Coastal Tech XM Installation

[SDiego]

I am wanting to get the XM Kit from Coastal Tech, but really dont feel like ripping into the dash. I would rather pay someone else to do it. Anyone know of a place here on the West Coast, here in S Calif ?

Thanks

Ron

[DanMan32]

Any audio installer could do it. It isn't hard.

[gaulfinger]

I installed mine last night. The dash disassembly is very well documented and not hard at all. I had no rattles after putting it back together.

Just take your time and don't start the project at 7pm when you need the car to get to work in the morning...

Gary

[gaulfinger]

I should add that I did run into one problem with the antenna installation (and another problem that was me just being stupid).

First the stupid part: There's a chrome bolt that is removed for the tie-down in the back corner of the trunk. It loosens the cover over the battery enough to snake a cable under it. I accidently over torqued it a ripped the head off! I'll be backing it out this weekend... a pain, to be sure. Plus I need to find a replacement bolt.

The other problem took me a long time to overcome. The antenna wire runs along the driver's side edge of the hatch, goes under the hatch seal, and then tucks in behind the inside trim piece. I found that the stress of trying to press the trim piece back in place against the wire caused it to pop loose. I did this repeatedly before realizing I should notch the edge of the plastic trim panel a little with a box knife. Unfortunately by that point, I had worn out the poor little mounting clips and the panel isn't holding tight... I need to visit the local AutoZone and get new mounting clips. Another little pain, but it will be as good as new soon enough.

Oh, another tip, for Mac users: When registering the radio on XM's web site, don't use Safari. They require FireFox instead...

Gary

[SDiego]

Well I just might attempt to do the install myself. Seems a few here has done it, and no problems.

[BobR]

Well I just might attempt to do the install myself. Seems a few here has done it, and no problems.

I installed the Coastal XM myself also. Metro Eddie has instructions , I looked at both before I attempted the install.

The worst part was taking apart my new car.

My only suggestion is to have a towel to place on the dashboard for the display.

Bob

[charliep]

Hi,
I am in Northern CA. I installed the same unit and even hide the antenna in the spoiler. if you want, you can call me and I can walk you through the installation. It really is easy. Sometimes we think something is hard until we do it the first time. Email me for phone number and time when you would like to do it if you would like help.

Charlie

[hancho]

Charlie, how well is the antenna working in the spoiler? How did you install the antenna in the spoiler? Thanks!

[charliep]

The jury is still out. Sometimes i loose the signal but i don't know if it is from something else, clouds, trees, bridges? I removed all the trim moulding from the inside of hatch. I removed the third brake light and cut a hole big enough to slip the antenna inside and velcrowed it in. I then ran the wire up the right side along the top and ran it through the left side boot that houses the rear wiper hose. I passed it through the ceiling and down the left side under the weather striping. I removed the plastic piece after removing the chrome tie down and then ran it to the box. I used the micro antenna purchased separately. It has a thin wire which made it easy. Someone else posted a step by step process on this site that i used.It details the exact steps to remove the inside moulding. It wasn't a hard install just take your time and it will go easy. I used a tremel tool to cut the hole. If that doesn't work for you my second option was to have my body shop paint the antenna the same color as my car and i will put it on the roof. Hope this helps.
Charlie

[rick57]

I installed one of their XM kits on a customers 04' last fall. My only problem came when I was near the end of the installation. Finally calling Coastal for help I found out the CD in the kit was actually installation help,complete with pictures and step by step how to install it ops: . Really anybody should be able to do it, easy and Coastal is very helpful when/if you have any snags.