Hi anyone reading this query,

I own an XK8 coupe 09/01. All speakers work when I use the radio, tape and CD, and following I find very confusions.

I have connected my mobile/cell phone (Spotify) via an aux tape cassette adapter and no sound comes from the drivers side (front and rear) - centre speaker still works.

I purchased a Bluetooth kit (product code: JAGCD-HF) from Discount Car Stereo (USA) which requires intercepting the CD cable connection in the boot (trunk) and installing a transmitter box under the armrest. Very simple install and I'm sure is works very well for most people. The product allows the continued use of the CD which mine does with no problems - all speaker work fine. When I connect my mobile/cell phone (Spotify) then I no longer get sound from the drivers side.

I decided to return the Bluetooth kit back too the USA for a replacement and the problem persists. I must say the Discount Car Stereo have been great with support and efficient with sending a replacement.

I know nothing about electrics and car stereo systems.

Can anyone please advise before I have to send the Bluetooth kit back for a second time?

Many thanks,

Jon (London)

 

Have you tried a different mobile phone? Given that everything else is working and you have the same problem with two different interfaces, its going to be your phone...

 

I just bought a better aux cassette tape adapter (Belkin) and now works perfectly out of all speakers.

I have tried the Bluetooth device on multiple phones with the same results. Strangely when I disconnected the CD connection from the junction box under the armrest, I was still able to faint music being played via that source. I fear a previous owner has cocked something up when trying to do an upgrade. Might take the car to an audio specialist and see what they say.

Any other advice and expertise I still welcome through this forum

 

Lol. Sounds like you've fixed it.

It doesn't make much sense that your CD player works fine but with the Bluetooth connected in it's place only one channel works. I assume you've tried fiddling with the balance and fader settings on the stereo?

BTW - faint noise playing in the background isn't surprising when it's disconnected. There are lots of components and wires close together which could produce crosstalk like this.

 

I'm chuffed that I can now actually play decent music for the first time since owning the car for four months! I played around a lot with connections, fading, balance etc and no improvements. Glad to know the CD playing in the background whilst disconnected in no big concern - it's not caused me a problem, it was merely an observation.

Cheers for your input!

 

Jon, I just went through the exact same issue with the JAGHD-CD unit. It can be 1 if 2 things. Either the Y connector under the armrest is factory misfired (mine was), replaced by discount car stereo, and/or the female 8 pin connection into the JAGHD-CD blue box in your trunk has a loose solder.

First sign = mono signals (like your phone or directions) play in 1 channel only. Second, more convoluted symptom, you'll find that on stereo signals the center image is just not quite right. Further investigation will leave you scratching your head - you'll find the defective channel's output (let's say that's the Left channel) is a summed difference between the 2 channels. For the audiophiles out there, yes that's the original Dolby surround sound rear channel's output as designed. That's why your hearing curious echos and reverbs in the left channel (summed out of phase info).

For future reference: how did I track this down? 1st replaced the Y cable. Improvement but still a channel imbalance. Lived with it for over a year, then on a trip back from cape cod, I ran into a road with more potholes than ever. The Bluetooth music reacted, I could hear the signal fade in /out with each bump! This was obviously a bad connection.

Got home,turned on a familiar song and started jiggling the connections. When I opened the trunk and got to this one - it was clear! Bad solder to the female 8 pin connector in the blu box.

Yes, I could have gotten to it and resoldered it, but wth, I gave Discount car stereo a call. Acknowledged that the warranty had expired and explained what was happening. He didn't hesitate, I had a new 12 foot cable in my mailbox that week. I bet they've seen this before?

I thought it was interesting that a year prior he didn't care about the Y connector, but he asked me to promise I'd send the defective 12 foot cable back.

Hope this helps, ask questions if anything is unclear.

John

Edit: I should have added that alternator whine was pronounced with the defective 12foot cable. No whine with new cable.

 

So if the OP is on his second JAGHD-CD unit and still has the same fault, either both units are defective or one of the other parts (cable, Y adaptador etc) didn't get changed and is likely faulty.

 

Agreed. Perfect summary! I wonder if they ever changed 12foot cable?

John