I want to replace my radio. How difficult is it to remove my old radio? Is it necessary to take out the ski slope? I didn't find any info in the "book".
Any help would be appreciated.


Dave T Va Bch VA
'90 xjs v12 converible

 

depending on the originality of your existing radio this should be as simple as removing the radio surround trim , and using some puller tools to extract from the facia, it may or may not be mounted in a cage ( DIN Mount )

you may find the radio is riveted into the facia surround, in which case you need to drill them out, so protect the ski slope ( this is advisable anyway as you don't want to scratch it )

then the new radio cage will need to be test fitted , the facia may need the slightest tickle with a flat file as the original is very slightly smaller

you may also need an aerial adaptor , as i think the original radio has a ' pip ' push fit, where your new now will probably be the newer probe type insert

also the wiring will need adapting, either with a bespoke lead adaptor, or splice in the new plug

BB

 

I replaced mine a while back and recall that the most difficult part was sorting out the positive and negative speaker wires for front right & left, and rear right & left. Your wiring diagram, and the one for the new radio is necessary to get it right.

 

Hi Dave,

If your XJS still has the original radio I would highly recommend the following;

1. Do not toss the original radio! Ones in good, working condition are getting difficult to find. Wrap it up in plastic and put it on a shelf. If you really dont think you will ever use it again then sell it to someone who is looking for an original radio for their XJS. (I like many others are always looking for original radios)

1. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not cut the original harness! Those power and speakers harnesses are also very difficult to replace. Please take the time to create a set of adapters that will plug in to the original connectors and then into your new radio. Trust me on this one. One day you will be very happy that you followed this advise.

As for removing the original radio, my '90 is very simple. Just remove the heater control knobs and then the round nuts that hold on the faceplate.

Remove the faceplate.

The radio will be held in with either 4 screws or plastic rivets. Remove those 4 screws and the radio will slide out.

On the back of the radio is a large, flat ground strap. Remove the screw to detach it from the radio.

Unplug the power and speaker connectors and the antenna. The radio should now be free.

Mark