Disconnecting the power antenna
Veteran member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,344
Likes: 1,163
From: Oak Ridge, TN
Isn't that the rear parking assist audio speaker?
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 259
From: Atlanta, GA USA
I didn't see the speaker thing in mine ('98) but I didn't remove anything other than the console liner. To get easy access to the wire I unplugged the connector. First I pulled on the connector and the entire connector (both halves) slid forward. Then I simply unplugged it and snipped the wire about 2" from the connector. I pulled the other end out from the wrapping tape about 2" back from the cut so I had plenty to work with. I soldered a 6" "pigtail" to the switch and attached the free ends to the cut wires with bullet crimps (stripped about 1/4" and twisted). Then I plugged the connector back in to its mate, slid the whole thing back into place and buttoned up the console insert. Total time was less than 20 minutes. The switch I used, while rectangular on top, has a round body and mounted in a 7/16" round hole I drilled in the removable plastic blank. Wherever you mount it, a round mounting hole is easier to make than a rectangular one.
Here's a photo of the finished installation:
Here's a photo of the finished installation:
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 82
From: SW Florida
Try reaching in and grabbing the white connector and jiggling it. It should pull straight forward and then it's easy to unplug it. Don't pull to hard on the wires themselves as you don't want to risk pulling something out of the connector. Makes sense that the speaker is for the backup alert which my model doesn't have.
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 259
From: Atlanta, GA USA
My installation
OK, the installation by my **** retentive self!!
Starter holes drilled:
The cutout using a Dremel Moto-Tool:
Connectors on the switch:
Switch installed in the tray:
Switch labeled:
Can play my tunes without an erection!!
Starter holes drilled:
The cutout using a Dremel Moto-Tool:
Connectors on the switch:
Switch installed in the tray:
Switch labeled:
Can play my tunes without an erection!!
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 259
From: Atlanta, GA USA
Nothing wrong with that! Looks good! Did you say there was a hole there?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 82
From: SW Florida
Yes, you can see that the switch is mounted on a rectangular black plastic piece that is actually a blank for an existing rectangular hole that looks to be designed for a switch. IIRC, my '95 XJS had the Valet switch mounted in that same location so maybe the liner is from the same parts bin and they just used the snap-in blank to cover it up. I also like that location for the switch as nothing in the console cubby will accidentally bump it. I just popped out the blank, drilled a hole for the switch and snapped it back in. No cutting required. Mine is an early 98 coupe purchased in 10/97. One other difference in my cubby is that it is all one depth unlike yours and the others pictured. The forward portion is the same depth as the rear area that has the molded cassette holder.
Last edited by brobin; Jun 12, 2010 at 01:09 AM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 7
From: Ventura County / CA
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 259
From: Atlanta, GA USA
Well, I finally got the tray and switch installed in the car!! It has been so hot, I just couldn't make myself get it done. I'll tell you it was not easy for me to get to the wire harness. I soldered the wires and covered the solder joints with heat shrink tubing.
One good thing I discovered is that I can receive my radio stations in most cases with the antenna retracted.
One good thing I discovered is that I can receive my radio stations in most cases with the antenna retracted.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 533
Likes: 45
From: Bellevue, WA
I had to change out the power antenna on our old 1993 XJ6 a few years back, so I've been thinking about doing this to my XK8 ever since I got the car. It has a CD changer and XM radio and I just couldn't see having this power antenna wear out prematurely by letting it cycle every time I use the head unit. Did the mod last night, just like Dalen's, in about 30 minutes. Thanks for a very helpful thread.
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 1,070
From: Europe
I certainly like the switch idea, but I went or another solution:
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=105/category_id=-1/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd105.htm
Not sure if you can tuck it nicely away in a coupe though.
Here is a picture where I placed it:
Of course the reception is not so good as with the original antenna tower. I notice this mainly when I drive between countries where the main radio channels come later/weaken earlier. Within the country I have good quality (again only using national radio channels).
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=105/category_id=-1/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd105.htm
Not sure if you can tuck it nicely away in a coupe though.
Here is a picture where I placed it:
Of course the reception is not so good as with the original antenna tower. I notice this mainly when I drive between countries where the main radio channels come later/weaken earlier. Within the country I have good quality (again only using national radio channels).
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 11
From: Salem, Oregon
I certainly like the switch idea, but I went or another solution:
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=105/category_id=-1/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd105.htm
Not sure if you can tuck it nicely away in a coupe though.
Here is a picture where I placed it:
(see original post)
Of course the reception is not so good as with the original antenna tower. I notice this mainly when I drive between countries where the main radio channels come later/weaken earlier. Within the country I have good quality (again only using national radio channels).
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=105/category_id=-1/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd105.htm
Not sure if you can tuck it nicely away in a coupe though.
Here is a picture where I placed it:
(see original post)
Of course the reception is not so good as with the original antenna tower. I notice this mainly when I drive between countries where the main radio channels come later/weaken earlier. Within the country I have good quality (again only using national radio channels).
http://www.ecshylites.com/page/page/761353.htm
The Tune Trappers get good reviews from the motorcycle crowd and boat owners, and have positive comments from car enthusiasts as well.
I'm wondering if anyone else here on the Jag forum has tried the Tune Trapper and would recommend it one way or the other?
