Getting to the aerial cable

**SignumPhil** · 22nd February 2006, 12:47

I've been attempting to wire in an inline FM modulator to the Siggy, to interface my ipod, but I can't find a convenient point to break into the aerial cable.
With the HU removed, and the glovebox out, I can just about get to the back of the HU mounting cage, and I can see where the aerial cable leaves the cage and vanishes into the harness, but I can't get access to break into the cable.
Anyone know:
a. how to get the cage out or
b. where I can find a big enough loop in the aerial cable.

Thanks, Phil

**leeds vectra** · 22nd February 2006, 22:35

Phil,

Long shot this one, my Astra G coax ran from the dash down the centre of the car underneath the handbrake. Not sure if it's the same on the Vectra/Signum. You could maybe remove some trim around the handbrake/gearstick area and see if it runs down there. On the astra's there was a joint under the handbrake in the voax, so if it does run down there you could tap in to it.

It is very tight in the dash and i doubt you could tap in there, the coax then runs in to a wiring loom with no play at all. Also once you remove the aerial pug from the black cage it is very flimsy and is easily broke. I have never got mine back to 100% since it fell apart on me when doing my dvd install.

Paul.

**SignumPhil** · 23rd February 2006, 13:09

Thanks, Paul,
More dismantling required, then. Too flippin' cold at the moment, so I may wait until spring to try again!

Phil

**svpworld** · 26th February 2006, 13:11

I would suggest removing the plug from the cage and fitting an extension cable to your modulator, then another cable back to the cage rather than attempting to splice into the cable.

Simon

**Green Growler** · 26th February 2006, 14:23

Originally Posted by svpworld

I would suggest removing the plug from the cage and fitting an extension cable to your modulator, then another cable back to the cage rather than attempting to splice into the cable.

Simon

Yep, what he said, if the aerial cable is anything like the one on the Vec B, then be aware the internal inner core is VERY, VERY, thin, almost like a hair, once broken/cut can be almost impossible to re-attach.

**SignumPhil** · 27th February 2006, 13:38

Is the plug removeable from the cage? It didn't appear to be.......

Phil

**Green Growler** · 27th February 2006, 14:03

Yep, sure is, cant remember how now though, it was too long ago, but cant have been hard to get off, I don't remember it being a problem.

**svpworld** · 27th February 2006, 14:38

Yes on the vectra c 53 I have you just squeeze the edges of the socket face (inside the cage) and push it out. You first need to prise the cable clips open though to free the lead. It's a 90 degree ISO type connector.

Simon

**SignumPhil** · 27th February 2006, 16:19

OK, I'll have to have another look, and attach my 9" thumbs (There are times when big hands are useful. Behind a dashboard ISN'T one of them!).
Might have to wait 'til the weather gets warmer, though.......

Thanks, chaps.

Phil

**howshaw** · 23rd March 2006, 18:15

On the Vectra Estate I fitted my RF modulator at the back end of the car. The drivers side D pillar inner panel comes off quite easily and there is a panel across the back of the roof just forward of the tailgate. Remove these and you can get to the underside of the antenna itself. I cut and joined into the coax in the area of the roof around top of the driver's side D-pillar (FME connectors work well with the coax and use a male/female pair so you can rejoin the original coax if required. ALWAYS USE THE RIGHT CRIMP TOOLS). I fed the new wiring down the inside of the D-pillar and put the RF modulator in the boot pocket on the driver's side. The Signum is different, but similar. Warning: if you have satnav and GSM phone then there will be three coaxs. There is a plug under the antenna and each coax has its own connector so you can disconnect each coax in turn and find the radio one.