Flop

Good afternoon follow '8' owners... I've been looking for a DIY guide for the Sirius factory radio. I just ordered the kit and I am hoping there won't be any snags with the install. Dec 04' build date, so HU should be up-to-date. Is it just a matter of plugging something in to the back of the HU? Also, possible antennae mounting tips? Just curious...

thank you.

Flop

TTT

Anybody able to assist or point me in the right direction? Any help would be appreciated.

modena

Got the Sat button in your radio?

Flop

yep... thank god!

Where does the antennae mount on the car?

sfRXgr8

I'm interested as well.. .keep everyone posted...

modena

You will need the Sat kit:
Comes with antenna,
It can be mounted on the rear trunk lid, or inside on the rear package
Shelf.

(Moved mine to the rear trunk lid due to the metallic tint interfering with the reception)

Black box:
That will mount inside the trunk behind the paneling.

Cable that hooks up behind your radio.

That’s what you need to do in a nutshell.

Not heard, but it will involve taking half your car apart

Flop

Alright...

Got the parts from Rosenthal Mazda - not bad considering I'd ordered them on the weekend, shipped to me (here in Can A Duh) by Friday. UPS pulled through and returned on the same day to 're-deliver' it b/c I missed them by 15 min the first time. Brokerage fees were insane - $60 ...

They were kind enough to ship me the RX-8 installation kit (which is separate from the main kit - designed for the Tribute, Miata and MPV), only $15 US extra. Basically it didn't include anything extra that the main kit included (of any use anyway) other than the instructions, which are great - I'll scan them to PDF if you are interested.

Flop

One beef I have with the RX-8 install is that they recommend putting it on the trunklid, about 15mm from the edge (near the window). There isn't a 'wire cover' like there is for the other models so it looks semi-ghetto. I jerry rigged the long cover (cut it down in length) for the MPV and hope it will stick. I may also mount it inside the car on the rear 'shelf'. I should be working on this install in the next week or so.

I'll take some pics along the way, but the Mazda instructions are pretty good.

SDB

I had the dealer install mine when I bought the car and asked that the antenna be mounted on the rear shelf. It works fine.

The antenna wire comes from the front of the shelf and fits under a cover about 6 inches long going to the antenna. I have seen others that had the antenna wire coming from the back of the shelf which looks cleaner and may provide better reception. Someday I will change mine.

modena

Mount your antenna temporary, and take a drive before you decide on a permanent
spot.

Sins you are in Canada the footprint of the satellites might be weaker then here in the US.

All in all the antenna does not look bad on the trunk lid.

Flop

Hey modena, I noticed your antennae is a delphi (XM) type. The wire coming out of the receiver on yours is better because it doesn't have the accordian protector thing. That is what made the Sirius one look 'ghetto' in my opinion.

I have it mounted on the inside rear shelf now, and it seems to be working pretty well.

I took a few pics (not worthy of a DIY) and will post them when the light is better, I need some of the final resting place of the receiver.

Cheers!

clydejmuggs

We had a thread on this install last fall iirc. I think Ajax hosted the install info.

Flop

Well I searched for almost 2 hours for this info to no avail.

I'd be happy to see it though (even though I'm now done)

cowboyup75146

we have a 05 early build and they did not put the sat radio in.
now the dealership is going to switch out the radio , after a long discussion with them .
They quoated me 475.00 to install the sirius box and hook everthing up ... is this a fair price , they want to do it when they switch out radio's looking for help

modena

Should have a photo shoot late Saturday
Will be a helping hand on a Sub, Amp, Sirius OEM sat, replacement rear speakers, ext.
Parts are in transit with UPS and we have the whole day (Saturday) planned to do so.
Any pictures you guys would like to see in particular?

WaterLogged

By the way, I'm going to be the guinea pig for the DIY. Should be an interesting day. We might also have a dedicated photographer/beer drinker for the task.

sjbender

I have my sirius oem installed temp on my front dash, get alot of loss reception though. However, my sirius will not show anything in the display other then the channel number that I am tuned into. Whats the deal with that?!

WaterLogged

Hit the DISP button. It'll cycle thru the various displays (station name, artist, song title, etc.). If that doesn't work it might be that your radio needs a firmware update.

Flop

Where are you located, up in Canada or somewhere in the US? Just curious, as I am able to get great reception here in Ontario with the antennae in the rear window.

As waterlogged stated, use the disp button to change display modes - if that doesn't work, you may need the firmware update. If you have an 05 (I'm assuming you do) you may be able to go to the dealer and get it covered under warranty.

Good luck!

cleoent

can anyone tell me how I can install the factory sirius system on a car without the sat button?

Flop

Not possible, you need the SAT button for the factory Sirius system to work as intended.

Some have had luck getting it done for free under warranty if it's an 05

WaterLogged

Yeah, I was going to say the same thing but noticed he had an '04. I guess all you can do now is go for a 3rd party type receiver via a PIE adapter. Of course I don't claim to be an expert, so there might be someone out there who knows better.

cleoent

Dang.

Would you guys mind if i cried a little?

LPCOKIE

must you by the kit from mazda or can you get it from circity city or best buy ?