XM install PDF 58 pages and pics

[Five5Six]

I just installed my XM radio tonight, i used the factory Toyota instructions which are much easier. If anyone that lives in the San Luis Obispo area wants to install one in their prius and doesnt feel comfortable doing it, let me know.

[TheDrGene]

Attached to this are the factory Toyota installation instructions for 2006. (There is only one difference with the 2008) . They are much more simple than the 58 page directions with a lot, lot less dash disassembly.

The only suggestion/modification I would provide is to place the antenna on the dash over by the driver's side of the car. (Being careful to not cover the sensor) That way the antenna is less likely to have interruption by roadside trees and buildings. There is plenty of antenna wire for placement.

The one difference in the directions is that the 2008 has the side curtain airbags so removing the A pillar is not an option. The solution is to carefully separate the the dark plastic of the dash away from the A pillar and press the antenna wire into the gap. (I used a popsicle stick). It is easy to do without undo strain on the wire or the plastic.

The brackets are for securely mounting the XM tuner under the right side of the rear passenger seat. The installation took an hour and a half being careful.

[Five5Six]

I had horrible reception with it on the dash, so I relocated my antenna to the rear of the car where they tell you to put the sirius antenna.

[problemchild]

Originally Posted by Five5Six

I had horrible reception with it on the dash, so I relocated my antenna to the rear of the car where they tell you to put the sirius antenna.

Because the antenna needs a ground plain made of metal. Stick it on the roof and get full signal.

[problemchild]

Originally Posted by TheDrGene

Attached to this are the factory Toyota installation instructions for 2006. (There is only one difference with the 2008) . They are much more simple than the 58 page directions with a lot, lot less dash disassembly.

The only suggestion/modification I would provide is to place the antenna on the dash over by the driver's side of the car. (Being careful to not cover the sensor) That way the antenna is less likely to have interruption by roadside trees and buildings. There is plenty of antenna wire for placement.

The one difference in the directions is that the 2008 has the side curtain airbags so removing the A pillar is not an option. The solution is to carefully separate the the dark plastic of the dash away from the A pillar and press the antenna wire into the gap. (I used a popsicle stick). It is easy to do without undo strain on the wire or the plastic.

The brackets are for securely mounting the XM tuner under the right side of the rear passenger seat. The installation took an hour and a half being careful.

Try pulling the plugs out without removing the screen.

[Five5Six]

Originally Posted by problemchild

Because the antenna needs a ground plain made of metal. Stick it on the roof and get full signal.

I used the provided metal plate that they want you to mount the antenna on, and the reception was just horrible. Like I said, moved it to the roof of the car not it is great.

[TheDrGene]

When I installed the antenna on the right side of the dash as per the instructions the reception was indeed horrible. I then moved the antenna to the left side of the dash and the reception is now great. There are almost no drop-outs except when we are under a forest of trees.

I like the "on the dash" position to limit any chance for moisture to enter the rear hatch area by wicking along the cable.

There is plenty of cable to move the antenna over to the left side. I was able to lift the base ground plate without too much difficulty.

[Five5Six]

I have mine running through one of the factory grommets, there is no way water is going to get in, I couldn't stand the way they wanted you to run the cable for the sirius radio. Just lay the wire over the gasket???