Installing XM today, any suggestions?

[lawman34203]

I am going to install an XM receiver myself today, Pioneer XM903FM. Any suggestions to make this an easy install? Has anyone one ran into any problems with the install?

[Patrick]

Does that replace the factory radio or is it an add-on like the Delphi XM SKIFi?

Patrick

[lawman34203]

ITS ON AD-ON

[Patrick]

Do you intend to avoid a FM Modulator (not great sound)? If so, do you need/want more experience from my recent install?

Patrick

[lawman34203]

Any advice would be great. As far as the FM modulator, to my understanding, since I am hooking this up to the stock radio, Its going to be through an FM station.

[Patrick]

Lawman:

You neither need nor want to use the FM modulator - it is not a prefered solution.


I have installed the Delphi XM SKIFi in my C5 Convertible, Volvo Wagon, 2 in home and in my office – all with one tuner ($10 a month once). It is fantastic. In the C5, you need 2 harnesses to make it work into the BLOWS OEM Head unit. As you know, you do not want to do the FM modulator. The source for the 2 harnesses is LOGJAM ELECTRONICS.

I. LOGJAM:

Web site (the exact page your need) and contact information.: http://store5.yimg.com/I/logjam_1714_750616
LOGJAM ELECTRONICS / P. O. Box 211 / Anderson, IN 46015 / (765)644-1251

II. The items you need:
(1) PIE GM10-AUX Auxiliary GM10AUX 1 69.95
Input Converter
Subtotal 69.95
Shipping 6.50
Tax 0.00
Total 76.45
(2) PIE COR-HAR Cable Harness
Amount : 76.45

(3) You may or may not need a Ground Fault Issolator - Radio Shack $14.00

III. INSTRUCTIONS:
I pulled up the passengers footwell carpet and panel along with the right kickpanel. You will probably have to remove the small little hinge panel first which is above the kick panel. Both of the plugs that you will need for the harness are lying in the lower right corner of the passenger footwell. The 3 wire plug has a little piece of white tape on it, the other plug is pretty close to it but its secured to the frame with one of those plasticbarbed push plugs.


Let me know if you need more information.

Patrick - in DC

[lawman34203]

Thanks Patrick

[JT-C6]

I am using 2 of the FM903's running FM modulated. I didn't want to lose the functionality of having my 12 disc changer. I think the quality is acceptable for my limited needs. I love it.

I know its 2 days later than when you asked the question, so basically, this is what I did. I connected switched power to the antenna module behind the drivers seat so I can grab retained accessory power. Constant power is coming from the passenger footwell. I ran the cables the rear storage compartment area and wedged the FM903 receiver against the CD changer for a tight mount. The antenna cables come out of there and route into the rear fascia to a Terk SR-2 antenna for a stealth install. Works great.

[lawman34203]

OK, I ran into a problem. the antenna connectors DO NOT fit into each other, from the stock antenna connector into the pioneer antenna connector, its two different sizes. Now what? I am thinking about buying a new head unit, (Pioneer). Am I going to run into the same problem with the antenna connections? Or is there an adapter for the antenna connectors?? I am stuck, everything else I think is hooked up right. :confused:

[flip68]

Patrick:

Just got the Delphi SkyFi unit and will be installing it in my 02 Vert. A couple of questions:

1) Where did you mount the car cradle? Could you take a pic to give me some ideas?

2) How did you permanently power the cradle? The car kit comes with a 12 volt cigarette lighter but the Delphi needs 6 volts....What do you suggest?

3) The antenna....Where did you mount it?

Thanks!

-Flip

:cheers:

[Patrick]

Flip68:

Just checking me email after driving my C5 1,000 to Ohio and back to visit my elderly Mother. Listened to ALL XM channels - great system -amazing. As to your questions:

1)My cradel/tuner is sitting on the cup holder. Perfect location but not permanently attaached to anything - no energy to deal with pictures now;

2) Power is coming from outlet in compartment next to emergency (parking) BRAKE. The item you received with the Delphi XM SKYFi will convert the voltage to the needed 6volts - DO NOT CUT THE WIRE AND HARDWIRE THE UNIT TO 12 VOLTS OR YOU WILL DETROY THE DELPHI TUNER!!!

3) My antenna simply sits on the dash next to the passenger side windshild post. No need to install outside car. Only had a couple of few second drops driving through the mountans of West Virginia - it works fine and looks fine where I have it.

Let me know if this helps.

BTW, MY C5 6M convertible got 30.7 MPG for the trip - at a interstate speed average of 71.5 miles per gallon. These cars are amazing.

Patrick - back in DC

[lawman34203]

Hey patrick, where did you ground your unit? I tried to run a ground wire to one of the bolts that hold the seat frame down, but its not a good ground? I put the XM receiver behind the driver seat, so I need to find a ground somewhere around that area if there is one.

[Patrick]

lawman:

What are you trying to ground? If you are using the necessary harnesses in a C5, there is no need to further ground anything? What parts & etc. are you working with? Other than raouting the wires & figuring out where you want the tuner, this is not a complicated setup. What, exactly is your setup?

Patrick

[lawman34203]

The Pioneer FM903XM, there are no harnesses, it came with 2 power wires, 1 to the battery and the other to the accesory. then there is a ground wire with it also. I hooker the battery wire to the fuse box by the passanger floor, and the accesory wire into the acc. fuse. The ground wire to the seat frame bolt. But there is no power going to the unit. My guess is the ground is not good.

[Patrick]

lawman:

That (on the frame) ground is VERY GOOD. Any of those frame bolts on the passenger side are the best grounds I have seen in any car. Perhaps you ment the ground on the seat frame which I have no reason to believe is a good ground.

It is not what you want to hear but if you can return the Pioneer and purchase a Delphi XM SKKFi you will have a better setup and save money. In any case, a direct wired hookup is always better than "there are no harnesses". But, the fact is that my ears are not nearly as good as they were years ago so perhaps your plan makes sense to you.

FWIW, I tried the FM mod method (I guess that is what your are attempting) and it was not acceptable TO ME.

Is your car a C5?

If you like, send me a private email with phone number and I can call you or you can call you, if it would be of any help.

Patrick