Hey I’m looking into putting in the factory XM radio but I do not want to cut holes and run wires under the rubber floor. Has anyone performed this install and can you describe me the procedure and locations of the equipment. Thanks for the help
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Re:Factory XM Install???
Date: 2007/08/28 13:19
By: mgeogo
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I've done the install and highly recommend it. The instructions can be downloaded off the "Manuals and Movies" portion of this website if you want to see what has to be done. They are very clear and easy. It took about three hours and involved no cutting and only one small hole drilled. You'll find Toyota's accessory packages are extremely complete down to the last tie-down. I purchased the XM radio itself off of eBay from a Toyota dealer. I love XM. Since I installed the XM package I don't think I've listened to terrestrial radio more than a couple of times. Good luck!
mgeogo
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Re:Factory XM Install???
Date: 2007/10/09 13:11
By: Jimirl
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When I got rid of my 97 4runner I got talked into a Hyundai Santa Fe ( don't ask haha ). Then after a very very short time, ditched that for my FJ THe only thing I did miss though was the factory XM radio in the Santa Fe. It was a great integration that didn't need any extra parts or work. I got hooked on XM and really wanted to replace it.
After seeing that the FJ came with a satellite ready radio I didn't realize the extra parts and install involved. Toyota wanted $1200 for parts and labor. So after a bunch of snooping I found a kit on Ebay. It wasn't the exact Toyota XM kit, but it did claim to come with all the items needed, plus instructions. I got the package ( $220 ) and brought it to my local car audio place. They did the install for me for $80. Everything is tucked away inside the dash and the antenne is actually on the dash on the right side, next to the speaker cover. I wasn't really into any drilling or running wires under the rubber of the doors and crossing into the roofline. I imagined having the truck washed and some bozo knocking hte thing off my roof with a brush or something.
So far the reception has been very good. Just a light bit spotty in certain areas and I know I can compare the areas because the Santa Fe had a dedicated XM roof antenne that was stock and the areas were spotty with that. One thing though I wish were different. I turn on the truck and I hear the XM box sort of turning on in the dash, like powering up speakers and it takes a few seconds before you get the signal to the radio. Also changing stations is not instant, there is a one sec pause. Not a big deal really in the grand scheme of things, but it does remind me the install is an add on and not seamless.
I wonder if the Toyota kit performs the same way.
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Re:Factory XM Install???
Date: 2007/10/30 21:12
By: mgeogo
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Jimirl,
I installed the factory XM radio kit as I mentioned. The kit comes with an external antenna that mounts centerline on the roof just behind the rain gutter that separates the roof from the windshield. The wires run in the rain gutter and it comes with little rubber tubes that are placed in the gutter to hold the wire in place. It is a very clean install with nothing to indicate that it didn't come from the factory installed.
The antenna has an adhesive backing that holds very securely. I've taken it through the full-service car wash (cloth brushes) many times and it doesn't budge.
Reception is very good. Occasionally it will cut out momentarily but only with tunnels of large trees on either side. My Toyota XM works in the enclosed garage but the XM on my daughter's Honda Element doesn't work in the garage.
There is a momentary delay when switching channels, but when you switch back to a channel that has already been tuned it seems to come back instantaneously. I'm not sure if there is a "memory" that holds previously tuned channels.
I agree that XM is a must-have. I really never thought I'd pay for radio but the XM subscription fee is more than worth it to me.
Take care, Michael
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Re:Factory XM Install???
Date: 2007/10/31 02:48
By: kurt112
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Hi- I purchased the kit via a discounter on the web, a Toyota dealer, so it was the factory kit. As previously stated, very complete, including directions. I mounted the tuner in the glove box, velcro'd to the inside top of the box. Very secure. The wiring bundle is located in the hollow area inside the right wheel well. It is easy to run the amount of harness and antenna wire to the tuner and store the rest as stated. The antenna is mounted on the dash behind the 3 instrument pod. It was easu to route the wire between the windshield and dash and then down to the floor area. After trial and error [or reception] I found the antenna works best with the wire facing the rear of the vehicle. This may be due to the windshield angle, but it works 99% of the time. The unit does take a minute or two to lock onto signals when first turned on, but is fine after that. FJammer produces good audio from the digital XM signal.
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THe only thing I did miss though was the factory XM radio in the Santa Fe. It was a great integration that didn't need any extra parts or work. I got hooked on XM and really wanted to replace it.