From reading all the threads about installing the audio connectivity module on here and several other forums, I’m admitting defeat on understanding how to retrofit the OEM Jaguar ACM to my 2008 Jaguar XKR. As a result I’m reaching out for help from all you knowledgeable members, and appealing to your good nature.

I’ve gleaned several bits of advice on here, including the sticky threads, but I’m really struggling to see the overall picture. On one other forum, someone kindly sent me the Jaguar install instructions for an earlier ACM for the car, which looks very different to the one I’ve bought. So I’m still unsure I have all the right parts to install, and still a little unsure how to install it.

I’m sure there are many who will want to hit me over the head and say the info is all here on the site, but I’ve tried understanding it all and I’m admitting to being a dufus and hoping there are some of you out there who can put me out of my misery.
Even when I do glean some info, it’s hard to understand the jargon everyone is referring to and I get lost technically (blame it on my severe ADHD).

However, I do feel I’m very close.

I have acquired the following parts, which I think are correct, but please tell me if I’m wrong and if so what parts/part numbers I need:

1. An ACM, part number 8X2314D212AA, along with the cable which I believe connects into the center armrest console ipod Dock. (But I’m baffled as to how such a short cable will reach from all the way from the ACM, if it installs in the glove box/behind the dashboard, and reach all the way to the armrest, or even from the trunk of the car where the original ACM Jag installation appears to be?). See pic attached below.

2. A 30pin interface cable to connect the iPod to the arm rest dock. Part 7W8319C166AA

3. A 3-way Jaguar optical harness that is supposed to be compatible with the XK, XJ, XF, X-type and S-Type vehicles. This is the one I’m unsure about, but believe it connects the ACM to the stereo. (See 2 more pics attached below).

4. I have read that I may need a M.O.S.T. loop cable to complete the optical circuit. Is this true in my case?

I already have the JagWrangler Bluetooth dongle installed with Aux input activated. I love that device, and it’s been a great invention, but the reason why I wanted to go for retrofitting the ACM is because I wanted to control my iPhone/Ipod through the steering controls and on the screen.

It’s also why I didn’t buy the earlier ACM for the 2008 XKR, as I believe it doesn’t give you the ability to control the music through the car controls.

I’m not interested in installing the Mr12Volt Carplay system, at least not yet. And I understand you have to have the ACM installed to make that work anyway. I’m also not interested in buying one of the Tesla type screen systems either. I like my car to be as factor as possible.

I understand from other posts on the forum, that I made need to upgrade my car’s menu system to a 2009MY to make that happen (with Aux already enabled, it only shows the AUX input on the touch screen and not the iPod option, that I think the later firmware gives you). Please tell me if I’m wrong. From what Cambo has written on the forums, it feels like an appealing option and I like the newer colors (I’m fickle!) anyway. So I’ve bought an SDD kit. But I’m not even touching that until I’m sure it’s necessary. That’s another learning curve!

One other thing, I’ve read here and there that the ACM firmware can be updated via a firmware update from Dension. I’ve downloaded that firmware (off the top of my head it’s version 1.09 or 1.19). My questions are:

1.Is it worth it, and how would I update the firmware physically?
2. And should I do this before installing everything? I reached out to Dension but have heard nothing on that front.

Please don’t flame me and tell me that the info is already on the forum. I’ve honestly tried that, and I’m still confused. Hence trying to get all the parts and info I can understand gathered together before asking you all. I’m kind of at the end of the road with it.
Any advice and instruction in layman’s terms would really be helpful right now.

Thanking you in advance!

Justin

 

Sorry I can't help but am sure you'll get some good advice. Good luck with it.

 

Ok, part of the problem is that what you’ve pictured is the iPod module, not an ACM. I just removed an ACM from my car. It’s a black plastic box, a couple inches wide, maybe 3-4 inches long, and half an inch thick. I’d installed it a few years ago, and just recently installed the Cambo CarPlay unit.

 

So needless to say, forget the ACM instructions and get the iPod module instructions, which, if I’m not mistaken, is a bit more involved (I haven’t done it, but a few on here have).

 

wow. I didn’t know even realize that. I’d seen what you describe as the ACM, but I understood that to be an older version and that I’d gotten the one for 2009+ models. I think that’s why I’ve been struggling to understand all this time. Thank you.

 

This thread from 2019 may be helpful:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...module-220370/

 

No, he already has AUX active, which (from what I understand) is different than enabling the iPod module.

 

Ok, I’ve been using the wrong terminology.
You want to add the ‘Portable Audio Interface’ for the module that you have, and the display will show ‘Portable Audio’ instead of ‘AUX’ as an option.
If you haven’t already, take a read through this thread:
2008 XKR Upgrades

 

I used to have the same idea on the mr12V module.. but after requiring more and more navigation opted for it.. and I have to say, it works really well, does not intrude too much into the default Jaguar look and feel (you can switch back to the original screens easily) and the audio quality is way better, easier to navigate, easier to switch music inputs and les chances of fines as I don't have to hold my phone anymore..

(Oh and if you have the aux module already - less risk as you don't have to reprogram your car)

 

Thanks, I've already read that thread, but have done so again. Despite the title, it's all about installing a back up camera and nothing about how to set up the iPod set up.

 

Thanks, but don't you have install the necessary OEM module first before doing that anyway? Mr12Volt told me I already needed the iPod/aux equipment installed before doing this. Which is what I'm trying to work out how to do.

 

No, you don’t need to physically install that unit, as it will be bypassed anyway. But you do need to get the ‘Portable Audio Interface’ activated in SDD.

 

.
Juss, to get the ‘Portable Audio Interface’ activated in SDD you will need to go into SDD Engineering Mode and turn on the "Accessory USB unit" line item. To see this line item and all others available for modification, refer to my earlier post, "Car Configuration Personalization Parameters in SDD v130", showing all line items in SDD v130. It is SDD line item #530.
..
As to how to get into SDD Engineering Mode to make the parameter modification, refer to my earlier post, "Activation and Installation of Rear Park Assist Camera in 2009 Jaguar XKR". Once you have the Portable Audio Interface (Accessory USB unit) activated for USB and iPod, it will look like this on your touchscreen.
..
I see that you have a 2008 model year. Please note that Mr12Volt requires a 40-pin plug in your Infotainment unit and it is doubtful your 2008 has that as this is typically in 2010 MYs and later. My 2009 only had a 30-pin so I opted to go with a JagAux Bluetooth adapter because it allows using the steering-wheel buttons to move tracks forward and backward in addition to mute and pause.

 

Ask Mr12Volt about a 40-pin to 30-pin adapter for your pre-2010 car. I’ve heard a rumor that such a thing exists.

 

.
kj07xk, you are correct. I messaged them and their response is that Mr12Volt now comes with a 30-pin to 40-pin conversion cable.
.

 

So for someone who is acquiring a 2008 xkr portfolio, my understanding of the steps are:

1) acquire ACM module
2) install and have someone turn it on with SDD
3) install mr12v

is that correct?

 

No. if you want to install Mr. 12 Volt, Turn on Portable Audio Interface via SDD. It's an optional add on via SDD. It will then display on your screen under Audio. Then order and install the Mr.12Volt kit. Use your existing screen. All physical parts needed are provided in their kit.

 

Ok, so if I’ve read the 200,000 threads on this correctly, the 2008 did not come with the ACM module, nor is it installed unless you got the iPod setup.

if I went mr12v, is there any value in also adding the ACM and the iPod outlet in the sock drawer?

 

No - AMC and iPod/USB are two completely different add ons. One has nothing to do with the other. No there is no point to adding the old tech to your car. All the ACM was ever intended for was to use with iPod music. Remember iPods? ACM works to play music from your iPhone as well, but that's it.

Mr. 12 volt gives you everything you have on your phone. If you have apple, it gives you carPlay to use those functions.
If you have Android, it gives you android Auto to use all android phone functions.

You can research CarPlay and Android Auto on the internet to learn more about them. A google search will show you how it works.

And to help you understand Mr12 Volt a little more, you still have all of the OEM functions on the Jag. You simply toggle between the two.

 

Ok. Makes sense.
And yeah my wife still has her old iPod.
sits on top of this old boom box for her daily workouts.

When I bought my 2015 Genesis, it didn’t have Apple CarPlay, but there was an SD card slot in the dash so I was able to find download and update to the newer head unit software and get CarPlay.

About 7 pages into reading the thread where two people installed the android unit.
The Tesla thing looks cool and it seems most have worked through the bugs in advance for the rest of us.

Honestly, I’d much rather keep the original head unit if I can.
But, as mine will be 17y old it will eventually go.
and the only replacement options are other old, used ones. So the “Tesla” android thing is inevitable. Nobody will be making a ‘new’ OEM style head unit and eventually no used ones will exist.

I thought the iPod thing was required to add mr12v.
Thanks for correcting that.

I think the order of solutions will be:
- FM modulator for 6hr ride home from purchase
- mr12v upgrade in 1st couple months
- when head unit dies, android/Tesla thing