I've tried using some credit cards to push what ever is holding the ring down. I placed the cards to the left of the left side of the ring and pushed towards the right but nothing came loose.

I don't want to mess anything up. What's the trick?

Trying to remove the console to I can get the radio out to add a switch that will allow me to keep the antenna in the down position when listening to CD's or satellite radio.

 

Have a look at this website, http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2378983/6this guy put in a newaudio system and had to remove the center console. I did it Ok, you need a very thin screw driver and push it in between the ring and the J gate panel. When you find the 4 tabs (they are approximatly at 2, 5, 7 and 10 o'clock), you need to push the tab towards the J gate panel, it only requires a small movement and it will release the tab, be very careful, as the tabs are easily broken. Good luck

 

Thanks for the link. I was at the right spots and I was against the tabs, I guess I didn't push hard enough. I hate plastic, I tend to destroy the tabs without trying. I'll give it another go. Thanks again.

 

Mark

I put a switch on the forward edge of the (console) arm rest.
It is a VERY small switch (Radio Shack) and controls
the 12v used to raise the antenna. Four screws hold
the lid on. The wire you want to add the switch to is
accessible with out disconnecting any cables.

If you decide to go this route I can help.
What is the model year of your XK8.

 

I have a 2000 XK8 Coupe. I have to remove the console so I can install a little box that the antenna plugs into, then the box plugs into the Jags radio. Another wire plugs into the Sirius receiver. When you turn on the receiver it cuts out all radio freqs. and you get pure, no cross talk reception. I have had to add this box to my truck and my Vette.

I read somewhere that the radio uses a square antenna plug and I'll need a cable to link things up. If this is the case I'm going to forget about Sirius hard wired into this car. Every freq. that Sirius uses is taken up in my area by a radio station so I get a lot of cross talk.

As for the antenna switch I'll take any advise I can get. I had to replace an antenna unit on my 88 Corvette because it broke going up and down for nothing while playing a CD. I don't want to go through that with this Jag. Thanks for your help.

 

Sent the wiring Diag for your car to the Email addr.
in your PM.
The wire that controls the antenna goes through
the console. The connector is on drivers side,
farthest back. The wire is Green w/ Black tracer.

To verify I slid a straight pin into the wire and checked for 12V
when radio is ON, 0v when radio is OFF.
There is enough slack in the wire I was able to cut, solder on
extension, to reach the switch. without disconnecting the cable
Did this to a friends car also. He opted to have the switch inside
the console, out of sight.
I also tapped into antenna signal cable to feed a wire antenna
under the convertible top. Wire is 28.1 inches if I remember correctly.
( that is 1/4 wave for 98MHz mid point FM band)

FM works good most places. Raise antenna only if out of town.

The only other change to the car was raising the foot rest as
my legs for some reason are both the same length.
Had to raise it about 4 inches.

 

Thanks a lot for the wire diag. I'll be working on this project this weekend.