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Adding Sat Radio to Prius II

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by PBR86, Sep 28, 2010.

  1. PBR86

    PBR86 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2010
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    Location:
    Wauwatosa, WI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hello, we recently received our new prius II. We purposely did not get the factory installed satellite radio because we have a plug and play unit. Now after being in the prius for a bit, I would like to have the satellite radio unit with a clean install, being able to control it with the steering control and not have the wires/power cord sticking out. My questions are:

    Can I purchase and install a factory XM tuner and install it under the seat? Do I need the fit kit if the car is already satellite ready?
    Can I do the same with the Sirius tuner and controler using the factory installed antenna?

    The big thing is that I am not interested in taking part the dash at all (even though I see from the forum posts that it is not difficult). I cannot seem to find a post or images of the tuner installed under the driver's seat which would tell me if buying the tuner would work easily for me. I see a bracket with wired connections but cannot tell without looking at the unit and its wires if everything goes together there. I would actually prefer Sirius as that is what i have now in the plug and play but would switch if it meant using the factory installed antenna.

    Thanks for any help.
     
    #1 PBR86, Sep 28, 2010
  2. murigius

    murigius new but learning

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2010
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    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have the same/similar question about adding Sat. radio to my 2010 Prius.
    Thanks for posting.
     
    #2 murigius, Sep 28, 2010
  3. Downrange

    Downrange Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2010
    353
    181
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    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
    Model:
    SE
    Went through a similar process with mine. What I found (short version):

    The XM/Sirius antenna lead is somewhere under the console, but uses a specialized connector that fits the Toyota XM unit - won't plug into my old friend.

    The Toyota XM unit is a bit pricey, especially if you have to pay for them to install it.

    My old unit works fine, and I don't mind the extra wires. It's easy to route the magnetic mini-antenna down from the back seat passenger door area, under the passenger seat, and into the console, where the control resides. The AUX input and 12 V are right there, too.

    Since I usually listen to only a few XM channels, it's not hard to "button feel" select them, and, if I really must know the song title, the unit is pulled up and rests near the cup-holder. It's not as elegant as a custom install, but the cost was right!

    I thought about going with a unit with built-in antenna that would be closer to the car's dash, but reception issues inside the car worried me, and it's clunky. Good luck with your decision.
     
    #3 Downrange, Sep 29, 2010
  4. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2009
    1,610
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    Location:
    So Cal
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Just to add a bit to the thread...

    There are many 'factory' XM 'kits' on Ebay. They likely come from salvaged Toyotas.

    It appears (you need to do the extra leg work) that this is the *same* XM module used in many other Toyota/Scion models(Camry etc).

    So you can add it. Seems the general cost of goods is around $200-$300 (not including install).
     
    #4 rrolff, Sep 30, 2010
  5. Marvinh

    Marvinh Marvin

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2007
    189
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    Location:
    NY - Long Island
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    I just had XM satellite radio installed in my 2007 Prius. The XM reciever is under the REAR seat and the antenna is put on the rear of the roof. The wiring to the radio is then threaded through the panels and under the dash to the radio.

    It is a clean install with no wires showing, but this is a Toyota part so it is pricey. I think the reciever (with antenna) is about $400 + installation.

    Marvinh
     
    #5 Marvinh, Sep 30, 2010
  6. PBR86

    PBR86 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2010
    2
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    0
    Location:
    Wauwatosa, WI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Is the XM tuner in the 2010 prius mounted on the floor or on brackets under the driver's seat? Is the antenna connector under the console now (prior to installation) or does it terminate under the seat?
     
    #6 PBR86, Oct 1, 2010
  7. JMRizer

    JMRizer New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2010
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    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I just bought a used Prius from a Toyota Dealer... will they do an XM install for me? Was so excited about the new set of wheels I forgot to ask if that was possible on a used vehicle. I don't think my XM SkyFi -- which I LOVE as a unit - will mount anywhere. And I work for SXM so I'm going CRAZY without it. (And I can write it off.)
     
    #7 JMRizer, Dec 15, 2010
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