Add satellite radio to existing (non JBL) system in '08 XLS

[MikePru]

OK. I bought an XLS with the options required to make me and my wife happy. Except, of course, the JBL stereo (which she had in her Sequoia). Sound quality is good enough for our 43 & 49 yr old ears, but I do miss SIRIUS radio, which I have in my 4Runner.

The stock head unit has a "SAT" button. What's involved with adding the hardware to get satellite radio in the Avalon?

I know that SIRIUS will allow me to add a monthly subscription for an additional $5 which is reasonable...

thanks

[Isresistancefutile?]

I posted the factory service manual instructions for installing satellite radio here: Anyone have a tech writeup for pulling the radio out of a 05 dash?

There may be slight differences in the 08 interior, wire loom locations, and what-not, but the procedure is essentially the same. What you get is factory satellite (sorry, but I believe XM is the only option) with controls in the head unit and everything, including the antenna, beautifully concealed.

Fair warning: I did this myself in my 07 Touring and it is not for the faint of heart. You have to de-construct the entire perimeter of the interior, starting with the dash at the left of the steering wheel and ending with the right rear seat, sail panels and the rear deck. This requires care around all the airbags, several undocumented steps, mystery fasteners, and delicate trim parts. It's quite a sight when you (or worse; your wife) realize you've just disassembled your brand-new car and you're not really sure it will all go back together in time to drive to work Monday.

I've done this kind of work before and I admit this was tough - high enough on the level-of-difficulty meter that I recommend having a dealer do it. It's easily worth about $200 for labor plus peace of mind... and I still bet most service depts would try to short cut the job by mounting the antenna on the trunk lip or somewhere else undesirable.

So, consider an alternative...
Your 08 has an auxilliary input jack - yes? I can confidently recommend a handheld satellite radio with a dash-mount bracket. Benefits:

- choice between SIRIUS and XM (maybe not so critical, since the FCC just approved their corporate merger)
- a fully portable unit, probably with cool accessory options
- better controls & presets than the toyota factory head unit
- full channel/song display (the Avalon displays ONLY 10 characters of the artist/title info - no scrolling, no control whatsoever)
- less expensive out-of-the-box
- important: buffer memory so you can pause, rewind and replay, like Tivo
- definitely no installation hassle.

Good luck, and report back to the Avalon forum whichever way you choose!

[MikePru]

Oh geez.

I'm gonna go mow my grass, come back later to see if your post reads differently then.

I got on a "discount Toyota parts" website and found something (without detail) described as "SIRIUS radio" for $80. Of course that made me think that another $50 or so would get it installed into the factory head unit and she'd be on her way.

Where does the antenna reside for a factory installation? Where would it reside for a portable "installation?" (you may be on to something there...)

thanks (I think). ha

[MikePru]

I mowed the grass. showered, ate supper. Isresistancefutile's answer didn't change...I will call the dealership tomorrow and post a result.

[MikePru]

Not that there appears to be too much interest regarding this, but I will conclude by posting a $255 equipment cost + ~$100 for installation from my local Toyota dealership. Not too bad...

[Isresistancefutile?]

Sorry MikePru, for my post-and-run.

If the dealer will install the factory unit for $350, take the deal. The install alone is worth that, and if I remember correctly, the factory XM radio stickers for closer to $500.

Just make sure they show you exactly what you'll get. The actual radio is a nondescript silver box that goes in the trunk, never to be seen again. The antenna goes in the brake light housing under the rear window. The disassembly I described is to wire all three components together and conceal everything.

You operate it all from the factory radio, by pressing the AM/SAT button. The TEXT button shows channel and program info. You get three new groups of presets for satellite stations. It does sound great!

My intent was not to scare you, rather to be realistic. I've jumped into projects before, only to end up asking why I didn't get the full story up front.

Now I'm going to cut my grass.