Simple question. I am installing a new radio/stereo. I connected the "antenna cable" (the thick one) to the radio, but it does not appear to be enough to extend the antenna when the radio is powered up? What should trigger the antenna extension?

 

There’s a wire which connects to the radio which triggers the aerial to go up. This ultimately connects to a relay in the boot (green) which trigger the aerial to go up and down with a delay. I had a similar issue and I replaced the relay.

 

Does the ant go all the way down to almost flush of trunk or is there a small section about 6 inches that stays up? Just asking because that's how mine is lol. And its loud lol.

 

Yip, I had that problem too. It’s because the nylon teeth are worn on the aerial. It’s a reel that winds up and down. You can replace this on its one. The mech comes out with a couple of fixing at bottom. Be careful to reposition the rubber mounting bushes inside if you replace it. That is likely where your issue is!
https://www.sngbarratt.com/uk/#!/Eng...4-53783e8a2b82

 

Cool thanks.

 

Hi V1rok

Its the 'Blue' Wire that Triggers the Aerial to go up and down

Here is a complete installation guide to fitting an Aftermarket Stereo in an XJS including loads of Step by Step Photos

How to fit an Aftermarket Stereo in an XJS Full Step by Step Guide including Photos

How to fit an Aftermarket Stereo in an XJS (version 2) Step ny Step Guide including Photos

 

Hi Rescue119

As has been already said your Aerial should go right down and the Nylon inner with the Teeth also needs replacing (dph928)

Car-Masts-UK have got it all, you can find them on ebay Item Number: 401325314134

 

Thanks guys.

 

It should probably be noted that when changing out the nylon cord the timing needs to be maintained or the mechanism switches may not match mast position.

 

Good point. When I did mine I wound it in enough sufficiently only to reassemble and then reattached the wiring and let it wind itself back in. Seemed to work fine and has worked since , I couldn’t find a documented procedure...

 

dph,

Where exactly is the antenna relay located in the trunk? You said it should be green. I checked in the trunk and I see two on the right side: black and red (fuel pump and main relays). I did not see any green ones.

 

Antenna relay is located next to aerial motor assy. Big green relay, at least on my -89 coupe. My aerial is not having any mechanical switches, i would say that small circuitboard inside motor assy senses when motor stalls and then stops current.
Just fixed my aerial and only timing was just to extend it and make sure that nylon cord is still on the reel. Aerial outer shell, metal one, could be just stuck together if someone pulled it by hand. Should be possible to free this just by tapping aerial from the top. (maybe advisable to remove it and do separately)
My problem was continuous running, which propably was due to corrosion on that small circuitboard. Caused by leaky aerial grommet on wing, this little ******* let all the water directly on motor assy if broken.

 

Hi V1rok

The Big Green Relay is located in the same place as the Aerial behind a piece of Trim

This Link has a Photo: which will show you its exact location

Which also includes

(1) Fitting a New Aerial Grommet on the rear Fender/Wing

(2) Dashboard Light Bulb Upgrade using Normal 5 watt type Bulbs if you don't want to fit Led's (which I don't)

(3) Simple Fix when all the Dashboard Lights go out for no good reason due to faulty Dimmer/Rheostat

Location of Aerial Relay and Bulbs For Dashboard Light Bulb Upgrade

 

I have just fitted a new aerial for a mate. The easiest thing is to buy a new aerial from Amazon, and use the original body fitting, so the top is flush with the body as before. New aerials have the activation chip built in, so you can do away with the green relay in the boot, and just hook the new aerial's wires up to the signal, 12v feed, and earth.

 

Thanks, ob. I looked at the photos but mine looks nothing like yours. I guess there was a design change sometimes after ‘85 which relocated the motor and the relay to the back of the trunk.

This one is ‘85, US version.

I finally figured out where the motor and the relay are located on mine. It is kind of in a crevice down below, right next to the rear wheel well. I had to remove the trim around it just to see it. Also saw the green relay behind the motor.

Kind of difficult to access...