Sirus Satellite Radio In 2006 Prius

For those with SIRIUS radio installations....don't forget to ask for the PLAYBOY channel when you call SIRIUS to sign up your account. They will throw it in just for the asking. Some of the stuff is cheesy radio porn, but the discussions about what girls like, and where they like it is a new twist on radio listening while stuck in traffic. OOOOOh ohhh yeah said the speakers in my priussssssss.

I also have a 2005 prius with the #6 package. LONGO toyota in So Cal installed the inside antenna. Had I known then, I would have asked for an external antenna. There are a noticeable amount of signal dropouts. Sometimes when there are not any overhead obstructions or buildings or trees. I will probably install an external antenna in the future. I may see if there is a way to install a switch or patch that would allow me to use both antennas. Not at the same time, but to see which one receives better. I would say to new prius owners that they should ask the dealer for an external satellite antenna.

Dave

Sorry BIG ED ON AIR AMERICA. I will be tuning out sometimes to hear the lovely ladies of PLAYBOY.

 

I had my installer install the antenna on the inside of the rear window. I will post pictures later.....

 

Has anyone had Sirius installed by Al and Ed's Autosound in LA? They say they've down close to a hundred installs...it works thru navigational display, with very small antenna on trunk. $499 for parts, $150 for installation.
Haven't found any dealerships that know how to do it, although they claim it's coming.
A friend has praised Al and Ed's - it's all they do, and they've worked out all the bugs. But would love to hear from someone who has 1st hand experience.

thanks for any feedback.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(2006Black @ Mar 3 2006, 02:17 AM) [snapback]219539[/snapback]</div>

Does anyone know what "Installed Jumper Wires" mean?
What was jumpered?
Damn static.

 

I have a brand new 2006 Package 3 Prius. The audio system has a button below saying "disc/aux", with no "sat" button. If I have the "integrated" Sirius installed aftermarket, will I see the display on the screen in the "aux" mode?
The local retailer wants just over $500 for the installed system. Can I do better? I don't think I'm interested in the portable type of sat radio.

 

If it's the same Sirius tuner I have, then you will simply toggle to the "Sat1", "Sat2", and "Sat3"
presets by pushing either the "mode" button on the steering wheel or the "disc/aux" button on the
radio.......just like you do for going from AM to FM to CD etc. You don't need to have a button labeled "Sat"
on the radio for it to work. It won't be in "Aux" mode when you toggle to it....it will say "Sat1" etc.

You can get the same Parts on-line for about $240 plus shipping....if your handy with electronics then you
can do the install yourself & save some $$$.

The integrated system definately has some advantages over the portables.....namely integration with the MFD and steering wheel controls.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Wyidelode @ Jun 7 2006, 09:01 AM) [snapback]267156[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeoGeek @ Jun 7 2006, 05:22 AM) [snapback]267166[/snapback]</div>

which Sirius unit did you buy and where online did you find it?

thanks

 

The dealership ordered it and installed it as part of the deal when I bought the car.
They put in the OEM Sirius tuner made for the Avalon/Solara (toyota part # PTS31-00052)
using fit kit part# PTS31-00051.

I've seen these same parts available through Toyota dealerships on-line parts departments
like www.metrotpn.com

Beware however, there's still an unresolved sound quality issue with these parts (see threads referring to "static on Sirius" here on PriusChat).


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pre-cbs @ Jun 7 2006, 09:57 AM) [snapback]267185[/snapback]</div>

 

I had Sirius in my previous car but since the receiver was specifically designed for the Clarion head unit, I can't use it in my Prius unless I change out the factory radio (the fancy JBL system on the Package #8).

I called Toyota looking for their official Sirus unit for the 2006 and they say it won't be available until December this year! :angry:

I will wait for it, however, since I purchased a lifetime subscription to Sirius a couple of years ago and will have it transferred over when I get the Toyota version in December.

I'm not sure where I heard it, but I seem to recall hearing that the Sirius unit for the 2006 will be fully integrated into the system AND provide more than just the 10 character limit on the display. Tho' this may have only been in a dream I once had...

I hope the price doesn't suck to badly. If the labor is too expensive, I may just purchase the unit when it arrives and install it myself. I WILL make sure, however, that I get a decently-sized antenna and have it mounted where I want it and not just leave those monkeys to put it "where ever."

I've heard of people here on PC who had the antenna installed on the top of the car right behind the radio antenna (between the antenna and the back hatch) which sounds actually like a pretty decent place to put it. Then again, KTPhil mentioned taking a little time and installing it in our spoiler (he also mentioned the "near the radio antenna" site as well). Maybe that spoiler installation might be cool. If I can get it wedged in there without actually mounting it, then I can try that site out to see how I like it, and if it doesn't do too well I can always pull it back out and mount it on the roof and not have to worry about cleaning the antenna before "re" mounting it.

 

google siriusprius

Factory Interactive has been suppling the Avalon/Solara SiriusKit for some time. They have now implemented the modifcation to the interface cable to correct the impedence matching problem in the 2006. There was not a problem with static in the 2004 and 2005 Prius.

This kit will only display 10 characters.

One additional option is to install an antenna on the front dashboard. I tested a pnp Sirius receiver and just put it's antenna on the dash and it worked fine... In addition, you can use an XM Micro antenna with a single SMB connector and it will work just fine with the Sirius Receivers as well.

Until you get your FACTORY sirius install, get a cheap SiriusOne SV1. They are discounted to less than $50.00 periodically and it will work fine with the Prius.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Anubis @ Jul 1 2006, 08:06 PM) [snapback]279820[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusInsight @ Jul 2 2006, 10:48 AM) [snapback]280083[/snapback]</div>

As mentioned in other threads, many people including myself have had "factory" installations done by Toyota dealers. Mine was free, including a 9 month free subscription to programming. The only downsides to this installation are:

1. for some reason the display is truncated to 10 characters. I don't believe that this is a fault of the display, because CD titles are correctly displayed.

2. It came with a clunky looking SIGMA antenna double stuck to the inside of the windshield - to the right of the mirror. The system works well and integrates nicely with the MFD.

I've ordered a Sharkfin antenna, and will be putting an external Sirius antenna under the Sharkfin. There are several threads showing the Sirius unit, and also the "under the Sharkfin" antenna install.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Anubis @ Jul 1 2006, 04:06 PM) [snapback]279820[/snapback]</div>

Since you have a package 8 you have a center speaker on the dash. This is a great place to put the magnetic antena. I disconected my center speaker (sounds much better without it) and placed the magnetic antena on top of the grill. I get great reception and the cable routes inside the dash down under the carpet into my center console where I keep my SV1 ($30 at Circuit City). I use the power and aux in inside the center console. It's all stealth and good! Once the Toyota unit is available I'll switch over. I was told mid July by a dealer here in San Diego so keep checking.

 

Sirius installation available now at Longo or other Penske dealers. Fully integrated into system with on-screen capabilities and sterring wheel controls. Price is $449 installed.

I am thinking about this option because I have no idea how to install any system or how the car and stereo system works. Your opinion is welcome.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fiytonsc @ Jul 5 2006, 11:59 AM) [snapback]281521[/snapback]</div>

Will it show more characters than just the 10 character limit which is all that appears when other Sirius units are hooked up (see previous comments in this thread)? Do they even know?

$449 is pretty hefty -- how much is the unit and hardware, how much is labor, and does that include any kind of an introductory period to receive the Sirius service (like a 9 month or full year pre-paid subscription)?

 

I doubt it will show more than 10 characters, which is not an issue on my side. I do not listen to music very much. I will check to see if they throw in some freebies.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KTPhil @ Feb 10 2006, 01:51 PM) [snapback]207168[/snapback]</div>

Well, on my Sirus, the ESN is on channel 255. It was installed by Longo, and as mentioned here, free for 9 months. The large antenna was mounted behind the rear view mirror on the windshield, but very close to the mirror so that the visor works just fine. It is stuck there with what looks like a large piece (matching the profile of the antenna) of double-sided foam tape.

When I was installing the EV mode kit from Coastal, I discovered where Longo stashed the receiver--behind the passenger's dash air vent. But I was less than pleased to discover the receiver was just stuck in that space, no attachment to any structural member.

I get frequent, small pauses in the received signal even in otherwise good areas, like an open freeway around Los Angeles. <_<

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill-psi @ Jul 7 2006, 02:25 PM) [snapback]282628[/snapback]</div>

They must have some kind of installation sheet. My unit (free with 9 months of programming) was also installed in the passenger side cowl - right next to the lower glove box. It seems to be held in place with a couple of tie wraps. It works OK and doesn't rattle, however. The SIGMA antenna is really ugly, so I've ordered a Shark fin antenna and will remove the SIGMA, replacing it with a Mini Sirius antenna which will be hidden under the Sharkfin and route through a hole cut in the radio antenna's gasket. The whole installation will be hidden, and I'll be rid of the ugly SIGMA, and the ugly rooftop radio antenna.

 

Willyou have to remove the interior headliner to route the wires to the front?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill-psi @ Jul 7 2006, 06:30 PM) [snapback]282742[/snapback]</div>

Yes. There is a thread. Goto:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=1...29&#entry226129

Some nice photos and detail showing the headliner down.