My 06 SV8 had an XM satellite radio in it with three leads led through a hole in the back of the ash tray compartment, one of which is an antenna wire. I disconnected the satellite unit (needs a subscription) and tried the FM radio, but reception is very weak, so I am wondering if the satelite radio installation somehow by-passed the FM radio antenna. Where the heck is the antenna anyhow? In the windshield? Is it likely to be disconnected? Or would I get no reception if so?

Anyone else have poor radio reception in an X350? If so, perhaps that's why someone had the satellite radio put in it.

 

Check this thead out. It may have a solution. I had a similar issue. "07 xj8L VDP front speakers work only. Weak reception of many stations."

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ations-150017/

 

Hi Phil,

Both the AM & FM antennas (antennae) are in the heated rear window (backlight). According to the schematic, the antennas are connected to the head unit via coaxial cables. You can see the diagram in Figure 15.1 of the 2006 XJ Electrical Guide (page 153 of the pdf file):

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Elec...al%20Guide.pdf

Cheers,

Don

 

You must remove the RF modulator from the XM setup if you disconnect the XM receiver. It's behind the radio in the dash, it goes in series with the regular antenna lead. Without power it won't be able to switch the signal for normal radio operation.

 

Thanks, So if I plug the XM cables back into the unit and turn it off I should get better Fm reception? I also ran across a thread about them offering a free trial period if you buy a car with one already installed; I might look into that, but expect I will not be a subscriber.

Does the console have to come out to get to the RF modulator (I suspect it does). If so maybe it will prod me into replacing the clock illumination lamp too.

 

Yes, if you connect the XM head back and power it off, the radio should work again. And then you have to power off the XM unit every time you start the car. This is why I pulled the unit from my vehicle.

It's really not a difficult job to get the radio out, after the first time it only takes about 5 minutes. Lots of posts about removing the console. 2 torx screws behind the rear vent, 2 under the J gate trim, and then pull back. Radio/climate stack has 4 bolts.

The console does need to be removed to get the clock out. After the console is moved, you can pull the dash wood panel, then remove the center vent assembly.

 

I didnt have to mess with the head unit. I just removed the power and control wire from the unit in the boot. My head unit and ant. are still hooked up. Ill remove the head unit when I find a matching ashtray.

 

"I just removed the power and control wire from the unit in the boot."

I think disconnecting this sucker might fix my and others cold weather antenna problems, do you recall where in the boot it's located and what it might look like? I'd like to give it a shot before pulling the radio in the dead of winter. The car was originally from Texas so they likely never had this issue but it has been baffling me for years! Thanks for any help you could provide!

 

If your talking about the power unit, then it is on the right side of the boot towards the rear behind the cover panel. Mine was labled "XM radio". I just removed the power. input and controller input. My reception issue was fixed. My issue started when I noticed that my sirius radio stop working. It wasnt worth replacing, as it had crappy sound and the short XM music loop pissed me off. Now its BT all the way!
Accually, the switching unit is behind the dash hooked up inline with the Ant line. But when not powered by the rear unit, is seems to pass thru signal. I could have left the front switching unit in but had the head unit out when I repaced the factory ashtray. I did NOT have to remove the front switching unit to fix my issue.
The Ant connections for the rear window Ant are located behind the left "C" pillar interior cover. You might have a loose connection there that is worsened by cold and fixed by heat (expand/contract). Also there may be a short at the connection block at the C pillar.

 

Thanks for this but no joy. I almost disconnected the emergency brake module until I thought better of it and looked up the part number. I've seen other specs that say it's under the driver's seat. At this point I might take it to Best Buy in Newington NH. They will add/remove anything for $60 which is well worth it to me. Might even have them replace the clock while they have it open. They've done a few installs for me and done great work. I would consider it myself but I have the model with the rear A/C controls and I don't want to risk screwing it up.

Unrelated but potentially not, the radio has never sounded right to me. The Subs seem over driven to the point I thought they were blown and had them replaced. I replaced the amplifier and a blown door speaker but the sound remained tinny compared to my '96 HK rig which would blow your eardrums out at half volume. I have to say it's one of my biggest disappointments with this car. Right up there with ride leveling suspension.

 

If its the rear climate unit that has you concerned, dont be. The repair manual is limited,but spot on. Theres really no diference to a stock console. I had the same concern. But after I pulled it, I found no reason to be concerned. The second time I pulled it, it took me about 5 minutes. Door panels are much more concerning. It seemed daunting at first, but when it was out, it was very very simple. Other than the rear controls that come off easy, the top shell is not conected. The shifter suround is a piece of cake compared to older Jags.
Let me know if you choose to pull it and I'll answer any concerns.
By the way, the line to the rear window is not disturbed for the install of XM. It is installed inline by the head unit. The attachment will clear it all up. You do have to pull the center console to change the clock. I dont know if I would let a non-Jag person start pulling my wood surround for the clock. Its not hard, but the factory manual proceedure is sort of nessasary.