Hi Folks,

Know I saw some basic stuff about this in the XM forum, but was just wondering if anyone has tried to remove the factory radio? I want to get an ipod interface for the xlr, and I've got a line on one from crutchfield, but It requires that you remove the factory radio to install it. I'm comfortable doing it, and have done it in past vehicles I've owned, but just wanted to know if anyone had any tips or things to look out for.. Just don't want to bust the trim up that's around the radio.

thanks,
Eric

If you only want to connect your iPod, you can do it with your stock radio for less than $150 :) and it will take you less than one hour to do. I just added this module from Coastal Elec. Tech. to my stock/XM radio and it's working fine. There is a recent tread about this topic in the forum.

Check the following web site. :D

http://www.coastaletech.com/CADILLAC_APPLICATIONS.htm

SilverX :cool

SilverX,

Do you have to remove the factory radio to install it? Note that I don't have factory XM (its an '04), so I'd have to take the radio out to get to the conections, I can't do it at the XM tuner...

also note that I don't want to replace the factory radio.. I do want to keep it.. Just wanted to know if anyone had any tips or tricks to removing it and getting it back in without busting it (or the trim panels) up..

thanks guys..

No I did not have to remove the radio. Coastal has a unit for non-XM radio but I suggest you contact them to find out how their module installs on a non-XM radio. SUPPORT@COASTALETECH.COM

SilverX :cool

SilverX,

Thanks for the info.. I'll see what they say..

-Eric

I also recommend the Coastal unit - it works great with my iPhone !

It's actually the same unit for XM and non-XM applications - it is just a simple change for one of the dip switches. I forgot which one, just email them and tell them that you don't want to use the XM radio anymore and they will send you the proper settings.


No I did not have to remove the radio. Coastal has a unit for non-XM radio but I suggest you contact them to find out how their module installs on a non-XM radio. SUPPORT@COASTALETECH.COM

SilverX :cool

If you only want to connect your iPod, you can do it with your stock radio for less than $150 :) and it will take you less than one hour to do. I just added this module from Coastal Elec. Tech. to my stock/XM radio and it's working fine. There is a recent tread about this topic in the forum.

Check the following web site. :D

http://www.coastaletech.com/CADILLAC_APPLICATIONS.htm

SilverX :cool

Mine doesn't seem to work 100% perfectly... after selecting a playlist I find that the "CAT <-" and "Cat ->" buttons dissappear (greyed out) along with the "info" button also become grey.

The only way to reset it is to switch it to FM and back to XM, and they return.

Any one else seeing this? (this is on my 06 XLR-V)

Hi five337,

I'd have to assume that with the non XM application, you'd have to still pull out the factory radio to get at the connections.. since theres no XM receiver in my trunk, I couldn't just connect up the splitter cable back there.. Im guessing i'd have to pull the radio up and connect coastals unit directly to the back of the factory radio and dress the cables from there.. Still waiting to hear from them..


I also recommend the Coastal unit - it works great with my iPhone !

It's actually the same unit for XM and non-XM applications - it is just a simple change for one of the dip switches. I forgot which one, just email them and tell them that you don't want to use the XM radio anymore and they will send you the proper settings.

I can't say for 100% since I don't have a 2004 and XM was standard in 2006, but I am pretty sure from reading that the XM harness is just sitting there behind the center shelf. You should not need to remove the radio.

One way to find out for sure. Remove the 4 torx screws that hold in the shelf and look for an extra connector somewhere.

Here is a post that has some pictures: http://www.xlrforum.com/showthread.php?t=1350

The wire should be on the passenger side towards the top once you remove that center console.

Also you may have the torx tool that came with the car to remove the 4 screws - check your glove box.

This link has some good photos of the XM connector that you are looking for http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=1748480

Hi five337,

I'd have to assume that with the non XM application, you'd have to still pull out the factory radio to get at the connections.. since theres no XM receiver in my trunk, I couldn't just connect up the splitter cable back there.. Im guessing i'd have to pull the radio up and connect coastals unit directly to the back of the factory radio and dress the cables from there.. Still waiting to hear from them..

Same here with mine - sometimes they are grayed out and I have to go to FM and back to XM... Sometimes they work fine, allowing me to go from playlist to playlist.

Mine doesn't seem to work 100% perfectly... after selecting a playlist I find that the "CAT <-" and "Cat ->" buttons dissappear (greyed out) along with the "info" button also become grey.

The only way to reset it is to switch it to FM and back to XM, and they return.

Any one else seeing this? (this is on my 06 XLR-V)

Since it seems that there are a few of us using the costaletech units in our XLRs, I will share something that I did.

I disliked the 2 separate wires going to the dock connector, so I found this expandable sleeving at fry's. I think it came out great and may help someone else here.

I used the 1/8", it expanded over the two wires but I did have to cut them, slip the sleeving over them and then re-solder the wires together. This stuff is like the chinese finger toys, it expands to a 1/4" and then when you pull it tight it goes down to 1/8". It was $6.99. It is flexible enough to be bent around and allows me to answer the phone while still plugged in to the connector.

It's possible that for model year 2004 the XM wiring was installed at the factory but the XM receiver was not. The wiring should be located in the center forward of the trunk. Look behind the center compartment in between the two seats. If there is a unused connector this may be it for the "missing" XM receiver. If you can, take a picture of the end of the harness and post it here.

SilverX

Hi five337,

I'd have to assume that with the non XM application, you'd have to still pull out the factory radio to get at the connections.. since theres no XM receiver in my trunk, I couldn't just connect up the splitter cable back there.. Im guessing i'd have to pull the radio up and connect coastals unit directly to the back of the factory radio and dress the cables from there.. Still waiting to hear from them..

My unit does the same. I switch the iPod mode out and back in and the buttons are available again. It's a bit anoying but at least the iPod connection works great. I agree that the functionality is limited and wish that Coastal would improve on that.

SilverX

Mine doesn't seem to work 100% perfectly... after selecting a playlist I find that the "CAT <-" and "Cat ->" buttons dissappear (greyed out) along with the "info" button also become grey.

The only way to reset it is to switch it to FM and back to XM, and they return.

Any one else seeing this? (this is on my 06 XLR-V)

Ok, will do If I can find it.. I looked in the trunk; There's like a fabric shield which hides the mechanics of the top - I checked behind that and didnt see any obvious wiring harnesses back there, so I think the next move is to remove the shelving in the center console and see what's up there..

thanks guys..

-Eric

It's possible that for model year 2004 the XM wiring was installed at the factory but the XM receiver was not. The wiring should be located in the center forward of the trunk. Look behind the center compartment in between the two seats. If there is a unused connector this may be it for the "missing" XM receiver. If you can, take a picture of the end of the harness and post it here.

SilverX

Ok, will do If I can find it.. I looked in the trunk; There's like a fabric shield which hides the mechanics of the top - I checked behind that and didnt see any obvious wiring harnesses back there, so I think the next move is to remove the shelving in the center console and see what's up there..

thanks guys..

-Eric

Eric,

If you look at that fabric it has an elastic band in it that is hooked to clips at the top and sides. You can actually remove it to see better and then just replace it backon the hooks. Hope this helps. I agree with the others, probably depending on the build date of your car, it probably has the wiring for XM, just no tuner mounted. My '04 is a mid to late build and had the XM tuner, so all I had to do was connect the antenna and subcribe. I also bought the ipod connection from Costal. I would think GM used the same harnesses for all XLRs.

Cubby558:cool

When you remove the center storage unit by taking out the 4 torx 15 screws, if there is a harness it should be located at the very top and left side of the opening. Good luck.


Ok, will do If I can find it.. I looked in the trunk; There's like a fabric shield which hides the mechanics of the top - I checked behind that and didnt see any obvious wiring harnesses back there, so I think the next move is to remove the shelving in the center console and see what's up there..

thanks guys..

-Eric

If you only want to connect your iPod, you can do it with your stock radio for less than $150 :) and it will take you less than one hour to do. I just added this module from Coastal Elec. Tech. to my stock/XM radio and it's working fine. There is a recent tread about this topic in the forum.

Check the following web site. :D

http://www.coastaletech.com/CADILLAC_APPLICATIONS.htm

SilverX :cool

Thanks I just ordered one. I get tired of changing/looking for CDs
Terry

So I managed to find the XM harness. It was tucked way behind some foam, and covered in some sort of sticky stuff, so it was hidden pretty well, I had to fish it out. I tried to take a picture of it, but the only camera I have with me out here is on my phone, and it's not very good.. but I'm confident it's the right connector as it looks just like the one referenced on the corvette forum page... So, all this has now got me thinking, why not install XM into the car.. I did a bunch of research and it seems like it's tougher then it looks.. Audiovox makes an XM direct product, but it seems like it would be too much of a pain in the behind to install.. Then I came across a product by SOUNDGATE (the PIOGM1V6) that connects right up to the factory harness and then from the PIOGM1V6 to a pioneer XM tuner via an IP bus cable.. however the instructions are a little vague and I have to call them to confirm that it's compatible with the XLR head unit.. I don't suppose anyone has a spare factory XM receiver kicking around they'd be willing to sell??:cool

Maybe i'll just throw in the costal ipod unit for now.. Although im addicted to XM.. I don't really want to clutter the dash with a portable receiver..

Ok, will do If I can find it.. I looked in the trunk; There's like a fabric shield which hides the mechanics of the top - I checked behind that and didnt see any obvious wiring harnesses back there, so I think the next move is to remove the shelving in the center console and see what's up there..

thanks guys..

-Eric

If you find a factory XM module (seems to be some on ebay), you will still need an antenna for the XM signal.

Here is one thread to get you started.

http://www.xlrforum.com/showthread.php?t=631


why not install XM into the car.

Looks like i was being too specific with my search terms on Ebay last night. Found a GM factory tuner. Anyone know what type of antenna jack is on these units? Is it just the stock XM barrel connector that's on their car antennas, or is it something fancy?

thanks guys...

If you find a factory XM module (seems to be some on ebay), you will still need an antenna for the XM signal.

Here is one thread to get you started.

http://www.xlrforum.com/showthread.php?t=631

There's two different style connections they used. There's a two-wire (blue?) and a one-wire (yellow or green, don't remember). They are the standard style connections, but you'll probably have to do a little modification to get them to plug into each other if you aren't using the factory antenna cable.

Oh, and those factory tuners are "locked" once they're used. It takes special software and commands to unlock them. The dealer cannot do it. And there's nothing unique to a XM module for a XLR versus any other GM product with Class 2. It will work as long as it's not a GM Lan tuner (as far as i know).

Cliff,

So what you're telling me is that even if I get a hold of a GM XM factory tuner, It's probably not going to work because it was "locked" to a previous head unit??


There's two different style connections they used. There's a two-wire (blue?) and a one-wire (yellow or green, don't remember). They are the standard style connections, but you'll probably have to do a little modification to get them to plug into each other if you aren't using the factory antenna cable.

Oh, and those factory tuners are "locked" once they're used. It takes special software and commands to unlock them. The dealer cannot do it. And there's nothing unique to a XM module for a XLR versus any other GM product with Class 2. It will work as long as it's not a GM Lan tuner (as far as i know).

Cliff,

So what you're telling me is that even if I get a hold of a GM XM factory tuner, It's probably not going to work because it was "locked" to a previous head unit??

Well, it's actually locked to the BCM, but yes. You will get a "XM Theftlocked" display. You either have to buy a new one or I know someone who can unlock it, I can see if he's willing to unlock it for you if you want.