I installed my Terk XM tuner today. It was very straightforward and only took an little over an hour. I do have a couple of tips for anyone that is planning on doing the install themselves.
- The Toyota manual recommends that you use a nylon tool to help release the clips on the console panels. This is not necessary at all. Most of them came out with a firm pull. A couple of them needed help so i used a putty knife that I wrapped with painters tape. It worked perfectly and did not damage any surfaces.
- I ran the antenna from the shelf in the back up to the head unit without removing any interior panels. I was able to use existing holes to hide/secure the wire. I ran it along the inside top of the trunk, down the trunk side of the passenger back seat behind the carpet. Then I ran it under the floormat and underneath the hinge for the rear seat. I then ran it under the side bolster on the rear seat and then under the plastic sill plates. I just pulled the trim away a little and tucked the wire under them. Once I got to the front I ran it under the glove box at the top of the carpeting. I tucked it a few inches under the carpet so it would show or get damaged. I ran it under the edge of the center console. I was able to find a spot to pull it through into the compartment where the radio is.
- I used heavy duty Velcro to secure the XM tuner to the Toyota adapter. I then used zip ties to suspend the tuner/adapter underneath the storage compartment. If you look straight down ahead of the shifter you will see a metal bracket that has a hole on each side. I used the ties through the eyes on the tuner and secured it to the holes in the brackets. When you put the storage compartment back in it secures the tuner/adapter. There is no vibration at all. Be sure you don't take a shortcut and leave the tuner on the floor of the center console. It will rattle and drive you nuts! More importantly you may chafe the wires and cause a short. Your airbag controller is in this space. You don't want the airbag getting shorted out! It would suck to go over a bump and BOOM an airbag in your face!
- I found a place to mount the antenna that is completely invisible. There is a hole in the underside of the shelf. I put the antenna in there. It is well grounded and I had no problem getting a signal.
Here are the three biggest tips I give you.
Don't forget to disconnect the negative terminal before you start working with anything electricical in your car.
Be sure to test everything before putting it all back together. I did and found a problem. It was easily fixed while the car was still apart.
The only mistake that I made was not putting the car in D before disconnecting the battery. You won't be able to remove the storage compartment with the shifter in Park. Trust me I have a scratch on the storage compartment door to prove it! Doh!!
I hope this will save someone some headaches. If you have any question post here or shoot me a PM. Later guys.
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