satellite radio capability

It's no surprise that you need to purchase the kit. I had the same question until I started to read PC.

 

I'm still trying to figure out why the Toyota installed whip antenna can pick up reception for satellite radio and the aftermarket accessory, shark fin antenna, doesn't provide reception for satellite radio without extra wiring and steps. Good luck in your quest to find answers.

 

Our 2005 Honda had built-in satellite radio which was activated by a phone call. It's XM and we had no choice.

The Prius is "satellite ready." That means the head unit has a plug-in for an XM or Sirius unit -- your choice. You get the same features as you would with a built-in unit (screen display, etc.) but you have to spend the extra money and have it installed (or install it yourself.) I installed an XM unit in mine and it works great.

Overall this is a pain, but you aren't paying for something you might not ever use. Lot's of people don't want the service but it comes installed on some cars anyway.

 

No, the whip antenna cannot be used for satellite radio.

 

Can you elaborate, please? Toyota installed my XM unit and it came equipped with a roof 'whip antenna'. The reception has been flawless even in suburban and country areas of the midwest where my portable XM receiver has not been able to get reception. If the whip antenna is not responsible for the crystal clear reception on my car's XM radio what could this be attributed to? Your thoughtful explanation for the reason of this reception would be appreciated.

 

What are you talking about?!? No it can't.

 

Toyota didn't install satellite radio, your dealer did.
Your Prius came equipped with a "whip antenna", not your XM unit.
Are you speaking of the stock antenna on the rear center roof of your car?
Your XM unit came with a normal satellite radio antenna that, if not stuck to the top of your dash, windshield or roof of your car, is hidden inside the dash somewhere. (because they were too lazy to do it right)

 

Thanks for the lesson!
I think I understand the placement now after examining the car. The satellite antenna is a small black nub almost like a very mini shark antenna, directly behind the whip antenna. It looks like a very nice installation. It is actually on the metal frame of the hatchback directly in line with the whip. I am wondering if any other Prius owners with the dealer installed satellite and roof antennas have the same type of antenna?

 

So how much does it cost to have a dealer install the antenna? You do not need a different head unit, it runs through the stock screen is this correct?

Thanks
Jason

 

Mine came with the car new

 

You do not need a different head-end unit.

The satellite kit includes a tuner, cables, and an antenna. The antenna is mounted on the roof behind the existing whip antenna (ideally) or on the dash. The factory-sold tuner goes under the rear seat; other tuners are usually installed under the dash, around the glovebox area. A cable goes from the tuner and plugs into a jack in the back of the existing head-end unit.

 

My thoughtful explanation for the reason for your reception is you actually have a satellite antenna you haven't managed to notice.

 

Please don't be confused for me. I guess it would be easy to iassume we are all competent about satellite radio. I am obviously naive to satellite radio, antenna placement and the radio installation etc.. I learned from a thread, maybe yours, possibly not, about the satellite antenna. I guess that is what matters most and that is what makes Prius Chat a great place for information for me, and I am sure, others. So, thanks for your input.

 

I've had satellite radio in several cars; I installed it myself in the Prius. The antenna is magnetic and really needs to be on the outside of the car since it uses the entire auto body to help gather the signal. Placing the antenna inside results in a poor signal with lots of droputs. Many dealers like to install the antenna in a corner of the dash -- it's much easier (i.e. cheaper). It took me about an hour extra to run my antenna out to the rear roof, but it was totally worth it. I have no dropouts at all. I even get a signal in my garage with the door closed.

 

Can you give a short write up on how you performed the antenna routing and install. I really want an external antenna install, but I'm hard pressed to find a clean/hidden route to the exterior.

 

I installed mine in the spoiler using this excellent thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/44423-satellite-antenna-inside-spoiler.html

Reception has been great and it is a clean install (and pretty easy).