X-type Jaguar
Audio Connectivity Module (ACM) Installation - Part No. C2S 44674
NB These notes are intended as a DIY guide to installing a Jaguar ACM unit to the OEM
in-car system. It is offered as a record of my experience and as such I cannot accept
responsibility for anything YOU do as a result of reading it!!
ACM
Installation
Unfortunately the X-Type Jaguar entertainment system did not originally come with a facility to connect
external devices such as iPods etc. To do so requires the fitting of a Jaguar Audio Connectivity Module
(ACM), which adds a pair of RCA jack inputs, a USB interface and an iPod cable to Jaguar’s OEM head
unit. According to Jaguar:
“Enhance your driving experience by enjoying playback of any digital audio device (MP3
player, CD player, iPod, USB memory stick, etc.) through your [stock] entertainment system.
With Jaguar's Audio Connectivity Module, USB memory sticks and iPods can be operated from
the center console or steering wheel-mounted controls. Conveniently located in your vehicle's
center armrest, the system houses all necessary audio wires/cables while ensuring clear sound
quality.
S-Type -- Fits 2003 model year and beyond.
X-Type -- Fits 2002 model year and newer X-TYPEs.
XJ -- Fits 2004 model year onward.”
Tools:
Small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, Star (Torque) bolt adapters, electric drill, 16mm drill bit,
and insulating tape.
The unit comes with everything necessary to connect to the original equipment, Including the Jaguar
handbook and installation instructions which are almost entirely pictorial and fairly easy to follow – I got this
lot:
TIP: For ease of reference I stuck a small label on each part corresponding to the Jaguar pic above, which
made it much easier to locate the bits as the installation progressed
TIP: Make a note of your radio security code before you start
X-type Jaguar
Working out what went where was also easy with the aid of the drawing above.
Before I started I read the installation manual and the user guide to get my head around just
what I was fitting and how it worked.
Almost immediately I realized that I did not want to sacrifice my central storage bin (under the
armrest) where I keep a few CDs and bits and pieces. Jaguar recommend drilling and screwing
the RCA and USB inputs into the front of the bin:
As it will be used most I wanted the iPod connector near the arm rest and wasn’t really bothered where
the other two went as long as they were readily accessible but out of the way.
On closer examination I found a cable path through to the bin from the rear under the hinge plate –
which meant I could feed the iPod connector through without drilling at all – see later
I also decided to fix the RCA input and the USB connector to the side of the central tunnel in a position
that would not impede the passenger seat moving forward or get in the way of peoples legs – again see
later.
Having decided on where to locate the components it was time to dismantle!
I disconnected the battery just to be sure nothing went wrong.
First – remove the DSC switch by gently prising upwards (or
coin holder if you don’t have that) and disconnect the cables
underneath.
X-type Jaguar
It’s obvious from the installation instructions and the
ports on the ACM unit – what goes where.
You just need to be careful that the box lies flat in its
new position and that all the cables (especially the
fibre optics) reach without twisting or bending too
much
So now it’s time to rig up the wiring in its final position –
as I mentioned earlier I decided to vary the Jaguar
locations and was able to pass the iPod cable under the
arm rest hinge by removing the two retaining screws
which was a bonus as I was not at all keen to drill into the
console itself.
I fitted the RCA and USB input connectors forward of the passenger seat on the carpeted wall of the
centre console – which is plastic and suitable for the self tapping screws used to secure the equipment,
It did mean drilling one hole through the plastic but as it is black and the cables and clips etc are the
same colour it is relatively inconspicuous when done:
I drilled from the back and used the smallest
possible drill bit 16mm which allowed the USB
connector to just pass through alongside the
cable for the RCA jacks. Much of the carpet side
stayed in situ which was good as it helps mask
the hole when fitted.
A couple of self tappers later (supplied) and this is
what the connectors look like when the panel is
clipped back on – the hole is barely visible – much
better than drilling into the centre bin
X-type Jaguar
Hook up the wiring and slide the entertainment unit back in place and it’s almost time to rebuild.
TIP before you do bolt it all back in place and restore the trim etc to its former glory - test the system is
working!
As they say in all the finest Haynes Manuals rebuilding is the reverse of dismantling!
When it’s all done this is what it looks like:
I did not even have to reconfigure the system it automatically recognized the ACM as the CDC and the
iPod and USB ports both work very well with excellent sound quality – I am yet to test the RCA inputs
but have no reason to doubt they will be OK too.
