SAT 2 Presets, and Station Text Labels

 

SAT 3 Presets, and Station Text Labels

 

Thanks for the info, I agree that the Sewell unit works like a factory install, whereas my Vais unit seems more aftermarket. I'm going back to my Lexus dealer to get the "right" unit.

 

Great work KCCrash and Kaslead

Based on your work, I will be ordering the Sewell unit for my Nav/ML system.

One more thing I could use your help on. The Sharkfin mod. I know that when I call my Lexus dealer to do the install, they are going to tell me that the Sharkfin will only work for XM. How do I specifically tell them to do the antenna mod or is it self explanatory based on the wiring? I guess for that matter, I could probably do the install myself since it only involves getting into the trunk area. For that, I really need to know how to do the Sharkfin mod

Thanks again for your help

 

If you remove the plastic housing from the fin antenna lead, which will be in the amp area in the trunk, it will fit without any additional mods. If it's tight enough to hold it in, great. You are finished. If it's not, you'll need the end replaced.

 

I talked to my dealer today about the Vais vs. Sewell unit. I don't think they will offer to do anything, although they said they would look into it. I can't really justify doing it myself unless the reception issue really becomes a problem (and it is starting to, so.....).

Unfortunately, I wish I had known all of this before I paid Lexus to do it, but at least this will help others!

 

What about getting an antenna extension to run from the under the dash unit, back to the trunk to the shark fin? That would resolve your signal issues.

 

That's a good idea. I actually looked into that, and the only antenna extension cables I could find are fairly thick (to amplify and prevent signal loss?) and may not run neatly from the dash to the trunk. I haven't yet been able to find where the antenna runs into the dash. I assume I'll have to pull the NAV unit, which I really don't want to do.

 

There is a guy on siriusbackstage that makes those cables with whatever end/length you need. He is very reasonable (think about $35-$45). This method would also mean you wouldn't have to remove the plastic shielding from the shark fin cable.

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll look into that once I get an answer from Lexus on if they will do anything.

 

Did you get this resolved?

 

Actually, I just took my car in yesterday to my dealer. They were very helpful and agreed that the Vais unit I had didn't operate like the factory install they (Lexus) promised. They pulled the unit out and will refund me the total cost! One problem though - I just noticed the installer broke a clip holding in the vents, so now I probably have a hassle in store to get that fixed.

I ordered the Sirius kit from Sewell yesterday, and plan to install it myself with the sharkfin hack, if possible. I asked the dealer how much they would charge for the install - $330 for 3 hours labor. It shouldn't take that long, should it?

 

Had that been offered to me (300 to install) before I put mine in, I would have declined. Had I know before hand what I now know, I would have taken it.

The install itself isn't that bad, I think have the XM already in place added to my complexitiy (I didn't realize I needed to remove the existing harness right off). Removing all the trunk material is the most difficult part, and I broke a clip above the passenger side tail light, which of course bugged me. Then, consider that if the antenna lead mod doesn't work (the most common issue seems to be that it's too loose without the plastic shield), you'll be out a dealer trip anyway. All that said, $300 doesn't seem like much considering you should be able just stop in and pick up your fully functional Sirrius equiped car.

 

The only issue is that I know the dealer won't try to use the sharkfin with the modification since it's not an "official" installation option. How did you convince Miles at your dealer to do it? I think I'll try it myself first, and then if I have any issues I'll take it in. Your description and the .pdf install instructions seem to explain it very well.

 

Ah, well if the dealer won't try the sharkfin mod then that makes things much easier. :-) In my experience, the sharkfin is what takes the install from a 'so-so' job to a 'can't live without'.


I just called Miles and explained my situation to him, he said he hadn't seen one of the units in, so he'd be happy to repair my lead and take a look at the install at the same time. He said it took him two tries to get a good replacment end on.