What's the verdict on the factory XM kit?

[drake3]

Hey all,

I am wanting to install the factory XM tuner in my '06 with JBL.

I read that the 4runner "fit kit" contains a wind shield mount antenna instead of an external antenna. (Camry/Solara kits are suppose to also contain the internal as compared to Land Cruiser "fit kits" which contain an external antenna.)

Has anyone else installed the factory Sirius or XM and found reception problems?

Am I correct in thinking that XM should work better since thier satellites are in a lower orbit and they also use terrestrial repeaters in larger metro areas to overcome building interference?

I keep checking back in the Audio and Electronics section to see if any one else has experience with the kit instead of basing my decision on just a couple of posts.

Thanks!

 

[the_bear]

I installed the XM factory kit in my 06 4Runner, I have the Nav system, but the installation should be the same. The kit is very well thought out and includes an antenna that mounts on the rear edge of the roof.

I have had XM for a few years now and have not noticed any different performance from the factory tuner than I recieved from my SkyFi2 or Roady2, in terms of reception.

-Eric

 

[drake3]

Hey Eric,

Which "fit kit" did you get? The one specific to the 4runner? Could you give me a part number?

Thanks!

 

[the_bear]

Yes I did get the fit kit specifically for the 4Runner, I can get you the part number from the box this weekend. I am unfortunately out of town on business right now.

-Eric

 

[drake3]

Yes I did get the fit kit specifically for the 4Runner, I can get you the part number from the box this weekend. I am unfortunately out of town on business right now.

-Eric

Thanks!!!

 

[the_bear]

The part number on the fit kit I used for my 06 install is: PT546-89060
Description on box is: XM FIT KIT, 4-RUNNER

-Eric

 

[Atomic 4Runner]

Thanks for the good information on the XM kit for those of us with the Nav unit.

How did you run the coax from the antenna to the kit? Did you have to remove any trim pieces to conceal the wire? Did it require any cutting or drilling?

I'm anxious to get this kit as soon as I know what's required to install it.

BTW, was there some XM radio subscription information included with the kit?

 

[the_bear]

The kit instructions can be printed out by your dealer from the Toyota Information System. It is about 15 pages of instructions and requires you to take off all of the lower trim pieces on the passenger side of the truck.

You start by removing the floor in the back so you can access the bottom two screws for the rear lower trim panel(the one with the sub in it). The passenger tail light assembly needs to be removed as well, so the antenna wire can be passed through behind it. Then both front and rear passenger seat belt anchors. The side sill trim plate for both front and rear passenger doorways. The passenger seat needs to be unbolted to allows access underneath for the tuner mount(DO NOT REMOVE THE SEAT AIR BAG WIRE! it is yellow). The glove box needs to be removed. The lower drivers side knee panel needs to be loosened. The center console trim and inserts need to be removed. The A/C controls need to be removed. That allows you to remove the NAV unit.

The kit comes with several strips of conduit guide that hold the antenna wire in place behind all of the trim panels. The instructions tell you where exactly to place each holder so it does not pinch the wire.

It took me about 5.5 hours to do the entire install. I took my time so I did not jack up any of the trim pieces. I also took the time to bag and tag all of the bolts since the reinstallation instructions are not included in the 15 pages of tuner install.

The instructions also do not tell you how to remove the double decker unit to access the two screws that hold the rear trim in place, that was fun to figure out.

The dealer quoted me $350 to do the install on a 4Runner, they book it at 5hrs for the tech I think.

-Eric

 

[sketch1]

I was thinking about picking this up... but I am a little indecisive... Can I ask what you paid for this? I am assuming around 300, but that is a complete guess. XM now offers tuners with built in antennas that I could use in the car or on the go, and that sounds much better to me... So if the price is high on the in car tuner, I will just spend them same and get one that I can carry with me.

 

[the_bear]

I bought my 4Runner through the fleet sales department at my dealership and was able to buy accessories at the "fleet price" for accessories. I paid $300 for the tuner and kit together. I believe it was about $180 for the tuner and $120 for the kit. I did not really look online for a better deal, I wanted to look at the fit kit and verify it had the rooftop antenna, instead of the reported windshield antenna that comes with the sirius kit.

For what it is worth, I have a SkyFi2 that was in my old car and I take it with me to my office and when I go on travel in the rentals. But I still wanted the built in for the cleaner look and the ability to use the steering wheel buttons. I do occasionally miss the dedicated display and the pause/rewind features of the SkyFi2. But I am very happy I went with the integrated tuner.

-Eric

 

[drake3]

Excellent infomation Eric!! Thanks, that is exactly what I was looking for. Over 5 hours for the install! wow. I can do it, I just hate taking a brand new car apart!!

 

[OUTRNNR]

I have a XM Roady II semi-portible receiver that comes with an external (to the unit) antenna. I just run the cord up over my guages, but under the dash and around next to the driver's side A pillar where a lot of antenna slack resides. Then I stick the small magnet antenna on my center speaker and push all the neatly bunched cord way down under the windshield cowl. This way the antenna is open to the sky through the majority of the windshield but still inside the car. I only experience minor disturbances when driving north, where the antenna is blocked by the rest of the car. From what I've hear, the satellites are in relatively low geo-synchronous orbit over Texas, like all consumer satellites (DirecTV, WebStar, etc..)

 

[the_bear]

BTW, was there some XM radio subscription information included with the kit?

Sorry I did not see this at first. There was a coupon inside the box that said the dealer was supposed to give you a code to get you free activation and 3 free months I believe. However, I think it also said that was for new car purchases. I have a couple of other XM recievers so I just added this one to my family plan, and did not ask the dealer about the code. There was also a booklet that describes the channels etc. I hope that is what you were looking for.

-Eric

 

[Atomic 4Runner]

I hope that is what you were looking for. -Eric

Yes it was, and thank you for all of the great information you provided. I called the dealership and was quoted a price of $330 plus installation. Like <b>drake3</b> said, I too hate taking a new car apart. So, I guess I'll have them do the install, which does give me a bit of security, so if something goes wrong or gets damaged, the dealership will be responsible for it.

Thanks again for the great information.