The radio in my 2002 XK8 convertible died after some rubes at the valet lot at the airport jumped it. No lights, nothing. I checked all the fuse and its OK. I took the radio out and found that there was power to the power terminals on the lower white connector. I couldn't see anything obvious wrong with the radio when I took the cover off. I bought another used radio on eBay and it in. Nothing.
Anyone have any ideas?

 

Treeland, let's think this through. A car radio needs 3 things to energize:
battery (12volts always on)
ignition (12volts when key is on)
ground (a connection to the negative battery terminal) I should note technically a car radio can use the antenna connection as ground, but our Xk8s should have a separate connection for ground.

Downstream components like an amp or CD player can have an additional head unit on trip wire but that's irrelevant here.

Do you have a multi meter to test for these 3 things on the power harness connection? A test light will not tell you you're getting all 12volts.

I assume that you are finding that the radio shows no lights no display at all.

If you have tested and found battery, ignition, and ground, and just for the heck of it plugged in the antenna,then I'd suspect the radio.

Is the used radio an identical replacement? (I dont want to assume anything).

I wish I had a faster easier "go try this " answer but we have to check these boxes off. I've never had the radio out, if its identical, does the first one have a fuse hidden in back?

John

 

Just noticed that you had the cover off. Sounds like you have skills. Do you have access to an out board 12volt power supply? If so try applying power directly to the radio. Can you energize it?

I'm sure if either radio asked for a security code youd have noticed and told us. (Extremely unlikely in the USA).

John

 

I found another fused in the passenger footwell fuse block that was blown. I replaced it and boom. All is well now. I just wish that the wiring diagram gave me a list of the fuses in each fuse block.

Thanks to all who responded

 

Nice job!!!

I appreciate your feedback/ follow up.

Jojn