08 HL and Sirius/XM

[dmdatwork]

Hello:

I'm new to this forum and am taking a serious look into purchasing the 08 Limited or Sport HL. I've seen on toyota.com when I try to put one together they only offer XM satellite, does anyone know if offer Sirius (I'm already a subscriber, and love it)? Another question, do they offer their own type of DVD Nav? Reason I ask, is my brother purchased a 05 4Runner Sport AWD and got an Eclipse DVD Nav deck. Sorry for the noob questions, but thanks in advance.

[scdaren]

Originally Posted by dmdatwork

Hello:

I'm new to this forum and am taking a serious look into purchasing the 08 Limited or Sport HL. I've seen on toyota.com when I try to put one together they only offer XM satellite, does anyone know if offer Sirius (I'm already a subscriber, and love it)? Another question, do they offer their own type of DVD Nav? Reason I ask, is my brother purchased a 05 4Runner Sport AWD and got an Eclipse DVD Nav deck. Sorry for the noob questions, but thanks in advance.

Yes, it does allow for Sirius with a dealer add-on much the same way XM is added to the factory sound system.

Does anyone have any more info on the part required and installation steps?

I've installed Sirius on a few other vehicles, and would like to do this myself...

[ricklearned]

I bought the XM kit and the parts guy was nice enough to print out the instructions, saving me a $10 visit to the TIS site. I think they are similar. You have to remove the vent and A/C control pieces above and below the radio to access the back of the radio. You also have to remove the driver's seat and install the cables from under the seat under the carpet and under the steering wheel to the radio. I would get the instructions.

[mmoss111]

I am looking for a satellite receiver that could be added internally to the JBL system (which already includes the nav system) on my 08 HL? I do not want an under-seat or dash-mounted unit. Is there a receiver you can purchase that might fit into the present JBL system internally that will interface with the nav system as it stands now?

[ricklearned]

I think there are many options. The Toyota part mounts under the seat. VAIS vaistech.com makes a boxes and cable systems that works with sirius and XM and integrates with the existing head units. The VAIS box is small enough to fit behind the head unit and it works with your steering wheel controls. I have the VAIS system with XM and it is great.
I think Sirius also has a translator box that works with with Sirius tuners.

[mdewitt23]

Is there a reason that the dealership cannot swap out a XM radio with a Sirius radio at the time of purchase?

[AbbyKay]

Not sure this has been clear. The receiver mounts under the driver's seat, but the interface is through the factory radio. You never look at or touch or adjust or do anything to the receiver once it's installed - it's just a box. This is true for XM or Sirius. There is no factory installed XM or Sirius that I'm aware of. Either are a dealer installed option. You can get either one. They are similar. In my experience, I like XM programming better, but the antenna is on the dash next to the left front speaker grill. Not too spiffy. The Sirius antenna was located on the interior of the windshield behind the rear-view mirror. Much nicer. I have no idea why they do it this way, but . . . If you have this done, be sure they guarantee no interior trim damage as a result of the installation and carefully inspect the dash, around the current radio/NAV head unit, interior a-pillar fit, etc. before and after install. My dealer screwed most of that up and ended up having to replace the entire dash. Good luck.

[williambufe]

Originally Posted by mmoss111

I am looking for a satellite receiver that could be added internally to the JBL system (which already includes the nav system) on my 08 HL? I do not want an under-seat or dash-mounted unit. Is there a receiver you can purchase that might fit into the present JBL system internally that will interface with the nav system as it stands now?

I found the kit at TSS-Radio for $239 with free shipping. I'm planning on having Best Buy install it - supposedly for $79 (seems cheap given the work involved and compared to the dealer price).

There are two kits at TSS. The cheaper one (without the AUX) is the newest model and is the best choice according to the TSS sales person.

[summerwind]

Here are the instructions for the Toyota Sirius install

Sirius Tuner Installation Instructions

Here is a link to a previous discussion from someone that has done it.

How to: Sirius Radio installation