Sorry if this comes across as seriously inept to many of you, but here goes...

First off, I have to confess I actually LIKE the old-fashioned retractible electric aerial on my 03 XKR convertible. My previous motor was a BMW 523 built way back in 1996 -- when hidden aerials were already coming in. There's something pig-headedly quirky about top Jags still being fitted with antiquated kit three quarters of a decade later.

The reluctance to move on does come at a cost tho -- I could have done with the sheer practicality of a cup-holder.

Anyhow, I was thirstily driving along in the Jag a fortnight ago thinking about the aerial and how unlike the modern hidden ones it makes kind of a statement when it occurred to me there was probably a big drawback.

One of these days, I figured, it was bound to go kaput. Needless to say, the very next day...

Suddenly it decided to start retracting only as far as the last tube, leaving a pathetic stump sticking out when parked up (apart from maybe one in 20 times when it will actually go all the way). I've cleaned it, greased it, oiled it, but to no avail.

Anyone got a remedy (other than, obviously, shelling out for a whole new one)?

Kind regards,

Hattoon

03 XKR Conv

 

You probably need to replace the mast. There is a plastic, toothed line inside that brings the aerial up and down. Yours has probably broke at the end. Not to hard a job and there are lots of posts. Go to the below links.

Antenna Mast Replacement

or

Radio Antenna Repair

There is a trick to getting the nut loosened. From the inside loosen the two Torx screws holdin the antenna and push the whole aseembly up. This will expose more of the top nut so you can get a wrench (spanner) on it without damaging anything.

 

I just knew this must have come up sometime before.

Indebted.

Hattoon

 

Before you buy a new mast, try spraying some WD40 around all of the separate segments whilst the aerial is up and then giving each joint a clean.

If it doesn't work then, you will need a new mast. At least you will know for sure.

 

I am so glad there is someone else that also LIKE the antenna. Reminded me of my old Ford Cortina MKV...

 

Lots of WD40 or similar and lots (20 or so) up and down cycles.
Clean the sections each time you cycle it.
When it works remove any residual WD and polish with some silicone based polish.

 

Two additional hints:

1. aftermarket Aerials are available from many sources in the UK at a fraction of the Jaguar OE cost.

2. if you do have to replace the Aerial, put masking tape around the wing at the base first. Otherwise, if the spanner slips, you may discover why so many Jaguars have strange scratches on the wing top.........

Graham

 

That's why you wan to push the antenna assembly up first. Gives you a fighting chance not to screw up the paint!