Had the XM Commander installed today.
I have a 2004 Coupe. The installer couldnt hardwire the system in use the added wiring harnesses. He informed me that the harness that would be needed for the Multi Disc unit wasnt in the car. Is this harness supposed to be there even if I didnt have the multi unit from the factory?
He ended up installing it with the RF modulator. I havent spent enough time in the car yet to decide how much I like it yet.


Where does anyone place the remote control? Do you use it at all?
Thanks

 

To hard wire to the Aux interface you need two other things...the Cor-Har (which is a thick, long cable that hooks up to the 3 pin and 4 pin connectors which are to the right of the fuses in the passenger footwell). The Cor-Har is the cable that then would connect to the 6 CD changer (if you had it installed). If you don't have it installed, then GM did not cable your car for it. The 3 pin and 4 pin connectors are present, but not hooked up to anything now. Once you hook up the Cor-Har you hook the other end into the "GM10-Aux" part. The GM10-Aux converts the ten pin output of the Cor-Har (which connects up to the radio head unit as the Aux input), to two Audio connector outputs which connect to the XM Commander receiver unit.
You need to purchase the Cor-Har and the GM10-Aux units as separate purchases. I bought them through PIE (Precision Interface Electronics, Inc. at www.pie.net).
They were about $65 each.
I then had a car audio place hook up to the ignition circuit for a direct power source. The XM controller is sitting in front of the ash tray. The remote control is sitting in my C5 Buddy cup holder!

I put the antenna inside the right inside taillight on the metal frame. Reception is good, but still have some drop-outs in areas with alot of tree cover.
I have not tried FM modulation, so I can't compare, but direct connect with the Aux input is clear, and sounds great.

 

I have an XM Commander radio ordered, and I thought after all my reading on this forum it would be an easy install. Now I'm not sure. Can some one explain in simple terms how to install one in my 99 Vert. I already have the factory installed CD player in the trunk. Will I need to purchase additional cables? Thanks for any help.

 

I am having problems locating where to wire the power source. I was told the aux power is close to the fuse box, but I am having problems locating it. Any guidance would be great.

 

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I am having problems locating where to wire the power source. I was told the aux power is close to the fuse box, but I am having problems locating it. Any guidance would be great.
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It is my understanding that 2004 models don't have the aux power source. You'll have to pull power from another circuit.

 

This would explain why I can't find it. Does anyone have a recommendation on how I would wire it to pull power from an alternate source on the 2004s? I am now driving with all the wires run and no power to the commander.

 

My installer ran power off of the ignition.

 

Does the head unit have an output for a power antena? That would be ideal!

 

Same for me...

 

Behind the passenger side kick panel, there is a 3" square rubber gasket with a loom of wires passing thru it. If you pull this gasket out, 2 sets of wire connectors are accessible. In one of these connectors is a medium size orange wire. This is the 20 amp B+ power circuit for the right-front speaker amplifier. If you splice the red power wire (the acc power lead) from the XM Commander into this circuit the XM commander will power up only when the radio is turned on instead of every time the key is turned on.

 

XM radio is all completely new to me...can anyone tell me how much better it works than FM that we have now as far as reception, sound quality, selection, etc.? Also is this a subscription service that you pay for each month? I understand how to install it and where to get it. I have a 12 CD changer already and pretty much only listen to CDs because FM is pretty much worthless as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for you insights!
John

 

There are 100+ channels - some talk, some sports and music for every taste. I think they still offer a decent discount for 1 and 2 yr subscriptions which brings it to around $6 or $7 per month. I enjoy having the same channels available nation wide. Lots of oldies, jazz, country and classical. The reception is good except for heavily wooded areas.

 

thanks!