I picked up a 2009 a couple of weeks ago with package #5. I see that the AM radio button has the designation "AM/SAT" on it. So can I assume that the radio can be upgraded to have XM radio capabilities without the radio being replaced? On the 2009, would this be a firmware upgrade, or would hardware have to be added to the radio? If so, can the dealer do this? Will the stock antenna (whip) on my 2009 have to be replaced? (I thought someone told me that it was already designed for satellite radio). If done by the dealer, would this be a Toyota option that would be covered under the general warranty? How much should getting the radio XM enabled cost? Thanks
Frank, this might help you: http://priuschat.com/forums/file-library/46772-2006-xmradio-install-instructions.html
Yardman, I'm no techie, but I had my '09 fitted with XM. The dealer did it before I picked it up and the antenna sits on the right side of the dash, very close to the windshield. It is black and about the size of a dime. The whip antenna stays. They changed nothing in the car...my car has the JBL sound upgrade though, so I don't know how that would affect you. Anyway, it cost $450 to do it. Check your paperwork to see if you have a free 90 subscription to XM....it came with my car. Hope this helps...........
Although "satellite ready", the Prius requires a separate tuner and antenna be installed. The tuner plugs into the back of the radio; once that's done, it can be controlled by the MFD. For example, I have the Sirius SCC1/TOY-SC1 combo. The SCC1 is the actual tuner, and the TOY-SC1 is the adapter for Toyota models. The ideal location for the antenna is on the roof; the official Sirius installation directions place it behind the AM/FM whip with the cable going over the lip of the hatch. Putting it on the dash may work, but reception won't be as reliable. People here have also routed the cable through the AM/FM base, or mounted the antenna in the rear spoiler.
Thanks to everyone for the information. Alan or anyone else: is there such a thing as a replacement whip or antenna that can mount in the same location as the original antenna, and will work for satellite as well as AM/FM?? Thank again.
