(Added links to photographs)


After a lot of searching around, I finally got around to removing the ashtray from my 2006 XJ8 Vanden Plas to install my XM radio receiver.

The idea was to remove the ashtray (I don't smoke) and use that compartment to keep the receiver thus enabling me to close the lid and hide the receiver (useful at night due to the bright display on the Skify2 unit.



First of all I pried off the wood panel surrounding the J-gate stick;




Then lift off the plastic covers concealing the two Philips screws holding down the bottom of the ashtray.

Then use a TORX T-30 screw driver to remove the two large screws holding the front part of the center console;




Then pry off the rear compartment climate vents;




The unit will simply drop out. There is no need for excessive force as it will come off with a gentle prod of a screwdriver or wooden spatula whilst grasping the vents themselves with your hand;

Now unhook the 4 electrical connections to completely release the climate unit from the center console;

You will have to release the center grey connector from the metal unit to facilitate the disconnection.


Now unscrew the 2 rear T-30 TORX screws to completely release the center console;




This will allow you to lift the rear of the console and pull it back from the front dashboard area. You will have to pull hard and upwards to release the catches at the front.

Lift the console up and move it to the back of the car;



With the center console removed, you can comfortably work on routing the antenna wire into the space behind the ashtray location;




You will now be able to access the ashtray which easily slides out since you have already removed the 2 Philips retaining screws;



After cutting away the back plastic section of the ashtray, which also releases the cigar lighter, I was able to insert the Sktfy2 12volt to 6volt transformer, plug into the cigar lighter socket and push way back into the depths of the from console area. The XM radio antenna cable was then routed through from the driver side door, under the steering wheel column and into the console area, emerging where the ashtray will be slotted back in.

To enable the Skyfi2 unit to fit into the ashtray, it is necessary to remove the unit from the vehicle cradle then dismantle the cradle to release the multi-pin electrical connector which can then be simply plugged into the bottom of the Skyfi2 receiver. The power and antenna cables are then plugged into the small circuit board retrieved from inside the vehicle cradle and the job is complete.

Now reverse the above sequence to replace the center console – slide it back into the front, push into the dashboard mounts (taking care to ensure the electrical cables from the rear climate unit are not snagged), attach all 4 TORX T30 screws, re-attach the rear electrical connections, push back in the rear climate vent unit, replace the J-gate wood surround panel by simply pushing and snapping it back into place.

Job complete;



Flipping open the ashtray cover reveals the XM radio Skyfi2 satellite receiver;

Now all I need to do is to find a way of securing the Skyfi2 unit to the ashtray interior, which is a little difficult to accomplish due to the loose wiring from the multi-pin connection at the bottom of the unit. Maybe a black plastic panel suitably cut out will hide the innards of the ashtray compartment.

 

Still can't see the pics, even though it's been moved and they've been shrunk.

 

Must be a problem with the Website as the pictures showed up in the preview and the posting only to disappear overnight.
So here (attached) are the first 5 pictures.

 

The next 5 pictures

 

The last 4 pictures

 

I HAVE A TEMPLATE FOR MY gps THAT I HAD MADE-LOOK THRU MY PICS OF THE JOB I DID -IF YOU WANT I HAVE AN EXTRA TEMPLATE IT MIGHT FIT MINE IS FOR A GARMIN NUVI-BUT MAYBE YOU CAN CUT TO FIT -GO TO MY PICS AND SEE GOOD LUCK

 

GrafShutka, thank you for the post. I just finished the same type of install of my XM RoadyXT receiver. The only difference between your install and mine was that I could not get the ashtray unit out. Yes the two phillips screws were removed and the unit was loose, but no matter how much wiggling and tweaking it did, it was hung up on something and for the life of me, I could not figure it out.

In the end, I was still able to route the wires into the tray from behind and everything is all buttoned back up.

Again, thanks for the good write-up and pics.

Rufus

 

Nice writeup. How are you feeding the XM into the stereo? via ACM or via FM Modulator?

 

I have to use the FM modulator, but I can't seem to find a good freq that I don't get some static

 

Thanks to you guys & this great thread, I was able to install the ISFM2351 module; it works great & even shows the names etc of the Music, artist & even the device that it's being steamed from. I installed the "button" to start music &/or skip to the next track, but I didn't install the mic, as there isn't a need for it. Just want too to say thanks again.

 

Hi I am thinking of buying the factory Sirus kit, does anyone have the factory unit in there car, I do know it plugs into the back of the head unit and works how exactly? I am used to all Sirus and XM working in the head unit and not as a separate system. Is the sound as high of quality as the radio itself? Does it go through and FM station or does it automatically switch itself in the head unit when turned on. No remember this is for the FACOTRY unit not an after market one for the XJ.

 

The factory Sirius uses an FM modulator in the trunk. There are install manuals available. I think I have a copy somewhere. I do not use it at all as I do not want to pay for radio. You have to define a radio channel for the XM and on the XM, enable the FM modulator. Then when the XM is on, it basically disconnects the antenna so no other radio stations interfere. To listen to regular radio, you need to turn the XM off.

 

Any idea what frequency is used for Sirius?

 

What channel do you set your FM station to for the XM radio?

 

How did you remove the ashtray module? I got the two front screws out, but it still won't come out. Do you have to remove the radio control module as well? Thanks.

 

i don't think the head had to come out. I think there are hidden screws and it just pulls out.