How To: Install XM on a Non-Navi XM Ready Civic Coupe/Si (56K'ers go go take a nap)

[loflynrr]

I bought the XM kit for my car and was GOING to do the install myself. After reading this.... I will spend the money and pay the Honda dealer!

[dcdlexmass]

Any idea on what the Honda dealer wants for this install including the cost of the parts? (tuner, antenna etc..)

Thanks!

[zippob09]

too much work for XM.

[thedamaja]

This seems to be nothing like the instructions that College Hills Honda has on there website for the same kit.

PDF link http://www.collegehillshonda.com/ins...an/xmradio.pdf

[magbarn]

Hope I'm not breaking a rule by bringing up an old thread, but the latest kits only come with a SHORT (~4 feet) bus cable. You can't mount the receiver in the trunk anymore. In other words you have to follow collegehills intructions and mount the receiver in the front passenger kick panel. It makes the install easier since you don't have to mess with the center console anymore. I ran the antenna lead underneath the passenger door sill to get into the trunk and mounted it in the same place as the OP. Unfortunately I removed the center console anyway as I didn't realize that my kit came with a short cable

[magbarn]

Further updates, I know the OP hasn't written much in awhile, but if you're away from a major metropolitan area (XM puts signal repeaters in urban areas to deal with skyscrapers and such) the OP's antenna location blocks fromm receiving the signal due to the passenger C pillar. I tried the center shelf area and it still has problems with reception. The xm antenna requires Line Of Sight to the satellite, it'll work with glass, but metal blocks the signal. I'm about ready to get a different antenna and try mounting on the roof/trunk for a better signal. I'll update this thread as it goes.

[magbarn]

Here's some more updates, decided to buy thisBuy the Terk Roof-Mount XM Antenna and other Satellite radio antennas & extensions at circuitcity.com . I thought Honda's tuner would use the standard XM connector, after going back and forth between circuit city/best buy to find a compatible adapter, none of them would fit as the Honda tuner uses a proprietary connector. I even tore apart the conector to try to get it to fit. Resigned I decided to use these http://http://www.xm411.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4092 instructions and spliced in the new antenna with Honda's connector. Now it works awesome! No more drop outs even in the Cajon pass on the way to Las Vegas.

[magbarn]

I should've also mentioned the reason the stock antenna doesn't work well in both the OP's mounting point and even in the center of the rear shelf, is that the antenna is designed to work upside down. In other words it's made for the signal to hit the "bottom" (sticky part) of the antenna as it's made to be mounted with the bottom against the windshield. The other xm antenna's are made to be receive the signal at the top so they work much better. If you want to save money and hassle you could just use the stock antenna and stick it either in the stock location on the passenger side front windshield or mount it at the top of the rear glass and get good reception. (don't do with tint as it will tear)

[Jdog_Si]

Originally Posted by hondasense76

just did plug and play on lx. wanted to run antenna wire to back above rear windshield but no weather strip around it . how do you get around that? had to put on trunk lid instead not as good reseption

lol yea thats what I did.

Xm Xpress Radio on Si

As for the antenna, ill try to take pics asap but there IS a little gap inbetween the windshield on the back of the car. the trick is to have the cable run there w/ some tension so its not lose and coming out. Ive had it on there for about 5 months and havnt had a problem and its mounted on the roof of my car right above the back windshield.

[olsonoski]

great thread guys and great info! quick question. i have an 08 EX with the stock stereo. if i install honda's XM add-on, will i lose the AUX input that i use to listen to my iPod or does it still work like normal?

[Jdog_Si]

Originally Posted by olsonoski

great thread guys and great info! quick question. i have an 08 EX with the stock stereo. if i install honda's XM add-on, will i lose the AUX input that i use to listen to my iPod or does it still work like normal?

If you do the XM Install as if it came from factory, then no. Your AUX port will still be free and available. If you do it like I installed (see post above you for link), then that uses your AUX.

[bsbabcock]

Bravo! Finest instructional write-up I think I've ever read. Pat yourself on the back. Well-done!

[sk8nava]

who does honda run their frequencies through for satellite radio?
Im only wondering because I was thinkin bout doin something like this but had heard from numerous people that XM is merging with sirius radio and it wont be XM at all anymore, so people will not be able to listen to "XM" unless they have a sirius receiver. this guy at best buy told me this and i thought it was a crock of S#!@ but then I hear this from a local audio shop here where im from and now im kinda skeptical...

[Jdog_Si]

Originally Posted by sk8nava

who does honda run their frequencies through for satellite radio?
Im only wondering because I was thinkin bout doin something like this but had heard from numerous people that XM is merging with sirius radio and it wont be XM at all anymore, so people will not be able to listen to "XM" unless they have a sirius receiver. this guy at best buy told me this and i thought it was a crock of S#!@ but then I hear this from a local audio shop here where im from and now im kinda skeptical...

As of now, It goes through XM since the merger has not begun yet. Only recently where they granted permission to go ahead w/ the merger.

If anything does happen, probably wont take into effect for at least a year or so (i would think).

If you are skeptical about what to get because of it, I would recommend to get a unit you buy at stands like at the mall etc and hook it up via ur AUX until it all sorts out. This way if anything changes in the future, you can go ahead and purchase any new hardware which will work properly w/ the merger or what not.

I have a portable XM unit in my car and it works great for me. Hope this helps.

[Gone]

Originally Posted by magbarn

Hope I'm not breaking a rule by bringing up an old thread, but the latest kits only come with a SHORT (~4 feet) bus cable. You can't mount the receiver in the trunk anymore. In other words you have to follow collegehills intructions and mount the receiver in the front passenger kick panel. It makes the install easier since you don't have to mess with the center console anymore. I ran the antenna lead underneath the passenger door sill to get into the trunk and mounted it in the same place as the OP. Unfortunately I removed the center console anyway as I didn't realize that my kit came with a short cable

I actually wish I would've mounted the receiver up front somewhere, because it really was a pain in the ass to run it all the way to the back. I just followed the instructions that came with my kit and I also mounted the antenna in back because I just didn't want to have that massive antenna in my front windshield.

Also, yeah, I occasionally notice a drop in XM signal with my antenna mounted where I have it, but its not horrible. Ideally, I would love to splice in a OEM Honda XM antenna and place it on the roof, but I don't really know if its possible. Any ideas?

[olsonoski]

Originally Posted by sk8nava

who does honda run their frequencies through for satellite radio?
Im only wondering because I was thinkin bout doin something like this but had heard from numerous people that XM is merging with sirius radio and it wont be XM at all anymore, so people will not be able to listen to "XM" unless they have a sirius receiver. this guy at best buy told me this and i thought it was a crock of S#!@ but then I hear this from a local audio shop here where im from and now im kinda skeptical...

no, that's completely false. while the merger is going through, all of the old radios will still work. XM not only has more channels than Sirius, they also have a lot more subscribers too. with the millions of satellite radios already out there and in use by paying subscribers do you honestly think that they would screw all of those people like that?? not a chance in hell. too many folks with no clue about what the real deal is and don't even bother to find out. you can read all about it right here: SIRIUSMerger.com | XM + SIRIUS Satellite Radio = More Choices, Better Pricing, Same Radios

what will happen is you'll have more options. you'll be able to choose larger or smaller packages for more or less money of course.

[bsbabcock]

Just out of curiosity, can the Honda XM antenna be purchased by itself?

[sk8nava]

Originally Posted by olsonoski

no, that's completely false. while the merger is going through, all of the old radios will still work. XM not only has more channels than Sirius, they also have a lot more subscribers too. with the millions of satellite radios already out there and in use by paying subscribers do you honestly think that they would screw all of those people like that?? not a chance in hell. too many folks with no clue about what the real deal is and don't even bother to find out. you can read all about it right here: SIRIUSMerger.com | XM + SIRIUS Satellite Radio = More Choices, Better Pricing, Same Radios

what will happen is you'll have more options. you'll be able to choose larger or smaller packages for more or less money of course.

AWESOME!!
This helps alot, so I can still purchase XM and be fine in the future!
Well at least someone knows about the merge and what not. I guess those people that told me that crap are retarded, cuz It really had me worried. But good lookin out with that link. I didnt know anything about it till best buy and sound factory told me....those bastards.

[Silver_Slug]

Originally Posted by bsbabcock

Just out of curiosity, can the Honda XM antenna be purchased by itself?

Yes. Your dealer should be able to sell it to you. If not, College Hills Honda will sell the antenna, you just have to call to place the order. No big deal. The antenna is part # 08A15-0J1-100 and should be under $40.

I ordered the connection kit this way from College Hills. They are great guys to work with.

Dan