I am confused, can someone clarify if you can use the 2007 sharkfin antena in a 2006 model?

 

Has any one installed the Vais SLS unit? How much room was behind the NAV and what did use to secure the SLS & sirius unit. I've never done any installs, but looking at doing this one myself. Thanks in advance.

 

Do you mean install a sharkfin on a 2006 model that doesn't originally have it? There's a thread on that somewhere here.

 

Unfortunately I didn't see the install so I'm not sure, but Vais should be able to answer this question directly (or maybe a Lexus dealer since they're doing the install now - at least mine does).

 

KCCraash,

When you installed the Sirius receiver, did you disconnect the battery as stated in the instructions? I'd like to avoid that if possible.

 

I did disconnect the battery. I figured it was easy to do, and much safer than sorry. Just curious, why do you want/need to avoid that?

 

I'd prefer to avoid re-programming the NAV/audio system, but I will disconnect once I'm ready to install. Do you know what systems need to be initialized after reconnecting the battery?

 

I didn't have to redo anything. Everything was retained, although I can't say for certain that the driver/passenger memory was, now that I think about it. I changed and resave frequently, so it would have been hard to tell.

 

have any1 tried the antenna connection cable made by Brian at SiriusBackstage?

I am about to buy the sirius unit but I want to make sure his connection is a direct fit.

Thank you

 

Yes, I received the connector from Brian today. The problem is that the connector Brian and I thought was needed for my '07 IS350 isn't right. Lexus seems to use a proprietary connector from the sharfin, so Brian isn't yet sure how to make it work. I spoke to him tonight, and he said he would look into it tomorrow and let me know.

FYI, the Sirius unit from Sewell seems to work perfectly. I haven't noticed anything wrong in its operation with the NAV system, except the reception which is TBD.

 

Great... I sure hope Brian can think of a solution.

The location for the antenna plug which leads to the shark fin starts from the trunk right?

 

Yes, it does route to the trunk

 

Yes, it's on the right side of the trunk behind the trim. To get to it though, you have to remove all of the trim except for the left side. I haven't yet put the trim back in my trunk, so I can take a picture if you want to see everything there.

 

if you can take a picture, that will be great!

your help is much appreciated.

Also, Do you have ML?

Thank you

 

Brian and I talked last night - bad news. The connector from the sharkin is proprietary, not a FAKRA. The only way for Brian to make a connector to the Sirius receiver is to buy a wiring harness from Lexus, which he said would cost ~$280 just for parts (he went to a dealer). I took apart the connector last night to see if there was an SMB connection and there isn't. So, if you have a 2007 IS, there isn't a way to use the sharkfin without additional parts.

My plan is to cut the Lexus connector from the cable (done) and attach an SMB connector. I ordered the tools needed and feel I have enough skill to do it myself (I've done some coax cable work). Brian offered to do this, but he's in CA and I'm in IL.

istundra, I took pics of the trunk last night but the forums were down when I tried to post. I will post later tonight when I get a chance. I do have the ML system.