Installing Aftermarket Xm Radio In 04 Ls430

[nflight]

I was trying to install the XM commander radio system in my '04 LS430 and after removing the audio unit and navigation unit found that there is no conventional antenna lead to interface the modulator with. If someone knows where the lead is I could use the help.

[W6RU]

First .... what I am going to describe is what I found in researching a XM install in my 2001 LS-430. I would bet money that is has not changed in the 2004 model but I do not know for sure. The AM & FM "tuner" portion of the stereo system is located in my 2001 LS-430 in the trunk. Specifically you have to remove the mat, floor panel and the right trunk panels to uncover the tuner box. In my car it is located almost right next to the right edge of the trunk just behind the wheel well. It is a tin looking rectangular box with a multiple wire connector coming out the side at one end. You will see ... as I try to remember ... a bundle of different colored wires and two small black coax type cables. One coax is FM antenna and the other is AM antenna. You can determine which is which by listening to the radio and unplugging them one at a time. You have to break the FM antenna coax cable and go through the XM switch box .... when XM is on it feeds the tuner and when switched off the antenna feeds the tuner. Also with a volt-ohm meter measuring DC volts you can put the black - lead on car ground and with the red lead find the 12 volt positive wire that is hot all the time (to hold memory) and the switched on and off 12 volt positive lead. You need both of the 12 volt positive leads and a ground connection to go to the XM unit. If my memory is correct the two 12 volt positive leads are at the opposite end of the connector from the coax cables. And maybe the ground or minus 12 volt wire is a small black wire. Good Luck.

[tansupplyman]

Comment: Seems the way to go on XM is with Delphi Roady; no removal, no installation, plug it into the rear lighter socket(or 'hard' wire if wanted), stick it in front of the shifter; no connections to the stock radio !!!!! Probably take all of 3 minutes.

Am I missing something here??????

http://www.xmradio.com/roady/#

[SW03ES]

The Roady is an option but the sound will not be nearly as good as the direct modulated commander unit.

The radio system in the 04 is actually totally different from the 01...

[W6RU]

How has it changed ... I am thinking about getting into a 04.

[SW03ES]

Its not so much changed on the surface but all of the wiring has been "upgraded" and is completely different.

[W6RU]

I purchased the Delphi "Roadie" and modulator today. The audio SUCKS going through their modulator.

nflight .... were there any audio input connectors for the cassette going into the head? I have a feeling the only way to get great audio is to be able to hardwire the output from the Roadie.

[eblue]

I actually installed an XM kit (antenna,modulator,splitter) from Toyota(made by Pioneer,Thailand) for the 2004 LS430,which costs $400+ from lexuspartsmall.

It is better than these Delphi implementations because it is not subject to FM modulation.

You will need to install the splitter connectors into your trunk (where the amplifier connections are) and install the XM box under the Lexus Link holder, aside from installing the antenna over your trunk and routing the wiring to the XM box.

The most difficult part of the install was uninstalling the trimmings and installing the rivets for the revised trim "box" for the XM box.

I used the savings I got to buy a 2-year "discounted" XM subscription.

By the way mention the XM promotion from Lexus and you get a free month's subscription and free activation. :P

[SW03ES]

Yeah the wireless FM mods are crap. Actually my Sirius is connected with an FM switch box and it works really well. Its still FM modulated but its not wireless and the switch box keeps the lead from the main antenna from interfering with the satellite signal.

Check out www.xmfan.com those guys have it down. For Sirius try www.siriusbackstage.com

[Kort]

Does anyone have the part number to buy the XM unit via LEXUSPARTSMALL.COM? I have asked them via e-mail, but as of yet, no reply.

Also:

For the question re: The antennae leads on the 04 they are combined into a square plug on the side on the unit in the trunk. There is a small and a larger coax attached via a single plug. My assumption is the smaller is for the am. I was about to simply splice into the larger coax and install the XM Commander but if the factory unit is available at a reasonable price, then the bennefit of being able to use the factory tuner instead of hiding the XM Commander tuner in the ashtray is worth the extra couple of hundred bucks.

[W6RU]

Has anyone come up with the part number for the Toyota XM radio unit from Lexus Parts Mall ? I want to get one for my new LS430.

Thanks Much

[Kort]

My local dealer sold me the XM unit for $480 out the door. It's now installed, very easy and not in the place the factory suggests with the mods to the covers and all, and I mounted the antenna on the rear deck lid just below the brake light instead of the side mount they reccomend. It looks better and works great. I'm now looking for a smaller xm antenna to replace the big factory one but the trick is finding one using the older two connector system as most of the new mini antennas (Terk) use single connectors. Also just installed the Escort Passport SRX Radar Detector & Laser Shifter. If you need such a "Safety Feature" this is the way to go.