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1989 XJ-S - attempting to get radio working

Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2024 3:29 pm
by kevin.walsh1989
Hi All,

I'm hoping the collective wisdom of the forum might be able to help with the question I have.

I recently acquired a 1989 V12 XJ-S. It seems to be in pretty good order and I'm wondering if it might be possible to get the radio\cassette working.

It powers on ok and the aerial extends and retracts ok and if I turn up the volume I can hear static through the speakers. However, I'm stumped beyond that. The display shows "555 5" and I can see a red light blinking occasionally on one of the buttons.

Does it need a PIN code to be entered ? If so, how would I find out what the code is and what would be the mechanism to enter it ?

If not, any other suggestions would be very welcome.

I'd attach an image if I could work out how to do that :)

Thanks
Kevin

Re: 1989 XJ-S - attempting to get radio working

Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2024 8:12 pm
by poprivet
Welcome, I doubt if main dealers still have the ability to get codes anymore, that used to be the way to do it.
Unless you really want to maintain originality it may be time to upgrade to a modern unit with bluetooth/Apple Car Play etc.

Re: 1989 XJ-S - attempting to get radio working

Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2024 8:23 pm
by davidr
Hi and welcome. You’ll often find the radio code written in the handbook or service book

Re: 1989 XJ-S - attempting to get radio working

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2024 11:37 am
by kevin.walsh1989
Thanks for the replies,

I have the handbook for the car but there's nothing written in it. There's supposed to be a separate handbook for the audio system but sadly I don't have that.

It could well be that I'll need to upgrade to something current but I believe that isn't so straightforward on cars of this year as you need to remove the climate controls to get at at the radio housing. I also believe the wiring is non-standard so it's not just a plug and play operation. I'll hold that in reserve as a potential solution though :)