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[ KB ] What's the best way to get XM radio in my Prius?

Discussion in 'Knowledge Base Articles Discussion' started by naterprius, Sep 30, 2004.

  1. naterprius

    naterprius Senior Member

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    Category: FAQs
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    Article Name: What's the best way to get XM radio in my Prius?
    Author: naterprius
    Description: Factory Integrated XM radio is the best solution

    >>Read Full Article
     
    #1 naterprius, Sep 30, 2004
  2. greengecko

    greengecko Junior Member

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    Re: [ KB ] What's the best way to get XM radio in my Prius?

    Okay, before I get overly must-have about this, I am remembering distinctly being told--by the dealer-- touch the electronics, including even permanently mounting the CB radio, and the electrical warranty is toast. Was this only our old 2002 prius (for which I am positive about this warning) and I'm remembering that long ago that clearly?
     
    #2 greengecko, Oct 10, 2004
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Re: [ KB ] What's the best way to get XM radio in my Prius?

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(greengecko\";p=\"44475)</div>
    That's an indefensible scare tactic.
     
    #3 efusco, Oct 10, 2004
  4. naterprius

    naterprius Senior Member

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    Re: [ KB ] What's the best way to get XM radio in my Prius?

    In the USA, Federal Law (Magnuson-Moss warranty act) requires that the supplier of the warranty PROVE damage was caused by the modification or aftermarket accessory or part. The XM kit works perfectly, so don't worry about your warranty.

    Nate
     
    #4 naterprius, Oct 11, 2004
  5. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Re: [ KB ] What's the best way to get XM radio in my Prius?

    The Author may want to integrate this information into their original KB article. I haven't done any fancy hyperlinking yet, but that shouldn't take long.

    1)Your Toyota Parts Dept. Ask for the Solara Integrated XM radio. Probably cost b/w $400-550

    2)PriusXM.com--Cost $499 ($10 discount for PriusChat users), includes a reportedly VERY good installation DVD to walk you through the process as well as a mounting bracket. Requires disassembly of dash if you follow those instructions. It's the same kit as the Solara.

    3)Coastaletech.com's Kit--Cost is $299 (recently reduced), same kit, no mounting bracket or DVD, but includes printed instructions as well as a CD with additional photos and instructions. Only a couple dash pieces are removed, but requires a little dexterity and patience to get the module plugged into the back of the radio.

    4)Most recently http://www.metrotpn.com/ProductDetails.asp...px?ProductID=96 This site came to light selling the base kit for $275. It's a Toyota Parts dealer. No instructions included, but for $29 you can buy the DVD from PriusXM.com.

    5)If you're patient XMDirect (example: http://www.xmfanstore.com/showproduct.php?...p?id=xmdirectam ) will likely release a version compatible with the Solara/Prius system in the coming months. That will only set you back about $100 and 'should' be 100% integrated.

    Be aware, only 10 characters are displayed in the artist/song title...a bit of a pain. There are only 18 presets divided b/w 3 different 'channels' (Sat 1, Sat 2, and Sat 3). They are all acessible via voice commands and touch screen, etc. Sound quality is significantly better than FM modulated.

    Expect around 2 hours for install if you're handy and confident, 3-4 if not so much. Some dealers will install it for you, some won't. Prices vary. Most independent Radio/stereo installers will do the job for you but you'll be lucky to find one that's worked on a Prius before at all so much as installed an integrated XM kit into one. But it won't streatch their capabilities that much to do it.
     
    #5 efusco, Oct 26, 2004
  6. paulsdad

    paulsdad New Member

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    Re: [ KB ] What's the best way to get XM radio in my Prius?

    I can get a universal XM receiver for about $50 but need to find the appropriate cable kit (2 RCA and 1 "9-pin" connector) which seems to be the hard part. With this wiring kit, the total cost including installation would be: Receiver-$50 + install: $50 or less + wiring harness $50 or less.

    If anyone knows where this harness can be found, please let me know.

    Dave
     
    #6 paulsdad, Nov 7, 2004
  7. pkeeler

    pkeeler New Member

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    A quick and inexpensive installation:

    I prop the very small XM Delphi Roady-2 in the tray under the radio and control it with its little infrared remote unit. It plugs in to the cigarette lighter and broadcasts to any of several FM radio channels. The tray can be closed if necessary to hide it when leaving the car.

    The antenna sticks magnetically to the grill in center dash under the rear view mirror. Everything moves easily between Prius, rental cars, and my RV, avoiding extra receiver charges, permanent wiring or attachment headaches.

    Phil
     
    #7 pkeeler, Mar 29, 2005
  8. AngelFish

    AngelFish New Member

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    We installed the integrated kit in both our 04's (one day - did both, and the kit came with everything we needed. I think my husband bought them from priusxm) Definately - get the DVD. No problems in taking the cars apart - Or putting them back together. (we did the ev button at the same time too)

    Best part of doing the integrated kit is that you control the XM through the standard radio controls. Why make your life more difficult than you have to?
     
    #8 AngelFish, Apr 4, 2005
  9. CAPT Seabee

    CAPT Seabee New Member

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    Re: [ KB ] What's the best way to get XM radio in my Prius?

    Great KB read. I went for the flexibility of an XM2Go. I use the Belkin cup holder mount which fits snug in the front cup holder. The rear cup holder is too large. The antenna was run from the rear area above the hatch, behind the rear light module, under the carpet, and up through a hole (grommet protected) I drilled on the underside of the center console. Power is through the console port. Wires are bundled together with spiral wrap.

    The resultant unit can be picked up and placed out of view in the center console. Since I frequently use rental cars, the 2Go unit and an extra power plug and 10 foot cable antenna have been handy to keep in the briefcase.

    Warm regards...
     
    #9 CAPT Seabee, Jun 30, 2005
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