Experience in a Book
Miscellaneous Mods

ROUTING WIRES, HOSES, ETC.: John Napoli says, "A really easy way to run wires or hoses or whatever across the firewall on an XJ-S is to go through on the passenger side (Federal models) access plate where the pedal box would be on a Brit version. To get to it, remove the windshield washer reservoir (under the hood on the passenger side). Now remove the bracket and the plate. Plenty of ways to run your wires through there! Note that there is another vacuum reservoir for the climate control system underneath, as well."

GARAGE DOOR OPENER INSTALLATION: Paul Bachman says, "I took my garage door opener and replaced the battery with a 9 volt regulator (about $0.50), and installed it inside the center console. Apparently, the entire wiring harness becomes an antenna, because the range actually increased (I expected it to be worse) when I buried the transmitter in a basically metal box. Sure is nice not to have that stupid transmitter in my way any more. I will install a third window switch between the two existing ones for the control.

"The 9 volt regulator (LM7809) is a very simple three terminal device in a large transistor package (TO-220). It is available or can be ordered at any electronics store for under $1. One terminal goes to ground, one terminal goes to a switched 12 volt (+) source (can be found at the cruise control switch) and the third will provide a regulated 9 volt source. The 9 volt source is connected to the (+) battery terminal or soldered to the appropriate place on the PC board of the transmitter. The (-) battery terminal is, of course, connected to any handy ground (same place as the ground on the regulator). If you can handle a soldering iron, it is quite simple.

"This project is particularly practical if you have a garage door transmitter with a case that is broken and needs to be replaced anyway."

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