XM Satellite Radio

[Revhappy]

Hey everyone!

I recently purchased and rough installed XM radio in my Alero. XM has this Snap unit that plugs directly into the cigarette power outlet. From there you mount the antenna somewhere from obstructions and you're ready to listen.

Ive been reading about how 02'-04' Alero's had factory satellite radio which got my attention and sparked a few questions...

1. Does the factory unit WITH satellite radio look the same as one without satellite radio? (Pics would be cool)

2. What does the antenna for factory satellite look like for the Alero?


The reason I ask is if I can get my hands on a factory head unit with satellite radio capabilities, I can scrap my Snap unit I bought from XM, clear up some cluttter, and have a more cleaner install (Being that the head unit has everything I need for a smooth transition.)

Cheers!

[Cliff8928]

Yes, the factory XM is accessed by pressing the "BAND" button on the radio. It cycles through FM1, FM2, XM1, XM2, AM.

The antenna is mounted on the roof, a few inches from the front and slightly offset to the passenger side. The XM tuner is between the glovebox and edge of the instrument panel on the passenger side. You can kinda see it through behind the fuse box if the car has it installed. You can not use a used XM tuner without having it reset (the dealer can not do this). It will come up "XM theftlocked" on the screen. There are instructions how to bypass this by breaking some connections on the board. Or you can send it out to a repair shop which can clear it.

[a.graham52]

Yes, the factory XM is accessed by pressing the "BAND" button on the radio. It cycles through FM1, FM2, XM1, XM2, AM.

The antenna is mounted on the roof, a few inches from the front and slightly offset to the passenger side. The XM tuner is between the glovebox and edge of the instrument panel on the passenger side. You can kinda see it through behind the fuse box if the car has it installed. You can not use a used XM tuner without having it reset (the dealer can not do this). It will come up "XM theftlocked" on the screen. There are instructions how to bypass this by breaking some connections on the board. Or you can send it out to a repair shop which can clear it.

sounds easier to install a new aftermarket radio with the xm option...

[Valley olds]

I really don't know what the connections are like, but I found a picture online of what the antenna looks like.

http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/oldsmobile/alero/2003/oem/2003_oldsmobile_alero_sedan_gls_fq_oem_1_500.jpg

As Cliff8928 said, it is a few inches from the front and slightly offset to the passenger side.

[Cliff8928]

Connections are fairly easy. The easiest way to install it would be the plug-and-play kit for a GMT800 pickup or other vehicle. The tuner communicates the same in all of them.

There's also aftermarket tuners which can plug into your factory radio and work nearly identical to the factory system.

[billytheman1188]

Why would they put the antenna on the front of the roof? Looks pretty out of place there. I think it would definitely look better in the back.

[Truth]

Why would they put the antenna on the front of the roof? Looks pretty out of place there. I think it would definitely look better in the back.

Agreed, if he installs it, i'd say put it towards the back.

[Cliff8928]

If equipped, a sunroof could've caused reception problems. They tried this on the W-Bodies (impala, monte carlo, etc..) and it would cut out if the sunroof was all the way open.

[Revhappy]

Good to know. Thanks for all the information! That's definitely strange that they put the antenna at the front haha. I'll keep everything in mind.

[Cliff8928]

Just an idea, you can put the antenna in the side mirror. The signal will travel through glass and plastic, but not metal. This is how the C6 Corvette has it from 2006+.