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Thanks to the great info and feedback on this forum, I decided to take the plunge and install Mr12Volt. Big shout of thanks to Liam Biggs who was super responsive and provided great support! Also to the many contributors here offering their views and advice, this is really a great place for Jaguar owners!
Won't get into all the install details as it's covered in other threads, but thought I'd mention some points from my own experience of installing this on my model year vehicle. It's a MY2009, manufactured in August 2008. I had the USB/Portable audio module factory fitted so it qualified to have Mr12Volt installed.
In general, the installation isn't much of a hassle, just needs some care to do properly.
First thing, I disconnected battery … didn't want loads of DTC's showing up and I don't think it's a great idea to connect/disconnect 'live' modules.
A bit of a hassle to get to the USB/Portable audio module which, in the convertible is right behind the convertible top pump, rear right. There's some black padding on the trunk floor which would be best removed to give better hand access to behind pump to remove the MOST plug from module. There's a tab on the plug which you'd need to 'feel' and press and the MOST fibre connector comes loose. Care needs to be taken with the orange fibre cables so as not to kink them.
That done, then went to remove the integrated control panel (where the touch screen display is). Care required to remove the trim around the panel … best start from the bottom, using upholstery tools, taking note where the clips are.
Six bolts unscrew the control panel. There are some 8 or 9 plugs to remove from the back of control panel; best to have some protection on the centre console to place the panel on it while removing plugs. Can't really mix up the connectors the way the loom is organised; the only plugs which one can mix up are two of the MOST fibre connectors, so I took a photo of that before I removed them from the panel.
Doing the modification in the head unit is relatively straightforward … just be mindful that the ribbon cables need to be fully inserted in their slot. Some of them have an indicator line to show how further into the socket they'd need to go before you clip them in.
In my case, I seem to have an earlier head unit, so I had to use the 30 to 40 pin cable adapter. I was missing this from the Mr12Volt package and Liam organised shipment within a few days.
The installation video is great, just need to slow it down a bit to see it well. Putting things back in place needed some fiddling with the cable loom, extra care needed to make sure no cables are strained/kinked behind the panel.
Battery reconnected, Mr12Volt interface appears once you select 'Portable audio' from the console, or from the source button. You also get the Mr12Volt interface when you 'switch off' the audio volume button.
Of course, all functionality of the USB and iPod port are lost, the module being sacrificed to substitute Mr12Volt in the MOST ring. The USB female port that comes with Mr12Volt is also a charging port. The unit really integrates well with the car's functionality, sound is appreciably better, steering wheel controls integrate seamlessly, you can even use voice control on Carplay through the voice steering wheel button. What I also like about Mr12Volt is that it is completely reversible. I'm still in the first days of use, so still exploring it's functionality but very happy till now. Not too sure about it's load on battery when off though.
I'm using and iPhone 13 pro at the moment (works wired as well as wireless) but will install the iPhone 17 fix on the unit once I get it.
USB/Portable audio module is behind convertible top pump at arrow You need to get to this connector ... Best to remove this padding to reach connector ... Head module back Was missing these adapters from Mr12Volt package ... Back of control panel after modification ... Carplay working ...
Excellent write up. Liam is a lovely chap. He arranged to have mine fitted earlier in the year, Dropped my car at his fitter, then took my wife and dog!! to the local station, went shopping and picked us up later, that's service. Had a minor issue with Android Auto using google maps and Youtube music, again sorted it out. Wish I was in Malta now, with the roof down.
t@Circumnavigator … tried to highlight only the bits peculiar to my model … looking forward to seeing your video!
Haha I look forward to being done too! Video editing is not for the faint at heart.
Should be wrapped today.
And it is the polar opposite of yours. It is pure long form. Overkill with detail. Like my 14y old daughter will be using it to do the install.
I figure folks can fast forward to the spots they need.
Excellent write up. Liam is a lovely chap. He arranged to have mine fitted earlier in the year, Dropped my car at his fitter, then took my wife and dog!! to the local station, went shopping and picked us up later, that's service. Had a minor issue with Android Auto using google maps and Youtube music, again sorted it out. Wish I was in Malta now, with the roof down.
Thanks, @paulsjag ! Yep, Liam is a great guy, can testify to that here! Not too sure your Jag would like Malta with 600k+ population on the odd 120 sq miles and over 450k licensed cars! One reason I’ve settled in nearby Sicily … great place to drive around! In Malta on a quiet Sunday morning … On the legendary Targa Florio route in Sicily
Haha I look forward to being done too! Video editing is not for the faint at heart.
Should be wrapped today.
And it is the polar opposite of yours. It is pure long form. Overkill with detail. Like my 14y old daughter will be using it to do the install.
I figure folks can fast forward to the spots they need.
Thanks, @paulsjag ! Yep, Liam is a great guy, can testify to that here! Not too sure your Jag would like Malta with 600k+ population on the odd 120 sq miles and over 450k licensed cars! One reason I’ve settled in nearby Sicily … great place to drive around! In Malta on a quiet Sunday morning … On the legendary Targa Florio route in Sicily
Except in Palermo, where we were docked in a cruise in October.
For those of you 2007/2008 owners who want to install Mr. 12 Volt or have you Indy install it, you need to flash your touchscreen and update you ICM so you can then move forward with the install. I do this for a fee. PM me if interested. Those changes will allow you enable iPOD/USB which is required for M12V to work in those model years.
You will then need to enable iPod/USB it in your car.If you don't have access to SDD ENGINEERING mode software, or your Indy doesn't, I'm in the process of setting up a loaner SDD. The cost of the use of it will be shipping to you and from you back to me. I'll be available to walk you through enabling the Module via FaceTime. It will require a Big deposit so I am guaranteed the tool comes back to me or, if it doesn't, you will have purchased it. Once returned, I'll refund the deposit. This offer is for those who use my service to update their touchscreens and ICM. Should be available by end of January. Not doing this part for profit.
I don't have a relationship with M12V and these services are what you need to do before your install. I can help. Cheers.
Mr12Volt install on MY2009 XKR Convertible
