XM install on 2004 LC

JBro · 08-20-08, 02:10 PM

I picked up an XM Roady XT for my 04. My plan is to install with the optional FM antenna kit. However, I am trying to figure out how to get the faceplate/trim off of the center dash area to access the antenna input and also route the wires (i.e. the power, antenna, and antenna up the front of the roof).

Anyone have any experience with this or pics? My rig has the nav system and what *looks* like a single DIN head unit for volume, source, etc.

Any experiences/tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
- Jeff

BillWms01 · 08-20-08, 05:49 PM

I wish I could help more, but so far my wife hasn't let me do a "permanent" install in her '04. :( I've got the Roady XT just sitting on the console with the power supply plugged into the outlet. On my other vehicles, I've added a circuit and tucked the power supply up under the dash, and routed the antenna lead from behind the radio.

I think the NAV bezel just pops off, and is held on with spring clips. I'm sure there will be others that will know better than me.

cruiser100 · 08-21-08, 04:39 PM

Are you looking to get the console trim (where the shifter is) or the radio trim (dash) off?

soberman001 · 08-22-08, 10:54 AM

Look in the FAQ section and do a search. This topic is well covered.

To get behind the head unit, take a plastic puddy knife or other flat, (non metal) object and wedge it between the dash (beigh or grey) and the wood paneled pieces. Gently pry to get your fingers behind it and pull. They are on tension mounts and there are no fasteners. You will have to disconnect the vent or electric wire but there is enough slack to pull off the panel and let it hang or release the small harness.

Once those two panels (left and right of the head unit) are off, you can un-bolt the Nav or head unit with a socket wrench (13mm I think).

If you want to get an idea of what to use to pry off the panel, go to Crutchfield.com and they sell something just for this. But a plastic puddy knife is cheaper and does the same thing (get a 1-1'5" puddy knife, not a 3-4"). I started at the bottom closest to the shifter so if I did leave a mark, you wouldn't notice it.

Easy as pie, and it isn't as fragile as you think.

soberman001 · 08-22-08, 10:57 AM

ps. Are you doing the FM Modulation thing or the direct connect? The direct connect (which I think you are doing ) sounds 100% better.

Make sure to check the volume settings on your XM to match that of your radio. If not, the XM will be much louder or quieter than your radio. All XM units have an adjustment for this.

JBro · 08-22-08, 03:13 PM

Thanks for the tips - much appreciated. I'll pick up a plastic putty knife and give it a shot. More than anything, I'm glad to hear that these trim pieces are more resilient than I probably expect. (if it breaks, I'll call you for warranty service tho, ok? Only kidding... ;-)

I think the accessory I picked up with the FM Direct. Hopefully it works well (at least I was told it was the best option when I bought it.... ?) I'll look and see and may change course depending on how it sounds/works.

I am curious: any suggestions on the actual XM Antenna? I'm thinking that I route it through the firewall, up through the vents between the hood/windshield, and the along the seal between the left side windshield trim/glass and to the center of the roof right between the sunroof and windshield.

Or - maybe I'll just save the time, spend the $100, and have the local car audio shop do it! It seems that lately, $100 is easier to come by than time...

Thanks all for the tips - really appreciate the forum and wish I knew about it when I was doing a bunch of work on my 80-series.

Cheers,
-JBro

soberman001 · 08-23-08, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBro

Thanks for the tips - much appreciated. I'll pick up a plastic putty knife and give it a shot. More than anything, I'm glad to hear that these trim pieces are more resilient than I probably expect. (if it breaks, I'll call you for warranty service tho, ok? Only kidding... ;-)

I think the accessory I picked up with the FM Direct. Hopefully it works well (at least I was told it was the best option when I bought it.... ?) I'll look and see and may change course depending on how it sounds/works.

I am curious: any suggestions on the actual XM Antenna? I'm thinking that I route it through the firewall, up through the vents between the hood/windshield, and the along the seal between the left side windshield trim/glass and to the center of the roof right between the sunroof and windshield.

Or - maybe I'll just save the time, spend the $100, and have the local car audio shop do it! It seems that lately, $100 is easier to come by than time...

Thanks all for the tips - really appreciate the forum and wish I knew about it when I was doing a bunch of work on my 80-series.

Cheers,
-JBro

Ya know.. I debated where to stick the antenna.. all said and done, putting it on the roof was a pain. Between the hood and the windshield (on the outside of the LC), there is a 3" peice of plastic with ribbing on it. Runs the width of your windshield and hood and has cut-outs for the wiper arms. I cleaned off an 2" sq area with alcohol and used exterior double stick tape to secure the antenna on the passenger side. Mock up the location and make sure the trailing end of the hood never hits the antenna when you open it to check oil or whatever.

It works great. Never lost signal and the black on black makes it almost invisible or "like it supposed to be there". No messy wires running to the roof and no black box on my LC's head (top). No need to play with molding to hide the wire either.

Here is a pic for you on "Bessie II". It is the small black thing in the back of the picture.