10/28/05
I have a 1990 XJ6 jag and wonder if someone out there could help direct me and/or answer a question about an ongoing problem?

Today and had to jump it to start.  I charged the battery.  When I tried to start it later today - it would not start - again.  Everything in the car goes on but the engine does not turn over.  Earlier last week the transmission light came on a few times when I started the car.  I turned off the engine, then turned the car over again and the trans light went off.  The car seemed to run ok and seemed to shift ok each time.  About the 3rd time of going through this cycle, the engine light popped on.  I took it to 2 transmission shops and they cannot give me a definitive answer.  COULD all this be related?  Could a bad starter cause the transmission to act up -- affecting the transmission and engine lights to go on? Or could it be a bad torque converter?  Or something else?
Anyone with some info or redirection to someone who works on jags PLEASE email me.
Thnx
ali


Answer
Hi Ali,

I don't believe that a starter fault can affect the transmission on any vehicle...unless your starting it while in gear.  The TC is a buffer between the engine and the transmission.  Since you don't have a clutch, the TC is the method used to interact between the engine and the tranny.

This sounds like an ignition problem.  It may be that your battery is not strong enough or it could be spark related.  Its also possible that there is not enough air or fuel to combust.  It could also be a fault with the coil, wiring or plugs.

The tranny light may be indicating temperature problems.  For both tranny and engine lights to activate, could you have oil or coolant temperature problem?  

Its quite possible that the TC could trigger both lights but I doubt it was caused by difficult starts.  Make sure your battery and alternator are charged and charging properly and then go from there.  Make sure you're getting fuel, that there are no air leaks, no vacuum problems.

You may have to bite the bullet and visit the local Jag dealer for service.  Can you read the OBD code that is associated with the Engine light?  I'm not a Jag owner and I'm not sure how you read the codes.  Resetting should be easy...disconnect the negative cable from the battery for a few seconds.  Reconnect and watch to see what codes reappear.

Best of luck,

JohnMc