XM Amplifier antenna assembly - needs to be replaced

WOW! ...that sucks!

 

Just got the same news on mine! 2010-IV and no problems at all for 2+ years. For a few months my XM would be erratic...sometimes cutting out for an hour. Several weeks ago it went out for good. Talking to XM, they tell me the issue is on my end. Dealer, here in Southern California tells me the antenna/amplifier needs to be replace.....$700!! The part is only $100 but they say the labor is intensive since the headliner needs to be taken down. I'm not paying $700 so I'm considering doing it myself. I'm very technical but I'm concerned about reinstalling the headliner. It actually looks do-able by just pulling the back down a bit. Anyone try this yet?

 

We have two 2010 Prius III. Replace one antenna assembly 3 weeks ago. The other one went yesterday! We're going to call Toyota to complain. Not sure what good it will do but what the hell. My hubby is pissed beyond words!

 

I'd suggest checking with the stereo shop folks as mentioned previously. I remained a Sirius subscriber after acquiring the Prius, requiring me to get the aftermarket interface equipment to allow me to use the head unit. Since the factory antenna is pre-wired for XM, I asked the Best Buy installers to tuck the magnetic Sirius antenna behind the factory antenna. It's pretty much the same color and hardly noticeable on the roof. It was child's play for these guys to snake the wire up to the dash without dealing with the headliner. My only concern for you XM owners is whether or not a similar magnetic XM antenna's wire would connect to the radio without some sort of adapter as I suspect the factory antenna's wiring is a bit different since it includes terrestrial radio signals. Maybe a call to the Crutchfield techies would be in order.

 

Finally replaced the antenna base on 2010 g3 after many months of intermittent and finally losing XM service. Cost $150 for base, had to drop the headliner by the hatch to get access to the hardware, wasn't hard, just had to be slow and deliberate for the task. Hopefully this will also eliminate the "Space Invader" icons that pop up on display during hot summer days.
Back in service, shame I hadn't check the site earlier about the amplifier/base.

 

This is a common problem that anyone owning a Prius {2010} with Sirius XM radio has experienced - major interruption and loss of service with no obvious cure - Toyota will send you packing and self-help remedies are generally beyond an owner's ability. After over 5 years of dissatisfaction, I located a reputable Rollin Sounds dealer in Jax that installed the new antenna in less than two hours for $85.00 [Sirius tuner in this model in beneath driver's seat] - works perfectly so far - there is a reasonable solution!

 

Did you have to remove the side panels in the hatch in order for the headliner to drop enough? I looked at the Factory Service Manual and it indicates having to remove the floor of the hatch to get the side panels out which then allows the headliner to drop. Explains the 3 hours of labor if all steps are necessary. Hoping there is a trick.

 

I was able to remove by just removing the 3 plastic fasteners holding the headliner up. Had to bend the headliner quite a bit to get a wrench in to remove the nut and also to get the electrical connector to release - trick is pressing on the tab on the passenger side of the connector to release the cable assembly from the drivers side.

 

Where in AZ are you?

 

I was able to get the antenna part (Genuine Toyota (86960-47011) Antenna Assembly) for $130. I was able to just remove the headliner clips at the back (and broke all 3). As TiminAZ said, its a tight fit getting the wrench in there (it needs a 22mm socket), but that was the worst of it. I did release the plastic side panels in the trunk (they just snap out and snap back together) to give me a little more room. I slid the connector off its bracket (it just slides off) and it made it easier to push the tab to release it.

Total was about 30 minutes. Same thing the stealership would do, except add 500 bucks for themselves.

 

My issue is that I have 2 sets of wires coming out of the antenna and 2 connectors. I cannot seem to find the correct antenna- they all have just on line.