GM-SIR1 Sirius adapter install review, 06 Sierra

cmccarthy · October 9, 2006

First let me start by saying this is just a general review, not a how-to. A how-to isn't required because of the ease of installation. The installation is extremely basic, requiring only a 7MM nut-driver or socket and a #2 phillips screwdriver. Everything comes apart exactly like it looks like it should, and goes back together easily. It took me about 2 hours to do.

I bought a GM-SIR1 Sirius adapter for my Sierra today, to replace my crappy X-Act FM modulated reciever. I'd never been particularly happy with that reciever, and Circuit City had the GM-SIR1 on sale for $79.99 so I picked one up.

The unit was extremely easy to install in my truck. It's a base truck with no Bose or XM, and a single disc in-dash CD. The data bus plug on the back of the factory radio had nothing plugged into it, so I just plugged the correct end of the SIR1's "Y" harness into the radio, leaving the end that would normally be plugged into the dash harness open. I suspect that if you have either the Bose rig or factory XM, you would have a harness plugged into this port on your radio, and thus you would install the "Y" harness inline.

I mounted the Sirius receiver behind the cubby that's over the cigarette lighter. In a standard cab or x-cab this would be where the pass airbag key switch is. This might have been the hardest part, because space behind the dash is at a premium and the harness is quite short. I used Scosche "vampire clips" to tap power from the cigarette lighter to run the reciever. It only draws 1 amp, so this should be fine.

For the antenna, I mounted it at the rear of the roof and ran it in thru the 3rd brake light opening. I cut a very small notch in both the body and the lens to accomodate the antenna wire, and sealed it with black RTV. Inside, I ran the wire over the headliner and down the A-pillar.

Once all this was hooked up, the radio cranked up and performed flawlessly. The controls all operate as they should, and if you have steering wheel controls or rear seat controls they will still work and control the Sirius tuner.

I do have a couple of gripes I'm afraid. The major one is that the GM-SIR1 doesn't support text scrolling, so you only get about the first 10 letters of title or artist. The second is that there are no provisions for a signal meter, so I have no way of telling if my antenna mounting is optimized.

Overall, I would say this is an excellent product that's easy to install and works as advertised. I'd give it a 9 out of 10.

esc06z71 · October 9, 2006

i just picked one of these up, this is an excellent review. how did you mount the reciever? i am going to try and install mine in the morning.

cmccarthy · October 9, 2006

I kinda wedged it between a wiring harness and the framework under the dash. Considering the space restraints, it's best to just attach it any way you can. Zip ties, double sided tape, or screws would all work.

esc06z71 · October 10, 2006

i have everything hooked up except the power wire. i am having trouble finding the factory bus connector. my radio has the band button but didnot come with xm so i am using the y connector. any helps greatly appreciated

scott

cmccarthy · October 10, 2006

i have everything hooked up except the power wire. i am having trouble finding the factory bus connector. my radio has the band button but didnot come with xm so i am using the y connector. any helps greatly appreciated

scott

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just plug appropriate ends of the "Y" connector into the back of the radio and the Sirius receiver, and don't plug anything at all into the third plug. Hook up power by tapping into the orange and black cigarette lighter wires, and you're all set.

esc06z71 · October 10, 2006

thanks for all of your help!!!!!!!!!

snowbrdkid0 · December 26, 2006

Is the black wire the ground? So i could plug the yellow wire to the orange and the black to black?

cmccarthy · December 27, 2006

Black is ground, yes.

snowbrdkid0 · December 27, 2006

I just connected the black wire arounda screw that went to the chassis. Is that ok, or should i reconnect it to the black wire on the cigerette lighter?

Ranger · December 28, 2006

I've been told it's better to go straight to a screw on the chassis metal instead of tapping an existing ground as the connection may corrode and cause multiple failures instead of 1.

MichEnvoyBoy · December 28, 2006

I also installed the SIR GM-1 into my 2002 Envoy. Very easy install, super awesome sound! My NAV radio displays everything just like it was factory XM.