Radio Cassette Removal?

[Charlie99]

Hi All,

I have a 1990 XJ-S with a standard Jaguar (Clarion?) DAC 5574 radio cassette. I would like to replace it with a CD player but got stuck at the first hurdle. How does the current unit come out? It is not covered in the manual (apart from the usual 'take it to your dealer...') and can't find anything on the web.

The thin trim surrounding the fascia on the unit comes off easily enough but I can't see how it is fixed into the console. Do you need a special tool to release clips?

Can you access it from the side trim panels to the centre console, where the air vents are? If yes, how do these come off? The car is in excellent condition and I don't want to risk damaging anything.

I have only had the car a few months and haven't got as far as getting a workshop manual yet - do these go into this kind of detail?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Keith.

[poprivet]

Hi Keith, Many of us have done just what you are planning, see http://www.jec-xjs-forum.org.uk/xjsbb2/ ... highlight=
No special tools are required. I can't remember exactly what steps were done in what order, but the only unusual part is that the original unit has brackets either side of the radio which are riveted in place, these will need drilling out. From memory the brackets will easily attach to your new unit but won't need to be riveted back in place. The wiring will need to be studied with care as colours are unlikely to match. Just make notes/sketches as you go along.
Pop

[dhdove]

Keith
Ditto Pop's Comments.
Also
I think the existing wiring is labelled-if it's not too faded to read, in any event a multimeter will sort out the power side and the speaker wires are clearly colour coded. It is however connected by Lucas type bullet connectors whereas your new set will have twin ISO plugs, so you will need to buy a couple of plugs with trailing wires to splice in to the existing.
My main problem was the annoying habit of the pop rivets spinning when partly drilled out - they're little bu***rs to hold on to!! I didn't re-use the brackets, the new cage provided a secure enough fit.
If you haven't bought a set yet try looking at www.clarionworld.co.uk for a "semi-original" fit. They are excellent quality, also sell the plugs and provide a wiring diagram on their website.
Best Wishes
DH Dove

[Charlie99]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice, most useful.

How exactly does the existing head unit come out? Does it just pull out, bringing the mounting bracket with it or do you have to drill the rivets out 'in situ'?

Thanks again,

Keith.

[Brakebuster]

you have to drill out the 4 rivets in situ

make sure you cover the ski-slope etc , so you dont cover it in swarf or anything else ,

once drilled , the stereo will come out towards you, then disconnect the plugs from the loom, and the aerial to

then its ready to put the new stereo cage in ,

the wiring is quite easy , you will have one permanent power supply , one ignition switched supply , a ground cable, and aerial/accessory activation cable, and then 8 speaker wires, in 4 pairs, each pair is colour coded but one will have a ' trace' colour to denote which is which

hope this helps

BB

[poprivet]

If you're keeping the original four speakers, its a good time to splice in connections to a pair of small tweeters to be mounted in the corners of the front dash. It really lifts the sound. Mind you, better speakers to replace the originals are worth it too!
My, how a simple job escalates
Pop

[Charlie99]

I can see this is going to be one of those jobs that escalates into a full rebuild

Another probably daft question, does the black surround panel just pop off to get access to the rivets? I note the heater controls are a simple push fit and come off easily enough. What is the next step?

Thanks again,

Keith.

[dhdove]

Keith
If you have exposed the rivets, drill them off and the radio will come out when you pull......
IF NOT
Pull the heater control knobs off, then ,you will need to unscrew the two retaining rings I think. These are like old-fashioned radio fascia fixings, rings with a slot that secure the plate in place. Use a small screwdriver to get them started and then just unwind them, be careful when you replace them, it is easy to cross-thread them. It won't come fully away as it's attached to the face vent control. Lay it down, then drill the rivets off and pull the radio out and follow previous directions.
When replacing be careful not to cross-thread the rings.
Any further probs. come back.
Sorrry if this is a poor guide, I'm working from memory four years ago, never mind , I'm sure you'll get there!
Good Luck
DH Dove

[dhdove]

Keith
I guess you sorted that..............
DH Dove

[Charlie99]

I've managed to get the front panel off & exposed the rivets - it should all be plain sailing from here (famous last words).

I guess this is the downside of getting a decent car - I am used to having exposed screwheads everywhere...

My next dilema is 'new stereo' or 'tank of fuel'...?

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to help.

Happy motoring,

Keith.

[dhdove]

XJS=? "Plain Sailing"
Sorry old chap, don't understand your banter........
I love the description "decent car".......compared to a jap/euro box its a bag of worms, but , there's the rub
New Stereo every day of the week, you can sit on the drive and listen to your fave CD's..........
Regards
DH Dove

[Charlie99]

Hi All,

Got the new unit in OK at last, had some problems with the power/ ignition/ ariel wires at first but bought a cheap multimeter & got it fixed within 30 min after that.

The only problem now is that my wife complains there has still been no improvement in the quality of the music I listen to...stuck in the 80's in more ways than one!

Thanks again to everyone for their help, I couldn't have done it without you!

Cheers,

K.