My dad has a 96 xk8 which has a wierd problem. Whichever satnav unit I use (tried 2 tomtom's and an iphone) it can't seem to get a lock. Al least not all the time. I suspect it has something to do with the heated windshield because if I stick it in the corner it will work sometimes.

Has anybody else come across this problem?

The simple answer would be an aftermarket head unit with gps and an external antenna, but the car has the premium sound option so that would mean we would have to rewire the connectors for the radio. So if at all possible i'd like to avoid that option.

 

Many GPS units have an outlet for an external antenna, see TomTom External Antenna (9N00.000) -

 

Although I've read several reports about heated windshields interfering with SatNav, my XK8 has one of these fitted and I use Indago with no lock issues. It's the same unit I used in my 2001 XK8 which didn't have a heated screen and the lock seems no different between the two vehicles.

The one time I did have problems was in a hired car with a solar reflective coating on the screen.

Graham

 

I have that problem on my S-type with heated windscreen. I hold the unit outside the car till it locks on the satellites and then it's fine.

 

I've never had a problem with my TomTom unit in either of my two cars, both of which have heated screens.