Factory Xm Install

[idahoruss]

Has anyone actually installed the factory XM radio? I don't mean paid for the install, but have actually done all the work.. How is it ? Is the antenna hard to replace? Does it work well? Do the steering wheel buttons control the XM?

 

 

 

Thanks, Russ

[dsmazz]

I installed the kit on my '07 NNBS Sierra. Took me about an hour and a half or so. You have to remove the sun visors, A-Pillars, and overhead console, then drop the headliner at the front. Removing the Onstar antenna and installing the combined Onstar/XM antenna is not too difficult, just a bit tight to get your hands in there. The most difficult part of the install was getting one of the two screws to secure the bracket for the receiver, behind the glove box. Dropping the glove box was easy. Kit comes with directions, but assumes you already know how to remove the sun visors, A-Pillars, and overhead console, but those are not hard at all. A little study, small micro-screw driver to lift or open caps, and a careful hand does the trick. Unit works great, steering wheel controls work with XM, just like with AM/FM/CD. Called the 800# on the instructions. They assumed I was a tech at the dealership, and gave them the "customer's" information and got 3 months free. Maybe I would have gotten 3 months free anyway.

 

Dealership wanted $125 for the install, which did not seem bad. But I wanted to know what went where, and how everything connected.