As I mentioned in another Topic, we had a go at installing the AutoABC Carplay kit yesterday. Everything went well until we tried to remove the panel between the rear seats to access the factory plugs and wiring back there.

Couldn't figure out how to get behind the center panel/cubby, to plug in the adapter harness. It's held on as "tight as a monkey's bum"...tried a few tugs on the center panel (pictured) without success. Didn't want to pull too hard and break anything.

There were two plastic 'plugs' behind the flip-down panel but removing those didn't reveal any attachment hardware.

It's a 2014 'Vert, manufactured in the fall of 2013 if that matters.

A 30 minute SEARCH here, using different terms, and a perusal of the shop manual didn't reveal any answer either.

I'll keep looking later but time-saving HELP is appreciated!

 

I just saw a thing on how to do this not long ago and I don't have time to search for it right now. You have a convertible and from what I recall, it's involved. You end up needing to remove the crash hoops to get the whole rear panel off.

 

I think I saw that write-up.
Removing the whole panel is what I'm trying to avoid....

Present state...

Sticking it's tongue out! Two holes from where the buttons were.


Dash back together.... white plug waiting to be put into the CarPlay/Android converter. WiFi antenna hanging down on right.

 

I've got a coupe so no direct experience here, but if the TCM is in the same place you may find information on accessing it that does not involve gutting the interior.

 

Thanks.
128 mentions of TCM (Transmission Control Module) in the service manual, so I'll curl up in front of the fireplace with my laptop and explore.

 

Transmission Control Module written out, generated 436 hits! So I tried the ol' Googler. Sorry that is under the dash.
My next attempt was to request directions for removing the hard drive from behind the console. Unfortunately, YES it seems as if I will need to remove that entire back panel.

Gotta stop looking at the Dremel in my tool cabinet! <<SIGH>>

 

Oops. My mistake. I don't have a TCM. What I was thinking is the Telematics Control (Unit/Module/Doohicky). For my year of coupe. it's right behind that panel.

 

Yep you are correct. That centerpiece does not come off independently, you have to remove the whole rear surround behind the seats

 

The TCM is the Telematics Control Module, Shirley?

 

That was my thinking when I first use that initialism but apparently it's the Transmission Control Module, and for me that's the space between my ears. The Telematics Control is by a Unit, not a Module, so TCU.

 

Shirley, you jest.

"HEY...Don't Call Me Shirley" -- quote from the movie AIRPLANE!




Anyway, I'll be removing the entire back panel soon. Is this the best "how-To"?We had snow today and we are assisting Mom & daughter #1 in baking holiday cookies for the next couple days. I'm the Official Taste Tester and Quality Control Chief.

 

D'oh! Thanks for the correction.

 

Here are the steps:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...8/#post1604782

Removal of the speaker grill is tricky - look closely at how the tabs are positioned before yanking, it's easy to break a tab:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...8/#post1767764

Before tightening everything back up do a rattle check by playing some bass-heavy music and driving around. Having a second person to help guide the hoops piece back into position helps a lot too.

 

TY!

I had found some of those instructions/pictures but more of them help.

Different SEARCHers will usually achieve different results, so it all helps.
I DO have some Dynamat to apply when everything is opened up. We have always heard a bit of rattling when the sound is cranked up during open-top motoring.


PS: The first day's cookies were delicious....

 

I will attach the WSM docs, the illustrations are somewhat helpful. Much easier if you pull the seats out first. On F-type, when the seats are unplugged it breaks the CAN, so move them both and unbolt them before you unplug, as you will no longer have ignition control until you plug them back in.

 

@RoverJoe Just curious, why remove the seats? It's a big job that requires two people to lift them out. Or do you mean move them as far forward as possible?

He is just accessing the head unit control module to plug in a CarPlay kit. @Carbuff2 you might as well replace the TCU battery while you are there if you haven't already.

 

Great Idea!

From other posts about the TCU, have I accurately pinpointed the TCU module, in the green box?

 

I don't fit well behind the seats, but I'm not the smallest guy. It's 4 bolts and I can lift the seats out of the car easily enough by myself, and then I can sit in the area the seat should be and work, as oppose to contorting myself to work around them. Personal opinion I guess, whatever method works for you is fine. I was also thinking about a coupe, on a convertible with the top down it's a different animal all together.

TCU batteries rarely fail if not discharged, replacing one as preventative is probably a waste, but they are cheap so it's not a big loss either way.

 

@Carbuff2 That's it. You can buy the batteries on EB, AMZ or at the dealer.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...nt-how-275525/

@RoverJoe Ah I see - you were suggesting that for the coupe. Yes, that would help a lot. It's good to know the seats come out easily.

In the convertible shop manual it shows two people heaving the seat out and implying it's not easy. Thanks for the clarification.

 

UPDATE, and another question:

Cold weather and holiday preparations got in the way of my work Lots of salt on the roads anyway, so no uncontrollable urges to drive the F.

+++++++++++++++

Finally was able to remove the speaker covers on both sides. MAN the clips they used grip tight! And the carpet resists application of a trim removal tool.
Only broke one. The inner clips needed to be bent 180 degrees to free them from the panel on a couple! Close-up pictures later.


+++++++++++++++

Anyway, next question: After removing the 4 "Hoop Bar" (Jaguar name ) mounting bolts on each one, there is still a reluctance to lifting them out. Should I just yank up on them harder? No hidden restraints visible on the Harper Jag parts list.