1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Satellite radio on 2009 model

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by yardman 49, Apr 5, 2009.

  1. yardman 49

    yardman 49 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2009
    606
    77
    0
    Location:
    Northern Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    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
     
    #1 yardman 49, Apr 5, 2009
  2. romad

    romad 2004 Prīus Base Former Owner (Sold 13 May 22)

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
    320
    57
    3
    Location:
    Prescott, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    #2 romad, Apr 6, 2009
  3. nascrlvr

    nascrlvr nascrlvr

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2009
    1,200
    25
    7
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    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...........
     
    #3 nascrlvr, Apr 6, 2009
  4. alanh

    alanh Active Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2007
    1,175
    99
    0
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    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.
     
    #4 alanh, Apr 6, 2009
  5. yardman 49

    yardman 49 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2009
    606
    77
    0
    Location:
    Northern Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    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.
     
    #5 yardman 49, Apr 6, 2009
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)