What does error code P1638 CAN Link ECM/INSTM Circuit/Network on a 2003 Jaguar X Type mean?

Question

Yesterday the check engine light came on and I noticed the car was shuddering just a bit while idle and sometimes it feels like it is going to stall, but never does. I took it to Autozone and they were able to get this error code indicating some type of electrical problem. They advised a tune up would likely solve the problem. Does anyone have more specifics on what this problem could be and perhaps how much it will cost to fix? Thanks.

Answer 1

P1638 code has nothing to do with the performance of your Jaguar or a tune-up. The P1638 is for the instrument cluster problem. Somehow and at some point, the Engine Control Module (ECM) lost communication of the Instrument Cluster (INST), through the Communication Area Network (CAN). We suggest to clear the codes first. If the codes comes back you have to have a Jaguar technician check it for you. The problem could a bad circuit or instrument cluster.