5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Just thought I would start posting some of my recent experiences with accessories for the 2007 Toyota Camry in hopes that it will save some fellow owners from the numerous headaches I've ran into (hopefully google will grab this post quick enough to be helpful).
I personally purchased the genuine Toyota OEM XM unit (manufactured by Pioneer) and tried it on my non-JBL system; you guys can thank me for going through the entire install just to discover that the 5 Toyota dealers I called were completely wrong as you do indeed have to have a JBL/Navigation system. So here's the basics I discovered:
1. The XM Tuner is ONLY compatible with JBL or Navigation OEM systems. It will NOT work with the non-JBL, Single-CD player headunit version of the 2007 audio system (you guys will notice that our radio doesn't have SAT written next to the AM button, indicating that it isn't satellite radio ready. Vais Technology makes an SLX unit that will emulate a CD Changer if you still want to add XM to your non-JBL oem system, but you will lose the text display ability). Some dealers advised me that 2008 Camry's may feature compatible units due to the overwhelming demand for satellite radio.
2. If you purchase the XM Tuner (just the Pioneer tuner unit), make sure you purchase the required " Fit Kit " also (which consists of essentials such as mounting brackets, antenna mounting hardware, and wiring). Both can be purchased for around $260 total from online discounted Toyota parts dealers. You will also need to make sure the dealer that you purchase your unit from prints out the latest copy of the Toyota Information System Installation Instructions for the unit (you can always purchase 24hr access to the Toyota Technical Information System for $10 if you need to, http://techinfo.lexus.com).
- Part Number for the XM Tuner: 86180-0W030
- Part Number for the XM Fit-Kit: PT546-33070
3. The most recent installation instructions, at the time of this post, calls for a rear-deck mounting location for the XM Micro-style antenna. The Fit-Kit includes a metal grounding/mounting for the antenna to sit on, and a pre-cut piece of cardboard to properly space the antenna away from the rear-window, centered near the third-brake light. I found that if you have window tint, you will likely get less-than-satisfactory performance with this location provided your tint contains metal film which most tinter's use. You have two options: you can mount the antenna somewhere else (ie: outside the car on the roof, or maybe in the front window), or you can specifically ask for non-metal filmed window tint which does indeed exist, but your local installer may have to special order it,
4. The install is fairly easy and I would think that most diy-type people could handle it in a few hours; I had no problem at all, but I've been installing car electronics for years (and no, I did not break one single clip or panel during the process; remember, your dealer has to remove the panels to install it just like you would as you both are using the same installation instructions). It involves removing your door sills, the glove box, kick panel, most of the center console/dash panels near the radio, your shifter trim, the radio itself, and the rear-seat's shoulder pad. As for the trunk, you have to remove a couple panels and mount the "brain" unit behind the right-side carpet panel in the factory location. No drilling or wire splicing is required. Simply mount the unit, and route the wire harness from the unit to the plug-in on the back of the OEM headunit/radio.
5. The oem unit truncates text on your display past 10 characters (at the time of this post). There is another option, Vais Technology (http://www.vaistech.com/slx.html) manufactures an aftermarket XM radio interface, called SLX, that installs similar to the OEM option, but uses a Terk XM Direct tuner instead and has been reported to display the full character ability of your OEM headunit/radio. As noted above, you can also use the SLX on non-JBL systems, but sacrifice text completely as it will show up as a CD Changer rather than a satellite tuner (I haven't personally tested this unit).
If you guys have any questions, just post and install at your own risk.
5 Toyota Dealerships advised me that the XM unit would work on all 2007 Camry Headunits (just as most of the dealerships selling them on eBay). But that's not the case.
5 Toyota Dealerships advised me that the XM unit would work on all 2007 Camry Headunits (just as most of the dealerships selling them on eBay). But that's not the case.
wow.. 5 out of 5....
well the same happened when I called thre dealers asking somehting about a jeep, all of them had different reasons and solutions to the problem.. all were wrong
__________________
2007 Camry SE V6 /Leather/sunroof/JBL
Added: XM Sat Radio (Toyota), 18in Wheels (Rial), 3M Tints (35%), LED Interior lights. TRD Lowering Springs
Removed: Camry Se Badges
Just thought I would start posting some of my recent experiences with accessories for the 2007 Toyota Camry in hopes that it will save some fellow owners from the numerous headaches I've ran into (hopefully google will grab this post quick enough to be helpful).
I personally purchased the genuine Toyota OEM XM unit (manufactured by Pioneer) and tried it on my non-JBL system; you guys can thank me for going through the entire install just to discover that the 5 Toyota dealers I called were completely wrong as you do indeed have to have a JBL/Navigation system. So here's the basics I discovered:
1. The XM Tuner is ONLY compatible with JBL or Navigation OEM systems. It will NOT work with the non-JBL, Single-CD player headunit version of the 2007 audio system (you guys will notice that our radio doesn't have SAT written next to the AM button, indicating that it isn't satellite radio ready. Vais Technology makes an SLX unit that will emulate a CD Changer if you still want to add XM to your non-JBL oem system, but you will lose the text display ability). Some dealers advised me that 2008 Camry's may feature compatible units due to the overwhelming demand for satellite radio.
2. If you purchase the XM Tuner (just the Pioneer tuner unit), make sure you purchase the required " Fit Kit " also (which consists of essentials such as mounting brackets, antenna mounting hardware, and wiring). Both can be purchased for around $260 total from online discounted Toyota parts dealers. You will also need to make sure the dealer that you purchase your unit from prints out the latest copy of the Toyota Information System Installation Instructions for the unit (you can always purchase 24hr access to the Toyota Technical Information System for $10 if you need to, http://techinfo.lexus.com).
- Part Number for the XM Tuner: 86180-0W030
- Part Number for the XM Fit-Kit: PT546-33070
3. The most recent installation instructions, at the time of this post, calls for a rear-deck mounting location for the XM Micro-style antenna. The Fit-Kit includes a metal grounding/mounting for the antenna to sit on, and a pre-cut piece of cardboard to properly space the antenna away from the rear-window, centered near the third-brake light. I found that if you have window tint, you will likely get less-than-satisfactory performance with this location provided your tint contains metal film which most tinter's use. You have two options: you can mount the antenna somewhere else (ie: outside the car on the roof, or maybe in the front window), or you can specifically ask for non-metal filmed window tint which does indeed exist, but your local installer may have to special order it,
4. The install is fairly easy and I would think that most diy-type people could handle it in a few hours; I had no problem at all, but I've been installing car electronics for years (and no, I did not break one single clip or panel during the process; remember, your dealer has to remove the panels to install it just like you would as you both are using the same installation instructions). It involves removing your door sills, the glove box, kick panel, most of the center console/dash panels near the radio, your shifter trim, the radio itself, and the rear-seat's shoulder pad. As for the trunk, you have to remove a couple panels and mount the "brain" unit behind the right-side carpet panel in the factory location. No drilling or wire splicing is required. Simply mount the unit, and route the wire harness from the unit to the plug-in on the back of the OEM headunit/radio. If anyone would like to have a copy of the install manual, PM me.
5. The oem unit truncates text on your display past 10 characters (at the time of this post). There is another option, Vais Technology (http://www.vaistech.com/slx.html) manufactures an aftermarket XM radio interface, called SLX, that installs similar to the OEM option, but uses a Terk XM Direct tuner instead and has been reported to display the full character ability of your OEM headunit/radio. As noted above, you can also use the SLX on non-JBL systems, but sacrifice text completely as it will show up as a CD Changer rather than a satellite tuner (I haven't personally tested this unit).
If you guys have any questions, just post and install at your own risk.
Your 1st problem is that you listened to and believed the dealers.....
How did you get around the problem with the non-JBL head unit? Did you swap out the head unit for a JBL one? If so, was it just a swap of head units or did you have to do more?
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