new 2011 prius owner with xm radio question!

Hey, all! I just traded in my FJ Cruiser (not happy about this!) and sold my fiancees 200k mile Grand Am (I got $3k for it!!!) and used the money for a prius (not happy about this!). Its a wise choice all the way around except for the fact I had to sell my FJ (not happy about this!).

Anyway, its a cool little car I guess. Winter Grey Metallic and has Blu Logic. I inquired about XM radio and the salesman immediately wanted to put an aftermarket xm in my car. Now, the parts department has a listing for an xm module, and a "fit kit" for like $350 installed.

I found an "xm radio" on ebay for $180 and the seller says all the XM stuff is built into the main radio, you just install it and go.

I'm getting conflicting stories here, and I just want an answer! Maybe some of the other 2010/2011 owners can help out?

This seems to be an informative forum. I'll probably stick around while we have the prius Thanks.

oh, also the radio on ebay is listed as the JBL stereo. Can I use it in my car that seems to have the base stereo system?

That's partially true. You do just install it and go, but you do need both the tuner and fit kit. The fit kit includes the wiring for the tuner to plug in under the console, the wiring to plug in to the factory satellite antenna, and a ground cable. $350 installed is a pretty great deal considering I paid $280 for just the parts (a Toyota dealer on Ebay), and it takes about an hour to install.

I don't know about the JBL radio, but I believe they have an external XM tuner under the seat too.

So I guess my next question should be is if my base stereo can accept the external xm module?

Yep, that's what this accessory is made for. I'm seeing that the 2010 and 2011 use the same parts:
Receiver: 86180-0W032
Fit Kit: PT546-47100

ok. looks like the go on ebay is oblivious to what he's selling then. Thanks for the help!

It's my understanding that the kit for installing into the the radio to make XM work is not available at this time from Toyota. I was confused and ended up with this. They are going to obtain the correct part and fix this for me.

ya I saw your post. that would have me furious!

I too traded my FJ for the Prius and feel exactly as you do about it. Loved my FJ and never wanted to part with it. Were you on fjcruiserforums.com?

This is my first post so bear with me if I mess it up!
I just had my 2010 Prius II (Barcelone Red) updated to get my in-dash SAT functions working! I have been a long time XM owner and have used portable units prior to this time. I found a unit on eBay that sounded like it should work. Product is from VIAS Technology. Model # is SL2xD2 and it requires an XM Direct Tuner XHD2H1. I purchased my unit from Replacement Radio on eBay for $249.99. I also purchased a VAIS SFA12M SHARK FIN ANTENNA ADAPTER via eBay. The Antenna adapter was supposed to be able to use the "Shark Fin" antenna instead of the magnetic hockey puck antenna! Well... the install went great but no response from the antenna adapter. Connected the hockey puck antenna and everything worked! I had to call XM Customer Service to have them transfer my subscription from one of the portable units to the new VAIS unit. I now have AM, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, FM1, FM2, CD, and AUX with 6 select sets for AM/SAT/FM! The steering wheel controls work! The AUX still works with my iPOD! How cool is that! I chickened out even after reviewing all the PDFs with "how to PRY your panels off". Not that brave! Had it installed locally by Total Auto Parts. NO WIRE CLIPPING NECESSARY - all "plug and play"! I recommend the above noted VAIS SL2xD2 and XND2H1 as good ways to get your in-dash unit working with XM! BTW - this is with the normal Type B radio - no navigation. Hope this helps others who just want XM without too big a hassle!

wesayso, I was Racer001 on the FJ forums. I felt absolutely horrible for about a week for doing the trade but I felt a little better when I saw you on here ALthough my FJ is gone, my fiancee is rid of her 200k mile grand am, and in a new fuel efficient vehicle for her 60 mile per day commute. One less FJ for me to insure too, I guess. I'm just glad we got to go to Rausch Creek last month, one last time

Nice to meet you again on this forum. :welcome:I still feel horrible as I have to drive by the dealership every few days and see my FJ on their used car lot. Ugh! But, I feel a little better when I gas up after 500 miles and it requires less than 10 gallons to fill the Prius.

It happens. It was a good financial choice, but MAN I had a blast in my FJ going to the Summit, Moab, Rausch Creek, Uwharrie, etc ahh well maybe some other day I'll get one

Re: question!

Why do you two former FJ owners feel such seller's remorse? Why did you get rid of them? Just curious :der:.

I traded to save money on gas, pure and simple. I absolutely loved my FJ and would have kept it forever if I could've afforded to purchase the Prius w/o a $20K trade in that was paid for. I'll always miss it and maybe I'll be able to replace it sometime down the road.

Carnutt, its hard to explain. I'm a car guy. I love everything with 4 wheels! The FJ was my first new car. I met SO many nice new people through offroading events. I live in Virginia but travelled out to Utah and did a week of offroading in the desert. Then I drove to Colorado and did a week in the Rockies. I had a chance to wheel with the Toyota Trail Team! That was an amazing 2 week vacation that I truely will never forget. Plus all the other trips and activities I've done. Maybe I let myself get to attached to the truck, but it is an amazing vehicle. I traded it in to help my fiancee get into a prius to help her save gas for her long commute, and get her into a new car.

I'm not feeling as bad about the FJ anymore. It still hurts a little though lol

My one regret is I didn't make it to a national summit. I did wheel with the Trail Team at OBX though. Had a blast.

I went with this solution after trying to get BluTooth and Sat Radio from Toyota. I have the BluLogic module in addition to this from iSimple. (I do not work for or are affiliated with this company). It works slick and I get everything I need ion my car. Bluetooth, Sat-Radio, and iPod/Iphone control from the factory head unit.

iSimple Factory iPod & SIRIUS Integration for Toyota/Lexus/Scion Vehicles | TSS-Radio

good luck!

/randy

Hi Randy,

Quick question since you have the isimple installed in your prius. I'm coming from a honda civic that had the isimple module setup to work with the XM and was able to change songs with the steering wheel button just like your setup. Unfortunately with the honda, I had to hold down the up and down buttons for 2-3 seconds to change tracks and it gets really annoying because if I forget to hold down the button for a certain duration it would change the menu options instead. With my isimple module on our Toyota sienna it changes tracks with a single tap. Is this the same experience with your prius, can you change tracks just by a single tap (not hold) of the up and down buttons or do you have to hold down a couple of seconds to change tracks?