Click for full size

So I've finally finished perfecting my XM Radio install. I've got my XpressEZ in there (that's all I really need) and it works like a charm, ever since day one. It started with the cords everywhere, the antenna on the rear deck, barely picking up my activation signal. Now, I've got it wired in there perfectly. I'm pretty happy with it!

]
Click for full size

I've got my power and antenna wires (blue and green) routed to the left of my head unit, and the audio routed to the right, I've wrapped the excess cord (6" or so) in my glovebox.


Click for full size

Next, I picked up an add a fuse from Canadian Tire and followed the directions on the box to correctly use it. Very simple. Put the original fuse from the fuse box into one slot, put the new one for your new accessory in the other. Not rocket science. I used a switched source (the wiper blade motor fuse) to tap. It's only on when the car is on. Who wants their wipers going on when their car is off? It's in the fuse box on the passenger side of the center console, behind the plastic cover. It just pulls off.


Click for full size

Next. Find yourself a ground on the other side of the console, just pull off the cover. You'll find two nuts perfect for grounding onto. I can't remember the exact socket you'll need, but I think it's 5/8"? Take only ONE off (otherwise your dash will crumble!) and either tuck your wire underneath by wrapping it around the bolt, or use one of those handy dandy washer things.


Click for full size

Next, route your xm antenna from wherever you've decided to put it up to the radio. (I put it right above my head when sitting on the drivers side.)


Click for full size


Click for full size

I took apart half my dash to route the wires carefully and tidy. Practically the whole dash comes apart if you just pull. Be careful of the trunk release switch wire when you remove the kick panel under the steering panel, it's not very long. If you look carefully, you can pull the plug on that switch and set the panel aside, as well. I took the little plastic trim piece off behind the wiper controls and there's a small hole that I pushed the wires through to get them to the radio behind my grey trim. You can see which one I'm talking about in the second picture. All the trim comes off carefully. Just take your time. Break one of those pieces and you could be out $45 or more. It's ridiculous how much GM up sells their parts.

Oh, and one more thing. It helps to have a couple kittens around at the same time you're doing the job. Makes everything just that much more interesting.


Click for full size

Click for full size

Enjoy your new installation!

 

nice clean install, but i think im having deja-vu (i saw your install thread on xmfan too lol)

Also, not to hijack but ill throw in a pic of my install


I made up a aluminum bracket which was a pain in the butt to make but it is extremely sturdy.

 

Wow, that looks great! Yeah, I posted it to xmfan too.

Where'd you bolt that to? (read: mind making me one? ) That's a much better option than using the vent clip. I hate that damn thing. Especially when it's -30ºc!

 

its bolted to the same bolt that holds in the radio. I also had to knotch the silver plastic part in order to accomidate of the bracket. As for making another one, i guess i could, but ill send you some pics of it you probably could make one on your own.

 

Sweet! That'd be awesome! I tried searching around for a bracket like that awhile ago, but gave up.

 

it might be a day or so ill have to partially rip apart my dash to get the pics

 

Thanks so much! It's appreciated on this end!