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Need help installing Sirius please!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by preludedude, Jan 12, 2006.

  1. preludedude

    preludedude Junior Member

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    I'm too impatient to wait for Toyota's "official" XM receiver, and since I already have a Sirius subscription, I bought a Sirius receiver and kit. The problem is - PLEASE HELP ME! - it doesn't come with directions.
    As many of you know, Toyota doesn't sell any form of satellite radio officially for the Prius; instead, Metro Toyota in Cleveland sold me a receiver that WORKS with the Prius, though it's offically for the Solara.
    It came today without instructions. A phone call got the response that I've gotten used to hearing: since it's not officially a Prius part, we're not going to help you, and that includes not giving you directions...but trust us, it works!
    I brought the unit to a local audio shop, and they looked at me like I was from Jupiter. Do you have a manual?, they asked. Well no; that's why I'm here.
    Bottom line...Do any of you wonderful people know how to install Sirius - or XM, for that matter - in the Prius that works with the central display? I'd be most appreciative for any help!
     
  2. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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  3. preludedude

    preludedude Junior Member

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    I clicked on both of those links and got a blank page...either my computer is wrong, or they took it off...please let me know, and thank you for your time.
     
  4. fulostix

    fulostix Junior Member

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    The easiest way to install this receiver is using the XM directions from metrotpn.com, but DO NOT remove the entire dashboard (it's not required). What I did was remove the two right vents, and the bottom glovebox (using the toyota instructions in the manual), the vents just pop off. Then route the wire through the glovebox, and make sure you put it behind the white plastic things so that you can close the glovebox when you are done. Then you need to slide your hand in where the vent is to the right of the stereo. You will feel in the back where the slot is, then plug in the cable. Once you get that done, it's just a matter of routing the cable to the trunk. My sirius receiver is hidden in the rear quarter panel. Just use the instructions from XM Instructions for Prius You can download the XM instructions and follow them how to router the cable and hide the receiver under the carpet on the right rear quarter panel. Believe me, if I can do it..anyone can.
     
  5. preludedude

    preludedude Junior Member

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    I did manage to print out the installation guide...all 47 pages. You guys have more guts than I do; I'm not going to attempt to install it! I've been calling around to audio shops to find someone willing to do it. Thanks for everyone's help.
     
  6. Tripod137

    Tripod137 New Member

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    Are the 2006's supposed to come with XM or Sirius receivers built in?
     
  7. Marlin

    Marlin New Member

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    I clipped this from a post I made about an XM installation. Should apply to you to...

    And note that you have to right click on the Metro TPN's instructions link and choose "Save Target As..." to get the link to work.
     
  8. Marlin

    Marlin New Member

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    Hey!!!! I just realized that my response that I clipped from another thread was a response to your post! Didn't you read it?

    The instructions for the Sirius radio should be the same as the XM version with the execption that it sounds like the Sirius one might have an extra dohicky adapter or something that you have to install at the Sirius unit.

    The "chrisdragon" link give really, really, really through instructions about how to take the dash apart with lots of pictures. Use that one for the dash part of the install and then use the Metro TPN one for figuring out how to route the cable back to the hatchback area.
     
  9. fulostix

    fulostix Junior Member

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    Where are you located? I'm in NJ, I'd be willing to help you install....it's really not as bad as it seems...but remember YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE APART THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD...it will just waste time.
     
  10. BobR

    BobR Member

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    You can buy the DVD install instructions from Factory Interactive.
    http://www.factoryinteractive.com/SiriusPrius/
    Click on "order now".

    Bob
     
  11. Johno

    Johno Junior Member

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    There has to be a Sirius Radio Tuner out there that we can install ourselves with an Ultra Low Profile antenna. I am seeing Tuners going for $79 w/rebate from Pioneer, JVC,etc at Crutchfield.
    With the right wire harness adapter I'll bet you can install this yourself for under $200.
    Factory Interactive wants $399. No-can-do.
    Anyone have any info?
     
  12. Marlin

    Marlin New Member

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    If you want to be able to control the XM or Sirius radio using the Prius' MFD, then you have to use the Toyota radio, which is actually for the Solara.

    If you are willing to use FM (direct antenna connection or otherwise) or a cassette adapter, then you can use any aftermarket XM or Sirius radio, but you won't be able to use the Prius display or steering wheel controls with it. You'll have to use whatever display and buttons come with the aftermarket radio.

    I bought my Solara XM radio from Metro TPN for around $250. It came with everything I needed to install it. It has a largish square antenna, but it's not huge; it's still only about 3 inches square and less than an inch tall. But if someone doesn't like it enough, they can always purchase a separate antenna from anywhere that sells XM and Sirius radios.

    Installing the Solara radio is really not that bad. It might take a couple of hours if you're carefully reading the instructions, or less than an hour if you already know how to do it.
     
  13. JoePrius

    JoePrius New Member

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    I just joined the PriusChat group and think it is a great resource. I got my new 2006 Package 8 a week ago and just installed the SiriusPrius Kit from factoryinterative. It was so easy and works perfectly. I had Jon FedEx it and everything worked as advertised. Well worth the money and easy to use!

    Cheers! - Joe
     
  14. sdgeiger

    sdgeiger Junior Member

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    Has anyone performed the Factory Interactive Sirius product installation in their Prius?

    How difficult is it for someone that has never done this type of installation before? Can you give me some tips?
     
  15. bbaustin

    bbaustin New Member

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    I dit it a couple of weeks ago. It was a bit of work but the DVD was very specific and pretty easy to follow. I had it done in about 2 1/2 hours and I don't have much experience doing this kind of work.
    The problem is that the SOUND IS DISTORTED. I've been told that the reciever has problems in certain 2006s. I have package 3 + 6 disk changer (distributor installed). John at factory interactive promised to replace it when the manufacturer releases an updated version but I haven't heard anything yet.
     
  16. Rancid13

    Rancid13 Cool Chick with a Black Prius

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    I did the same thing for my XM. As soon as I looked over the 40-something page document on how to install the thing (it was also a Toyota Solara factory kit), I chickened out of it and found an installer to come to my office and install it for me. 45 minutes and $200 later, all was done and the system is now integrated into my mfd touch screen. The antennae is this little black square-shaped object, about 2"x2" and installed on the rear passenger side of my car, just above the rear windshield.
     
  17. sdgeiger

    sdgeiger Junior Member

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    I went ahead and did the SiriusPrius install myself. I was extra cautious and extra slow, so I took about 3.5 hours to complete the job - I am your below average do-it-yourselfer. Just to be safe, I'd rewind the DVD every few minutes to make sure I was doing it correctly. However, the overall job was fairly easy, although I couldn't get the back seat bench off for about 20 minutes. I thought taking apart the dash would be the hardest part, but it was the easiest.

    Now that I've completed it, I believe I could do it in 2 hours the next time.

    Tips:

    1. Watch DVD 2-3 times before doing install. Jon is very detailed.
    2. Do not pull panels out to hard. Take your time and use just enough force to remove them. I pulled too hard and broked on of the yellow inserts. Fortunately, the panel went back into place without any problems.
    3. When pushing the trunk panel back in, be certain the white pegs are aligned with their respective holes. I made the mistake of pushing them in when they weren't aligned, which caused me to split two of the pegs. Fortunately, I was able to get them back in and secure.
    4. Don't waste your money on "Fish Tape" unless you are going into the business of installing these kits, just straighten out a wire hanger, it's a lot cheaper.
     
  18. fulostix

    fulostix Junior Member

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    Just so everyone knows...you DO NOT NEED TO TAKE APART THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD TO INSTALL THE SIRIUS. All I did was remove the 2 right vents, and the lower glovebox. You fit you hand directly in the right of the stereo once the glovebox is gone and plug in the cable for the Sirius tuner. Then just route it to the back of the car under the panels and place it in the read quarter panel. It's a lot easier than taking out the entire stereo.
     
  19. sdgeiger

    sdgeiger Junior Member

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    That's probably true, but removing the dash took me about 10-15 minutes. Anyway, some people don't like working in tight spaces, so removing the dash isn't as bad as it sounds.
     
  20. jburns

    jburns Senior Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marlin @ Jan 13 2006, 10:41 AM) [snapback]189154[/snapback]</div>
    I know this thread is old but I just used the link you supplied to take apart my dash to install a Sirius and wanted to thank you for posting it. Everything went EXACTLY as it was presented in the info and that is a rarity these days.