This is for anyone who has the factory sirius radio hooked up thru their non-navigation (6 disc)factory radio. How do you like the functionality of it ? I recently rented a Ford Explorer for a week and it had Sirius radio and i was hooked. I will be getting some form of Sirius radio this holiday season i just dont know about going the factory route. I need a pie adapter to hookup the mp3/minidisc player and i have read that the satellite option would eliminate the ability for a pie adapter. I'd hate to spend alot of $$ on something i cant take with me when i get rid of the car sometime down the line. Anyone else with Sirius radio recommend any specific plug & play models ? I think the ones with the replay/record function are the most ideal.
Sirius radio question
- Thread starter Fla02LS
- Start date
decibels5
Dedicated LVC Member
The unit I bought for my work van is a little cheap, but it works great. It has a built in fm modulator, so when i want to hear sirius, i just put it on channel 87.9. works pretty good. i just didnt run my antenna out of the van, because sometimes i change vehicles. bought it from circuit city for 23.00
I have the Visteon Sirius unit attached to the 6-disc Audiophile changer in my '06 (and had it in my '04 as well), and it's great. It lacks some of the functionality of the other Sirius units (like the Replay, Song/Artist Alert, Game Alert capabilities that my StarMate has), but it more than makes up for it with the seamless installation and integration into the LS's stereo system. Being able to control the Sirius unit via the steering wheel controls is a big plus.
One minor drawback is that the Visteon unit does eliminate the PIE adapter that allows you to control the iPod via the steering wheel controls; however, the PIE X3 adapter in conjunction with the PIE UNI-POD will give you everything back, except for the steering wheel controls. Quite frankly, I don't miss the use of the steering wheel controls when it comes to my iPod.
One minor drawback is that the Visteon unit does eliminate the PIE adapter that allows you to control the iPod via the steering wheel controls; however, the PIE X3 adapter in conjunction with the PIE UNI-POD will give you everything back, except for the steering wheel controls. Quite frankly, I don't miss the use of the steering wheel controls when it comes to my iPod.
fonsito
Dedicated LVC Member
I am seriously considering buying a Sirus Controller for my 2001 LS.Where should i locate the controller??? somewhere visible that could be easy to reach...
2001LS8Sport
Dedicated LVC Member
If your radio has the SAT button on it, you can get a Sirius add on from Ford or other sources that totally integrates with the factory radio. I added XM to my Cobra. I am totally pleased with that one. Ford only offers Sirius...and it will be a cold day in hell when I support Howard Stern, so that option was out. I went with an aftermarket add on that still integrated to the radio seamlessly. But if you want Sirius, and you have the SAT button on your radio, then just go to Ford and buy the kit. I believe the SAT button was added on 2004 models and up.
By the way...when they tell you the antenna has to be mounted outside the car, don't believe it for a second. I now have XM on two of my vehicles. I have the antenna under the dash of each. As long as you mount it to a nice metal surface (build a 4" square mount from sheet metal if you have to) and you do not have metal above the antenna, you will be surprised how well it works. Mine works perfectly on both vehicles and there isn't any ugly antennas showing. I did the same thing with the GPS antenna for the Nav system. It's flawless too.
By the way...when they tell you the antenna has to be mounted outside the car, don't believe it for a second. I now have XM on two of my vehicles. I have the antenna under the dash of each. As long as you mount it to a nice metal surface (build a 4" square mount from sheet metal if you have to) and you do not have metal above the antenna, you will be surprised how well it works. Mine works perfectly on both vehicles and there isn't any ugly antennas showing. I did the same thing with the GPS antenna for the Nav system. It's flawless too.
michaelanezinis
LVC Member
Do all 2006 have the SAT button built in the radios? Didn't notice, I'll have to look when I get out of work.
I had the install done in my '04 (I had the dealer do it, and he farmed it out to a local stereo shop). When I discovered that these "professionals" had glued the receiver to the carpet under the passenger seat, I decided to install the receiver in my '06 myself.Fla02LS said:
The hardest part is running the cables; it's pretty doggone tight behind the head unit. I wouldn't suggest doing it in the triple-digit heat of August, though.
The connection at the head unit is strictly plug-n-play, and there's enough cable to install this thing in an extended-length Econoline; my receiver is in the trunk, and I still have a decent coil of cable back there. There's a nice, long antenna cable, too, and zip ties, velcro strips, mounting stand-offs, and other things. Advanced degrees in rocket science are definitely not prerequisite for this installation.
