So I finally decided to change the stereo on my 1997 XK8. Many thanks to Smoggyx100 for the info regarding the facia and wiring loom, I purchased both from Nexxia. Very good service....Anyway I have gone through the process of removing all the bits and pieces including the original stereo, which had a ground attached to the chassis. My new stereo doesn't, however it does have a flying ground wire. So all things being equal, I connected the wiring loam to the original Jaguar connection, connected my flying ground wire on the new connection to the existing ground wires, plugged in the connection to the new stereo and hey presto, my headlights start flashing and the aerial goes up and dow. The stereo lights come on but nothing else. So based on this, I think its an issue with the ground connection, however if anyone has come across a similar situation, please let me know.......

 

If you have connected the Ground connection of the car securely to the ground conenction of the radio, I doubt that that would be the issue. Most new stereos have three power connections in the loom, one for a switched ignition 12v, one for a fixed battery 12v and one for the front panel lights fed from lighting circuit 12v. I would check that you have them all wired correctly first, use a voltmeter/DVM to check that they are all OK.

Also check the resistance of the stereo's metal body to car chassis, it should be less than 1 or 2 ohms if grounded correctly.

 

double check the wiring loom adapter with your JTIS electrical schematic, just to be sure you're getting switched power to switched power, constant 12V to constant 12V, aerial antenna to...you get the idea. Somethings amiss.

 

Gents, Thanks for the help. Turns out there was a pre wired connection on the new loom which I bought that was causing the problem. I disconnected this wire and everything works like a dream.......