Sirius Head-unit swap on 03 NAV a success!

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beaups

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Just an fyi, there have been many threads about the visteon sirius (oem) receiver not working on early 03 NAV/THX cars due to their incompatibility w/the software update.

I picked up a head unit from an 05 LS...plugged it in and voila...satellite works great (I had already installed the visteon sat receiver)

Just letting anyone know who is in the same boat I was in that this does work. FWIW I got it off ebay for $350 and I suspect I can get $350 or more for mine so there really was no "additional" cost to doing this....
 
Excellent! I have been wanting to add Sirrius to my THX/NAV and wasn't sure if I could do a head unit swap or had to go with the external. I would like to get some more info from you about this swap such as what build date will this work with.

The persone you bough from did they have other 05 HU's for sale?

thx.
 
i found an 05 unit, no they don't have more. just do search for "lincoln navigation" on ebay...you'll find one. If you don't find one now just keep trying every few days.
 
any more info you want just ask....and btw integrated is THE way to go. nice channel guide, voice control to switch to sat, the text info...couldn't be happier and VERY glad I didn't go with an external unit.

Be advised thought that with the THX system you have very good audio and sirius audio is pretty crappy - sounds like 96-128kpbs mp3. I got it for sports and comedy so no biggie but the music channel sound quality is far from impressive. The THX system really shows the flaws in sound quality in sirius.
 
beaups said:
Just an fyi, there have been many threads about the visteon sirius (oem) receiver not working on early 03 NAV/THX cars due to their incompatibility w/the software update.

I picked up a head unit from an 05 LS...plugged it in and voila...satellite works great (I had already installed the visteon sat receiver)

Just letting anyone know who is in the same boat I was in that this does work. FWIW I got it off ebay for $350 and I suspect I can get $350 or more for mine so there really was no "additional" cost to doing this....
Click to expand...

What is the build date of your LS?
 
beaups said:
any more info you want just ask....and btw integrated is THE way to go. nice channel guide, voice control to switch to sat, the text info...couldn't be happier and VERY glad I didn't go with an external unit.

Be advised thought that with the THX system you have very good audio and sirius audio is pretty crappy - sounds like 96-128kpbs mp3. I got it for sports and comedy so no biggie but the music channel sound quality is far from impressive. The THX system really shows the flaws in sound quality in sirius.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the heads up... Like you I really want this for the sports and talk radio and the occasional jam out from the music channels.
 
I assume you mean the build date of the vehicle? 12/2002
 
beaups said:
I assume you mean the build date of the vehicle? 12/2002
Click to expand...

You are correct. My build date is 02/2003; so this should work.

Is it as simple as unhooking the old unit and plugging the new 04+ unit in along with the Sirius SAT receiver?
Will any 04_ THX/NAV unit work?

Thanks for the info.
 
some 04's still required the software update. I was excited to find an 05 so I didn't have to screw around with it. The sirius was already hooked up. The new head unit just plugged right in...looks identical to the old one.
 
Are there any other Ford/Lincolns that used the exact same head unit in 05/06?
 
I think the navigator/aviator units were the same if you keep your bezel from your 03
 
:)

GREAT_SUCCESS.jpg
 
lol thanks. Oh and the towncar is the same but black I think.
 
Is there a particular part number I need to look out for. Also, what is the sirrius antenna part number and does the cable run through the pillar and headliner from front to back or through the floor and up.

thanks,
 
i have a copy of the upgrade for the 03's if your car was made late enough...for me it worked.. pm me with any questions
 
dunno, haven't tried it yet. I'll try it tomorrow and let you know. I'd be shocked if it did, though...
 
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