Hi,

When the radio goes on, the antenna won't go up. Does anyone know what my first thing to troubleshoot would be? Before buying a new/used one on ebay?

Ambrose

 

If the antenna motor 10 Amp fuse in the #9 position of the luggage compartment fuse box checks good, I would then question if there is a disable up switch that has been installed and in the off position.
If I ever sell my Jag, I should remember to inform the new owner of my switch.

 

Thanks! Yes I checked the fuse and it was ok.

where would this cut off switch be?


This is in the trunk by the battery. Any idea if it is related to the antenna issue?

 

^^ That electrical connector has nothing to do with your antenna. It was only utilized to maintain your factory battery during the car's transit across the Atlantic Ocean. You can tuck it away and ignore it....

 

The on off switch makes SO much sense. Thanks for the great idea...

The shaft of the antenna can get gummed up and stuck. Might be the thing. Can you hear it running? Can you get it out of the car. From there you might be able to apply some voltage (briefly applying power) and work it slowly up IF the motor runs at all.

I've seen generic YouTube where people are replacing and repairing a flexible plastic driver that runs the steel sections up and down. The plastic is wound on a wheel inside the plastic housing.

If the seal at the top of the shaft, when in place up or down, leaks (and I think there is a little drain in the plastic bottom of the unit that can get plugged up) water can also become a problem in the motor itself.

I like the in off switch idea! I'm going to be stealing that one!

 

Rev. Sam made a video several years ago concerning this switch. Although the switch could be mounted anywhere, access to the green-black wire is under the center console and the switch is commonly mounted in, on, or around the console.
If there is indeed no switch anywhere, one should read +12v between the green-black lead and GND at the motor whenever the radio is on. Otherwise, it sounds like internal problem in the motor unit itself.
I personally enjoy eliminating the raised antenna wind noise while listening to CD (cassette), and Sirius which this switch provides.
Jon is right about the transit battery isolation device connector. Additionally, you may find another unused connector which is an acessory 12v socket which would require and additional relay. I use it to power my Sirius.

 

If the motor can be heard running, but the antenna does not move, it is likely that the nylon drive that attaches to the antenna is broken ( called a Mast) . It is a common repair item, and replacement Masts are available on the net. Pretty easy replacement if you can get the entire old part out, but most of the time you have to take the antenna motor apart to get the broken piece out. Not a hard repair at all - just takes time to R&R the antenna. An alternative is to replace with an aftermarket power antenna, which is cheaper than trying to find a used stock one that may or may not work. Some have also replaced it with a hidden one that mounts in the trunk.

Repair info:
see post #50 of this thread for a video link.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...q-48388/page3/

 

NICE

 

+1. I had to replace the mast on my car when I bought it this Jan. The original metal section of the mast was bent and stuck in the halfway down position. It wasn't hard to replace & the mast was less than $20.

Good luck

 

Thanks! When the radio is on the motor doesn't come on. zilch. I checked the antenna fuse in the Boot (no. 9) and it looks fine.

I am pretty sure there is no kill switch under the dash. The car sat in a garage for 7 months on a trickle charger, so the antenna may be stuck as well, but it seems like it needs a new motor at this point

 

Thanks. I think it may be stuck but I def dont hear a motor going when I turn on the radio. So it may also be the motor.

 

Thanks! yes, it is time to get into the trunk and take a close look. If the mast is broken I will prob go with an original used xk8 completer motor and antenna off of ebay. While aftermarket is cheaper, there seem to be some problems with them.

Also, can you tell me more about the hidden antenna in the trunk?

Have you heard about anyone mounting a shark fin antenna in that space?

 

Here's one thread I saved. There are a few others. If this is of interest, you can do a search on the site.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...004-xk8-60469/

 

Before I purchased a replacement mast for mine I removed the power antenna assembly (not easy with the bent mast), disassembled the motor to remove the broken mast, then left the unit disassembled and plugged it in while setting it in the trunk. I used my digital camera's video mode and put it on a tripod to watch the motor & gears inside the unit when I turned the radio on and off. I could see in the video that the motor was working so I ordered the replacement mast. It's working A-Ok so far but I've only turned the radio on twice since I replaced the mast.

Good luck.

 

Gummy aerial is most likely the cause. Pull it up manually with the radio on, generaously spray some WD40 and give it a good cleaning. That'll fix it.
Until the next time.