Just Added Sirius to Factory Radio (pics)

Steve Cornell · September 17, 2004

I just finished installing the Soundgate adapter that allows the Kenwood Sirius unit to work with the factory GM Class 2 radio.

My 03 had factory XM and this works just the same, the display and functions are identical to the factory XM and the steering wheel controls everything except the preset program scan.

This entire install cost me less than $75, I had the Sirius antenna and the Kenwood Sirius unit is free with activation, I only had to buy the Soundgate adapter.

This now makes me 6 satalite radios , I have XM in my wifes car, my company truck, my PC, and in my Impala SS show car, my daughter has Sirius in her car and now in my truck

The install is quick and simple, the Soundgate adapter plugs into the back of the factory radio and needs a constant power and ground, the Kenwood Sirius reciever recieves its power thru the buss cable and requires no seperate power, I ran the antenna thru the cab light so no drilling required, the antenna is so small you can't even see it behind the cab light, I mounted the receiver behind the glove box in a simalar location of the factory XM receiver.

Here are a few pics of the install...................

Here is the Soundgate adapter and the Kenwood Sirius receiver, there is plenty of cable included if you would want to mount the receiver elseware (since it requires no power wiring) like behind or under the seat.

Here is the Receiver installed, I secured it with the Kenwood brackets and a couple zipties around some factory mounting brackets.

The Sirius informatiuon displays and scrolls just like the factory XM.

The Serius antenns behind the cab light, I shortened the wire cover so it's only about 2" behind the light, if you don't have cab lights you could bring the wire out thru the 3rd brake light, I cut a small notch in the gasket for the antenna wire and place some black silicone under the gasket.

If you prefer XM, you can also get a Soundgate adapter for the Pioneer XM receiver or purchase the factory kit.

on edit: You can also add a Kenwood CD changer by simply plugging it into the XM receiver and it will also be controlled by the factory head unit.

bigdogs · September 17, 2004

Are you saying you have both Sirius and XM connected to the same radio? If so how to you toggle between the 2 tuners?

Steve Cornell · September 17, 2004

Sorry for the confusion....... I meant to say my 03 Duramax truck had factory XM so I'm familar with how it works.........

My 04 GMC did not come with XM radio.

99Silver6.0 · September 19, 2004

Holy crap! They made a smaller antenna! Where did you find that at? Im using a small Streamer antenna I found right now.

Steve Cornell · September 19, 2004

Jared,

This is Kenwoods newest antenna, it's only about 3\8" thick.

bigdogs · September 19, 2004

Sorry for the confusion....... I meant to say my 03 Duramax truck had factory XM so I'm familar with how it works.........

My 04 GMC did not come with XM radio.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ah Ok thanks for the clarification. My 03 didn't come with XM either but want to add that new GM kit for it.

gcope63 · September 21, 2004

How did you get the receiver for free?? Rebate??

Thx

Steve Cornell · September 21, 2004

Go to a Kenwood dealer, the receivers are free as long as the dealer activates it (or you have his code to enter during activation) the dealer then gets a rebate for the receiver.

Tom Gaul · October 28, 2004

My 04 didn't come with XM but I have the 6 disc indash changer, is this something I could add? or Could I add a changer that palys mp3 also?

mlwabc · October 28, 2004

Where did you get the Soundgate Adapter from? Thanks.

Steve Cornell · October 29, 2004

Tom Gaul,

Yes, this adapter will work with your radio (as long as it has the "band" button)

I would also think that it should work with the Pioneer or Kenwood changers that play MP3s, Give Soundgate a call and I'm sure they can answer this.

mlwabc,

I bought the Soundgate adapter from a local dealer "buddy" of mine, check around with your local dealers to see if they are Soundgate dealers or I think you can order direct from Soundgate.

Here's the link to Soundgates web site and the adapters.