XM Radio Factory Completed Install -- Screen Photos

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Just had the Toyota factory XM Radio installed. Perhaps this may answer some lingering questions some might have:

I have a 2006 WITHOUT navigation and WITHOUT the JBL advanced radio with 6 CD changer (package #2). The radio works perfectly:

COST AND PART NUMBERS: At my local dealer, I paid $199.00 for the radio and $100.00 for the "fit kit." Make sure you get the following parts with these numbers, otherwise you may get an early edition that is limited to 10 characters on song titles. Radio: TOY86180-0W030 Fit kit: TOYPT546-47060.

INSTALLATION COSTS: My dealer uses a vendor to install it's radios. I talked my parts department guy into giving me the name of the vendor. This man charged me $165 to install the radio (he did a fantastic job). If I paid my dealer to do this, it would have cost $312.00, and the same guy would have done the installation! So, do check and see who actually installs the radio at your dealer.

WHAT'S DISPLAYED ON THE SCREEN: After you turn on the power to the radio, you access the XM by pressing the "AM" radio button (yes, that's right). This brings up on the screen a menu that says "SAT1." This screen displays six channels. With each press of the "AM" radio button, you get an additional six stations, and the top left display changes to either "SAT1", SAT2, "SAT3." At the top right, after the channel number is the channel "type" ( NEWS, SPORTS, RAOCK, ETC.). Also, you can scan channels or seek channels. And, as you'd expect, full control of the channels, moving from SAT1 through SAT3, and volume are all available on the steering wheel.

The wierd thing about the factory install is that the song is NOT displayed on the main screen (see photo). On the main XM screen you get the channel number and the name of the channel (WHICH IS IN THE CHANNEL BOX AND AT THE TOP LEFT, FOR SOME REASON). In order to see the song title and artist, you must press "TEXT" on the lower right hand side of the main XM screen.

HOW MANY CHARACTERS ARE DISPLAYED. Once you press the "TEXT" button on the lower right of the first XM screen, another screen appears that gives song title and artist. Both of those lines (artist and song) are limited to 16 characters. I found in most cases that's not a problem and is a BIG improvement of the first version which had only 10 characters (or was it eight, I can't recall). See photo.

ANTENNA PLACEMENT: My installer strongly suggested that I not locate the magnetic antenna where the factory suggested (the photo with arrow is where they suggested). In that location, the reception MAY be limited at times, plus, it's ugly. A 3x3" square black piece of metal is taped to the dash (with double-sided tape). The magnetic antenna is then placed on that metal piece. He said the square metal piece often comes off over time. He did suggest that he could tape the antenna down right on the dash itself (after cleaning with alcohol swab), but I decided to go with his suggestion and place it on top of the car (see photo).

I hope this helps all those considering the installation. I love XM! Now, I MUST improve the factory speakers. No definition from those!

Onward!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pre-cbs @ Jun 12 2006, 10:42 AM) [snapback]269929[/snapback]</div>

It merely is hidden under the outer windshield grommet seal. As far as putting it inside the vehicle or outside, it may have more to do with preference than anything. The installer thought it also might just look bad on the dash. Be curious who have it inside think of it cosmetically.