Factory XM Radio INSTALLED

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusInsight @ Jun 4 2006, 08:35 PM) [snapback]265750[/snapback]</div>

The install looks very good. I don't mind seeing the small rectangular box shaped antenna located in the upper right corner of the dash. The location is just to the right of the instrument panel opening. The antenna box sits on a flat black grounding plate that was adhered to the dash. The only wire thats seen is about 1 inch of antenna wire from the antenna box that goes directly into the dash where the windshield meets the dash. The antenna itself is smaller than the earlier model xm antennas, and only slightly larger than the Terk Micro3 antenna. There are no visible wires under the dash. By all appearances, the toyota installation procedure was followed exactly.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wtucker @ Jun 5 2006, 09:38 PM) [snapback]266337[/snapback]</div>

With the 1" of visible wire, is it a single wire or a double wire...

Thanks

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusInsight @ Jun 5 2006, 09:25 PM) [snapback]266367[/snapback]</div>

Single wire only.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wtucker @ Jun 5 2006, 10:41 PM) [snapback]266382[/snapback]</div>

That is very interesting.

There are reports of some dealers using the install kit, but installing the original XM receiver from the Solara XM kit. That receiver used a two wire XM antenna.

I suspect that this kit/antenna is actually a double wire antenna. You would have to look at the antenna plug where the antenna plugs into the receiver.

There is a single smb antenna to double input adapter to use the newer antennas with the older double input receivers.

The older double wire antennas used one lead for FM reception of the terrestrial repeaters and the other for satelite reception.

 

Well, here is where I'm at with all of this. The first (and closest) dealer that I talked to wanted $415 for the parts alone, so they are out of the equation. The 2nd dealer - much further but where I bought my car, was at first confused about whether or not I needed to have a JBL system in order to accomodate the Xm module. After much back and forth, and my calling Toyota central hq followed by their confirming my information, I was told the parts would be $199 for the receiver and $100 for the "fit kit". This is right in line with what I've seen posted here. However their service department wanted $250 for the install instead of the $150 suggested by Toyota!

So at present I'm considering buying the receiver and fit kit, and doing the install myself. That is, unless soemone out there can recommend a dealer in the greater Sacramento area that will do the install for a more reasonable price. I'd be willing to spend $150 for someone to do this work. It's probably not difficult, but it can be frustrating tying to do one of these and it's worth a certain amount of money to avoid the hassle. However, I don't like to be ripped off, so on principle I won't pay what I consider too much for the work.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can point me to a more reasonable service department.

= Ed =

 

Gonzo, please add your location to your profile.

Nate

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gonzo @ Jun 7 2006, 11:53 AM) [snapback]267254[/snapback]</div>

I bought and installed the unit from Factory Interactive. The install was about 2.5 hours (great instructional DVD) - and I have the antenna on the roof (can't see it while I'm driving), and even with shipping it was $307. I have the 10 character limit, but just don't see why anyone would want to spend $150 -$200 extra for 6 additional characters.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob47 @ Jun 8 2006, 09:20 AM) [snapback]267821[/snapback]</div>

Bob,

I'm glad that you are happy with your purchase. As I am a huge baseball fan, and the MLB games (including scores when you tune in late) are shown in the broadcast text, having the maximum available text is crucial to me. It also makes finding the specific game you want (in my case, sadly it's the Chicago Cubs) easy. Additionally, I listen a lot to Bluesville, and often there are multiple artists. With more characters I have a better chance of seeing who is performing. I'm glad you don't need more than 10 characters, but this will be my second XM radio, and I would not buy a unit without AT LEAST a 16 character display. As I said, YMMV.

Also, the factory unit only costs $299, including the fit kit if you do the install yourself, so the unit you bought does NOT constitute any real savings. Local tax would pring that total to about $323, so the total savings is only $16 versus the unit you purchased. The additional cost is for factory installation. One of the options I am considering is installing it myself rather than paying ripoff installation fees to the service department. Given all of that, I'd say that $16 is well worth the extra 6 characters, for me at least.

I understand that many of you are proud and happy with your purchase, but please do not presume that I (and others) have not done our research and don't know what we want. I don't mind an occaisional pointer to something different, but it seems that I'm getting a lot of answers to questions I did not ask. I don't want to appear ungrateful - I'm not, but it seems that everyone wants to steer people to what THEY bought instead of what the origonal post was inquiring about. I'm heartened that there are people out there listening. I'm just hoping that there is someone reading this who does know of a dealer local to the greater Sacramento area who installs these at a reasonable cost. Otherwise, I'll just install it myself.

= Ed =

 

[attachmentid=3741]<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jenlynmc @ May 24 2006, 06:27 PM) [snapback]260591[/snapback]</div>

I got the factory install info. I don't think this is an install for anyone who isn't very experienced at taking cars apart!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NYLion @ Jun 8 2006, 08:37 PM) [snapback]268342[/snapback]</div>

Interesting. Can you elaborate on why this would be so?

= Ed =

 

Well add me to the list of users of the OEM Factory 2006 XM Radio. 16 Character width of information on the screen. Took my dealer 2.5 hours to install it. He was a Toyota Master mechanic.

All I got after the install was a card with XM channels and the receiver code written on it by the installer. Did anyone get a user manual with it? Not that I need it. Hmmm, maybe it is already in the owners manual. I'll have to check on that.

It sounds great. My cost inline with others here. Now my other XM (MyFi) receiver is installed in my wifes car. She loves that too. So, everyone is happy.

Cheers

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jenlynmc @ Jun 10 2006, 09:26 AM) [snapback]269125[/snapback]</div>

Only other alternative is to get a magnetic rooftop antenna installed. Route the antenna through the hatch using the procedures linked to in other posts here from MetroTPN or PriusXM (Factory INteractive).

IF the Prius XM receiver uses a double wire antenna, you will either need to use a double lead antenna or use a single lead micor antenna with it's smb connector and a single lead to double lead adapter.

These antennas and parts can be obtained at most audio shops that install radios or at XM radio sources on the internet.

 

I just did the install of the factory kit myself ... Total time, about 3 hours, being careful and never taking apart the prius dash before.

Tip #1: The antenna in the kit is magnetic, it's nearly the same as the standard XM mini antenna (single wire), just without the XM logo embossed on it. You can route it to the roof through the hatch area no problem. If you go on the roof, you dont need to use the little plate in the fit kit, just stick it on the roof.

Tip #2: Have your dealer print out the instructions from their database on the install. The pdf's floating around are different. Toyota's instructions only have you take apart the glovebox & the register adjacent to the radio to plug in the xm, no need to take apart the whole dash. They also have the radio installed underneath the rear passenger seat floor side support (you take it out, drill a couple of holes, wrap the reciver in foam, mount, replace backseat -- really simple. Cable routing along the passenger side floor trim is the same as other installs.

My dealer kept telling me for the last month when I'd call for the kit that it didnt exist yet, and they couldnt order it. The trick is: Call with the part numbers ... Don't call up asking for the "XM kit for an '06 Prius".

So no one has to dig through previous posts, I'll post 'em up again:
86180-0W030 - RCVIR, XM SDAR
PT546-47060 - FITKIT, XM, PRIUS

The parts database does note that the JBL radio (or higher) is required to install ..

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ErrantPixel @ Jun 11 2006, 04:08 PM) [snapback]269594[/snapback]</div>

1) Did you have a roof antenna installation?

2) Does the antenna have a single or double wire connection to the receiver?

3) Has anyone confirmed that the XM will require the JBL radio?

Thanks.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusInsight @ Jun 11 2006, 01:32 PM) [snapback]269626[/snapback]</div>

I used the antenna that came with the fit kit, it's magnetic, and stuck it to the roof. I routed the antenna cable inside the weather stripping, down behind the 12V battery, over the floor, under the backseat to where the radio is installed. Other than a little bit of exposed cable at the top of the hatch, it's all hidden.

Single wire.

Toyota's parts database indicates the JBL radio is required. I havent seen the backend of a non jbl radio, so I dont know if it has the required plug (going off memory, its a 1/2" wide or so molex plug, goes in the middle of 3 connectors on the back of the radio.


I knew I should have taken pictures while I had everything taken apart. B)

 

Toyota's parts database indicates the JBL radio is required. I havent seen the backend of a non jbl radio, so I dont know if it has the required plug (going off memory, its a 1/2" wide or so molex plug, goes in the middle of 3 connectors on the back of the radio.
I knew I should have taken pictures while I had everything taken apart. B)
[/quote]


I Just had the Toyota factory XM Radio installed. Perhaps this may answer some lingering questions some might have:

I have a 2006 WITHOUT navigation and WITHOUT the JBL advanced radio with 6 CD changer (package #2). The radio works perfectly:

COST AND PART NUMBERS: At my local dealer, I paid $199.00 for the radio and $100.00 for the "fit kit." Make sure you get the following parts with these numbers, otherwise you may get an early edition that is limited to 10 characters on song titles. Radio: TOY86180-0W030 Fit kit: TOYPT546-47060.

INSTALLATION COSTS: My dealer uses a vendor to install it's radios. I talked my parts department guy into giving me the name of the vendor. This man charged me $165 to install the radio (he did a fantastic job). If I paid my dealer to do this, it would have cost $312.00, and the same guy would have done the installation! So, do check and see who actually installs the radio at your dealer.

WHAT'S DISPLAYED ON THE SCREEN: After you turn on the power to the radio, you access the XM by pressing the "AM" radio button (yes, that's right). This brings up on the screen a menu that says "SAT1." This screen displays six channels. With each press of the "AM" radio button, you get an additional six stations, and the top left display changes to either "SAT1", SAT2, "SAT3." At the top right, after the channel number is the channel "type" ( NEWS, SPORTS, RAOCK, ETC.). Also, you can scan channels or seek channels. And, as you'd expect, full control of the channels, moving from SAT1 through SAT3, and volume are all available on the steering wheel.

The wierd thing about the factory install is that the song is NOT displayed on the main screen (see photo). On the main XM screen you get the channel number and the name of the channel (WHICH IS IN THE CHANNEL BOX AND AT THE TOP LEFT, FOR SOME REASON). In order to see the song title and artist, you must press "TEXT" on the lower right hand side of the main XM screen.

HOW MANY CHARACTERS ARE DISPLAYED. Once you press the "TEXT" button on the lower right of the first XM screen, another screen appears that gives song title and artist. Both of those lines (artist and song) are limited to 16 characters. I found in most cases that's not a problem and is a BIG improvement of the first version which had only 10 characters (or was it eight, I can't recall). See photo.

ANTENNA PLACEMENT: My installer strongly suggested that I not locate the magnetic antenna where the factory suggested (the photo with arrow is where they suggested). In that location, the reception MAY be limited at times, plus, it's ugly. A 3x3" square black piece of metal is taped to the dash (with double-sided tape). The magnetic antenna is then placed on that metal piece. He said the square metal piece often comes off over time. He did suggest that he could tape the antenna down right on the dash itself (after cleaning with alcohol swab), but I decided to go with his suggestion and place it on top of the car (see photo).

I hope this helps all those considering the installation. I love XM! Now, I MUST improve the factory speakers. No definition from those!

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[attachmentid=3787][attachmentid=3788]

 

GREAT POST. THank you.

Is that antenna located in the FRONT of the car. How is the antanna cable routed from the front windshield inot the car?

jrs

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stevehj @ Jun 13 2006, 06:52 PM) [snapback]270759[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NYLion @ Jun 8 2006, 07:37 PM) [snapback]268342[/snapback]</div>

Actually, the install is for everyone - Prius are one of the easiest cars to disassemble that I've ever run across. To get almost the entire dashboard apart, all you need is a Philips screwdriver for a very few screws, and a 10mm socket/ratchet/extension to remove the MFD.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusInsight @ Jun 13 2006, 09:26 PM) [snapback]270886[/snapback]</div>

It's in the front, middle of the windshield. Works just great and stays put.