XM Satellite Radio was installed today. I have a Pioneer DEH-6800MP deck, and I decided to use the "SAT READY" feature. I've been wanting to do this for sometime, and I bought the brain/tuner yesturday, and I installed it today.

First off, I bought the Pioneer model GEX-P920XM tuner, which includes everything you need to hook up your head unit to recieve the XM radio signal.

I started off with another thread about where to mount the antenna. I found many ideas, but while I was out there eyeing up the back of my 4Runner, the third brake light caught my eye. I mounted the tuner underneath my driver seat, because I have an amp underneath my passenger seat.

#1)
I disconnected the battery, then I removed the panel in the rear that covers the rear wiper motor.


#2)
I removed the nuts that hold the rear brake light in place, and lifted it off to the side. I also discovered that one nut was missing, so I got another.


#3)
I wiped the 14 year old dust, and dirt from where the brake light sat, and I pulled out the rubber seal. I then took a small knife and cut a small hole in it. Then I pryed it open wide enough to fit the antenna connector(NO, they cannot be separated) and pulled it through.


#4)
Then I removed the top clips of the side panels, all the way to the driver's seatbelt, and with some of the clips included with the tuner kit, I installed the wire along the top edge, ABOVE the clips. I also took this opportunity to remove my driver's seat.






#5)
At the base of the pillar, I ran the wire along the edge under the plastic trim piece that runs along the edge of the carpet on the driver's side. I routed the antenna wire under the carpet, approx. 2 feet from the base of the piller where the driver's seatbelt is mounted.


#6)
Now that the antenna was where I needed it to be(the spot where I was mounting the tuner), I could focus on the power cables, and signal cables(IP BUS cable) I proceeded to dismantle the front of my interior to gain access to the rear of the head unit, and to mount wires under the center console.


#7)
For the ground, I used an existing ground I installed for my Amplifier, which is located under the carpet under the center console. The ground in the picture is just below the shifters, and to the left of the big black cable, and to the right of the smaller blue cable(you can see a gap in the carpet, and a bolt). For the positive power cable, I connected to the vehicle using the fuse panel at the driver's side kick panel. I also put the fuse there. After connecting the power, and fuse, I connected the battery again.

#8)
I connected the IP BUS cable to the rear of my head unit, and hooked up the antenna wire, and other cables. I then powered up the unit. It worked, and was recieving XM channel 1. Then I fitted the seat(to see where the tuner would fit), and mounted the tuner.
Here it is before I bolted the seat back in place:


#9) This kit comes with WAY too long of wires, and you cannot sever them to make them shorter, so I stuffed the wires along the gap of my center console, on the side. They are in there, and you cannot tell, and they will not move. I did that because I could not find a place to put that extra length of wire that would not cause any interferance. It seems a little cheap to do, but you cannot see any wires, and you really don't want any interferance from other wires not associated with the XM unit. I also popped in the panels I uncliped, and reassembled my interior in the front.

#10)
And finally, I tightened the last few bolts on my seat, and I was done. Here is the finished product:




And this one was taken from the back seat(driver side) with the driver's seat all the way forward. That is all that is visible.




Note: I did have some clearance issues with the little metal bar that allows you to slide your seat(no not the lever, the wire). It contacted the wires on the back of the tuner with the seat all the way back. I solved that problem by mounting the tuner about 1 inch further back.

I chose the route that I did for the antenna, because it seemed to have the least amount of other wires(less interferance), and also was fairly simple, and not too invasive, meaning I only had to violate one rubber seal and it puckered back up to being water tight.

I chose to mount the tuner under the driver's seat because I already have an amp under the passenger seat, and I could not find anywhere else to put it. Also, the outlets on the back of the tuner are facing forward(toward the motor) so no passengers will disconnect them from the back seat.

I also took the time to lubricate my seat tracks, and the levers, and bend a notch in the wire on the bottom of my seat so it will move easier.

Overall, I am pleased with my install. I haven't really been able to enjoy it yet, since I did install it TODAY, but I do feel it was worth it. I would highly recommend this install to anyone who wants satellite radio(XM or Sirius will work with this install). As far as these types of installs go, I would rate this one as moderate, since there is some drilling, and removing of things involved, but nothing major, and it is pretty straightforward. I would highly recommend using the third brakelight for getting your antenna outside the vehicle, if you have one.

The materials you will need are:
Flat head screw driver
Phillips screw driver
Interior clip remover
8MM, 10MM, 12MM, 14MM socket wratchet
electrical tape
pliers/ needlenose, and regular
Knife

The cost of this installation, assuming you have all the tools:
$49.99 for the Pioneer XM tuner from Fry's Electronics. It also has a $25 mail in rebate available until the end of this month.

One added benefit of this tuner is that it has input for a multi disc CD changer if you have one, or ever plan on adding one.

If you have any questions or comments on this install, please post them here.

 

Nice install! Thanks for the write-up!

 

Thank you, and no problem. If you, or anyothers have any questions or comments about this install, let me know.

 

I Have a question... I want to mount my sat. ant. on the third brake light housing as well... how did you get the wire around to the top of the housing or is the antenna sitting underneath the plastic in a completely stealth install?

 

Good question, but for the initial setup(when you call, and they activate the radio) You have to have an unobstructed view of the sky. I just routed mine to the roof through the third brake light. I then put it about 5 inches forward. The seal on the bottom of the Third brake light(TBL) is good enough to keep water out, and if any does get in there, the other seals around the wires will keep any water out of your cab.

My antenna is visible about 5 inches from the TBL, so I can get the best signal. Make sure to move the rear bar of your roof rack(if you have the stock one) forward, so you don't get any interferance.

 

Good install!
I have Sirius, I never listen to FM anymore except at work in the compnay vehicles.

I even listen to satellite on the PC at home.

 

Thanks stormy... I'm thinking of mounting mine to the top of the third brake light housing... should have an unobstructed view there lol... except when I carry a canoe [which I don't yet]... should be pretty stealthy too...