I've been doing a bit of research trying to find a way to generate a code for the AJ8700. I have the code for mine, but the one in my car is currently toast. I'll be getting one soon from a local junkyard that's missing its code.

I've been doing a bit of research, asking around, and found that there are a few folks out there who seem to be able to generate codes based on the radio's serial number - a practice the local Jaguar dealership outright says is impossible (they wanted the last six digits of the VIN). I know there are jumpers involved, and I'm curious if I were to just match the jumpers on the new radio to the way they are on my current radio if my current code would work, or is there more at play than just that?

Any advice is welcome.

 

It would be helpful if the breakers noted the vin onto the radio when they take them out.....I mean its not a big job is it...??

 

Just to test them, I gave them the last six digits of my VIN just to see if they could come up with anything. Not surprisingly, they couldn't. I did get a guy from parts to do some research, and what felt like a half hour passed. He came back with a four digit code guaranteed not to work because AJ8700 codes are five digits.

Well, I came up empty-handed, but so far I'm only out the cost of the radio. Neither the 'generic' codes 24255 or 44532 worked.

 

So as an update, I'm having trouble with constant power - it's begging for a code each time I turn the engine on, so I'm going to be investigating the connector and of course all the grounds and all else.

I found a tiny yellow sticker inside the unit that I was able to extract from a small hole with a tweezers. It's a circular sticker you'd find on an old videogame at a garage sale that reads, written in blue ink, "old 8-9-'89 water damage" and it looks like the sticker itself had been wet at some point.

The tape deck doesn't work... well. It's constantly stuck on side 2 and there's no evidence that it's even playing. It won't go to side 1 and it doesn't like to eject - but it will if you harass it enough.

I got a code off of a fellow on the internet for about 35 bones, and it works flawlessly, save for the whole 'must re-enter every time' quirk.

Seeing as how the same fellow sells 100% refurbished units for a little over 300 bucks, I kind of got what I paid for, but the hunt is still on. I haven't given up yet, and I'm not about to dump a "modern" unit in the car - that's for damn sure.

 

The serial number of the car has nothing to do with the radio code. If you post the serial number of the radio I think I still have the old serial number book. If you call your local dealer they may still have the book as well.

 

jgrxkr whenever you get a chance, can you look up a code for an aj8700 serial # b61019906. There is a number written on the case in marker 10345441 maybe the vin from the donor car.I don't think its the original radio.Thanks so much in advance.

 

JgaXkr, even though I jumped the gun and bought a code, I'm still glad you posted. Looks like your resources are already going to good use.

I desperately want to keep the stock radio, but I'm running into a dilemma where hunting junk unit after junk unit will quickly become expensive and the only resource for refurbished units is a bit more expensive than I'd like to spend on a radio. It's a tough decision and finding the least disgusting modern radio is as much a chore.

 

Stargazer XJS, please could you supply the contact info for the radio refurbisher guy.....$300 is not too bad if there is some form of warranty.

I've burnt through a few units so far in my 1987 XJ6 daily driver, $70/80 a pop starts to add up......I have hundreds of cassette tapes from the good old days, as well as hundreds of books on tape.

Thanks,

Rob.
2006 X Type Wagon.
1994 6.0 V12 XJS Convertible,
1987 XJ6 DD.

 

do you happen to have the code book i have an AJ8700 from a 90 xjs im restoring any help would be great dealership was a joke