Folks,

Well - I've just spent the last 2 (3?) hours searching the forums here and Googling something that should be extremely simple - but apparently, not for me.

I have a 2001 XK8 convertible with what I think(?) is the premium sound system. I have read all the threads about removing the CD changer (which I need lubricate) and I have proceeded to unbolt the inner frame holding the amp, Nav unit, and CD changer from the surrounding frame supporting the pump for the convertible top.

I have manage to pull *all* the connectors out of the amp (and the Nav unit) - EXCEPT the gray barrel connector on the side of the amp that faces the back seat.

I have determined that this is an optical connector from various places, and a reference was made to "tiny clips" that have to be undone to remove it - but I can find no such clips. I have found a tiny Phillips head screw above that connector that I thought might retain it - but loosening (but not removing) that screw doesn't release the connector - and on further thought I think it secures the internal amp portion of that connector to the case.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't have the ability to upload a picture just now.

Thanks in advance.

 

l don't think it is optical but pretty sure you need to depress tab on the plug itself rather than anything on the amp.

 

I can't find any tab at all on that connector :-(

I'll try to post up a picture of what I'm talking about tomorrow - but based on this picture, I *think* it's optical (the grey connector to the left of the two white connectors): 2000 - 2005 Jaguar XK8 Amplifier Only (Trunk Mounted) Part Number - LNF4170AA - 1 Factory Radio

 

My book just says "remove" but they always understate things. The tab l am thinking of is quite often on the inner metal portion of the barrel and not always easily seen on the outer plastic covering. Try squeezing the plug in different spots as you pull on it. I don't have one in mine so this is just fishing for possibilities.

 

I think you are talking about the AI-NET connector, which isn't optical, just copper wires. Its a while since I did mine, but I don't remember any issues unplugging it. Have a google to find pictures of it and see if it matches or better still post a photo of what you are looking at.

BTW the tab on the barrel will be to remove the cover from the plug, like an old style DIN plug.

 

Try pushing the front of the connecter firmly towards the amp and then at the same time pull the rear of the connector ( or the wire ) with a little more force to remove the conector from the amp.

 

Looks like you might need to squeeze the SIDES of the plug :

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-5m...318045179.html

 

As mentioned, this is the copper AI-Net connector. You simply pull it straight out by the housing....HARD! A tiny squirt of WD-40 around the perimeter will help reduce the effort.

 

Wow - thank you all for your responses! I will endeavor to implement them after the rain passes today.

I'm glad it's *not* a fiber connection - I had already tugged on it far more than I'm comfortable for that medium (I am a Systems Administrator/Engineer/Architect at work and deal with a lot of fiber on my servers - I *know* it does NOT like to be rough housed :-P)

 

so - a very late follow up.

I finally got the plug out - and it *is* the copper wiring AI-Net plug, and ultimately I took a pair of needle nose vise grips, set them to *barely* squeeze the connector (which I *thought* was plastic but had a rubber cover) and then used the pliers to lever the plug against the case to pop it out.

Here's good picture of the plug I was fighting with.




<sigh>

After that, the entire inner frame was free to be removed.

I'll probably start another thread about the changer repair, since the title of this one won't help anybody searching for that info.

Thanks again to all that chimed in - it's greatly appreciated.

 

Jim, it seems your indicating you can remove the frame for the amplifier while leaving the frame for the convertible top in place, am I correct? I'm just trying to figure out how to get my old amp out and replace it the easiest way. Help, same as you, 2001 XK8 CONVERTIBLE. Thank you.