Jaguar XE Diesel: Jerky Acceleration & Rough Idle Fix

I had a very similar issue with my 2017 Jaguar XF diesel. As someone with some experience working on cars, I initially thought it might be related to the fuel injectors or fuel pump, but it turned out to be an exhaust leak. The symptoms were almost identical, jerky acceleration, rough idle, and the check engine light. The workshop diagnosed a crack in the exhaust manifold that was causing incorrect readings from the crankshaft sensor and disrupting the engine management system. The repair involved replacing the damaged section of the exhaust system and checking all connections. Total cost was 265€, which included parts and labor. Since the fix, the car has been running smoothly with no more issues. Before suggesting specific solutions, it would be helpful to know: How many miles/kilometers are on your XE? Have you noticed any unusual exhaust sounds or smells? Does the problem get worse when the engine is cold or warm? Have you recently had any other repairs done? Getting this information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if it might be something else.

Last service was done at 100000 KM and I am now at 104741 KM. The engine makes a ticking sound when cold and the exhaust smoke smells stronger than usual. The rough idle is definitely worse before the engine warms up. The oxygen sensor was replaced during the last service, but no other major work has been done. Worth noting the timing belt has never been changed since I bought the car new.

Thanks for providing those details. The symptoms you're describing with your XE are quite similar to what I experienced, but the additional information points to potentially different root causes. The ticking sound during cold starts, combined with the rough idle and timing belt history, raises some concerns. Unlike my exhaust manifold issue, your symptoms strongly suggest ignition-related problems that could lead to engine misfire, especially given the stronger exhaust smell. Key points to consider: A worn timing belt at 104000 KM could cause erratic engine performance, Cold start issues often indicate ignition coil problems, The ticking sound might relate to valve timing, potentially affected by belt wear, Rough idle that improves with warmth typically suggests ignition system issues In my case, the repair was relatively straightforward at 265€. However, if you need a timing belt replacement along with associated components, expect costs around 800€ to 1200€. This is significantly more than my exhaust repair but critical to prevent potential engine damage. Would strongly recommend getting this checked soon, as timing belt issues can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Unlike my exhaust leak, these symptoms suggest more urgent attention is needed.

Thanks for following up with those details about my Jaguar XE. After hearing your experiences with a similar issue, it sounds like the symptoms in my car are pointing toward something different than your exhaust manifold problem. The fact that the rough idle improves as the engine warms up, combined with the ticking noise on cold starts makes me think I should be concerned about the ignition coils and timing belt. The stronger exhaust smell despite the recent oxygen sensor replacement is also worrying. Given that the timing belt has never been changed at nearly 105000 KM, I should probably prioritize getting that looked at before it causes more serious engine problems. The estimated cost of 800€ to 1200€ is higher than I hoped, but much better than dealing with catastrophic engine failure. I will schedule an appointment to have the timing belt, ignition system, and fuel injectors inspected. Better to address these issues now rather than risk more expensive repairs later. Thanks for helping me understand what might be causing these problems.