XF Drivers be warned !!!!!!!
The Pedestrian Safety System is installed on UK versions of the XF and maybe other models. Whilst the concept is Maybe good in that it releases the bonnet in the event of a collision with a pedestrian and the lifting of the rear hinges of the bonnet provides a cushion onto which the pedestrian may impact as the Bonnet profile is so close to the engine head, this system may save a pedestrian from serious injury. Presumably the requirement for this system is an EU directive as North American XF's don't have it.
The issue I have with this system is that it is a ridiculous design and extremely expensive to reset should you have the unfortunate occurrence of an unnecessary initiation of the system by for example touching a high profile curb stone. What happens in this unfortunate event is that the sensors assume you have collided with a pedestrian and the result is that the detonators that trigger the Airbags which lifts the rear of the bonnet are fired, the airbags release and the result is that the bonnet rear lifts. All well and good you might say, but to reset the system The operation of the system destroys the Bonnet Hinges, a couple of bolts are Sheared, the sensors are destroyed and in many cases the Bonnet is distorted to such a degree as to necessitate replacement along with the hinges, Bolts Sensors Detonators and Air bags.
A quotation from Jaguar Dealers assuming the Bonnet was not distorted was in Excess of £1500. With a replacement bonnet and respraying the estimated was in excess of £4000. All of this as a result of lightly touching a raised Curb Stone.
Whilst the necessity of the system is questionable, the design is ridiculous. Surely the design should not destroy so much equipment just to raise the bonnet on presumed pedestrian contact. OK the Airbags may be required to ensure a rapid lifting of the bonnet, but that should be designed such that the Hinges, Bolts, sensors, detonators and Airbags not to mention the Bonnet are completely destroyed in the process.
This is what happened to me and I didn't even touch a pedestrian.
My 40 year relationship with Jaguars is coming to an end after a catalogue of design disasters associated the my XF/
The Pedestrian Safety System is installed on UK versions of the XF and maybe other models. Whilst the concept is Maybe good in that it releases the bonnet in the event of a collision with a pedestrian and the lifting of the rear hinges of the bonnet provides a cushion onto which the pedestrian may impact as the Bonnet profile is so close to the engine head, this system may save a pedestrian from serious injury. Presumably the requirement for this system is an EU directive as North American XF's don't have it.
The issue I have with this system is that it is a ridiculous design and extremely expensive to reset should you have the unfortunate occurrence of an unnecessary initiation of the system by for example touching a high profile curb stone. What happens in this unfortunate event is that the sensors assume you have collided with a pedestrian and the result is that the detonators that trigger the Airbags which lifts the rear of the bonnet are fired, the airbags release and the result is that the bonnet rear lifts. All well and good you might say, but to reset the system The operation of the system destroys the Bonnet Hinges, a couple of bolts are Sheared, the sensors are destroyed and in many cases the Bonnet is distorted to such a degree as to necessitate replacement along with the hinges, Bolts Sensors Detonators and Air bags.
A quotation from Jaguar Dealers assuming the Bonnet was not distorted was in Excess of £1500. With a replacement bonnet and respraying the estimated was in excess of £4000. All of this as a result of lightly touching a raised Curb Stone.
Whilst the necessity of the system is questionable, the design is ridiculous. Surely the design should not destroy so much equipment just to raise the bonnet on presumed pedestrian contact. OK the Airbags may be required to ensure a rapid lifting of the bonnet, but that should be designed such that the Hinges, Bolts, sensors, detonators and Airbags not to mention the Bonnet are completely destroyed in the process.
This is what happened to me and I didn't even touch a pedestrian.
My 40 year relationship with Jaguars is coming to an end after a catalogue of design disasters associated the my XF/
