Radio Station - Breaks in Reception
415-07V8 XJ Series/XK8
DATE
9/98 Amended 3/99
MODEL
1998 MY-ON XK8 Range
1998 MY-ON V8 XJ Series
VIN
018108-037123
812256-867503
Radio Station Cut Out - RBDS - Disable Alternative Frequency Feature
Issue:
Some vehicles may experience breaks in radio reception, without a cause being immediately apparent. Customers may not be fully aware of the radio's controls relating to the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) feature introduced to Jaguar vehicles for the 1998 Model Year. The RBDS system has a feature called Alternative Frequency which enables the radio to seek a second frequency of a station to maintain reception when the original signal is weakening. A number of radio stations have introduced the RBDS system and when the system is correctly employed, the Alternative Frequency signal broadcast from other transmitters will provide area coverage for vehicles traveling across that area.
Some radio stations, that transmit on only one frequency, are broadcasting the Alternative Frequency signal on RBDS. When that transmission is in a weak signal area, the vehicle radio output cuts out as it seeks an alternative transmitter that does not exist.
Because of customer confusion regarding this feature, the Alternative Frequency mode has been set to OFF in production starting with VINs 037124 (XK8) and 867504 (V8 XJ Series). The procedure in this bulletin will ensure that the feature is still set to OFF.
Action:
To eliminate this break in radio output, the Alternative Frequency feature of the RBDS should be switched off using the following method.
1. Press the 'Tape Eject' and 'AM/FM' buttons simultaneously.
2. The display will show 'Set Up'. This display will last for 15 seconds, the next operation must be completed within this period.
3. Press pre-set button 8, to display 'AF ON'.
4. This display will last for 15 seconds, the next operation must be completed within this period.
5. Press pre-set button 8 again to display 'AF OFF'.
6. The Alternative Frequency feature is now switched off.
Note:
When the Alternative Frequency feature is switched off, it must be remembered that when the vehicle leaves the current transmitter area the radio must be manually tuned to the next transmitter to maintain program quality and continuity.
These instructions are contained on page 13, 'Radio Set Up Modes' in the Sound System Handbook, Part Number JJM 10 2112/80 for V8 XJ Series and Part Number JJM 10 2114/80 for XK8