I was able to attach an SMB connector to the sharkfin antenna lead today. Plugged it into the Sirius receiver, and it works!

Pics of the install

Here is the bare trunk with the Sirius receiver installed next to the smart key unit (top right). The loose wire with the grey connector on the ML unit is the OEM sharkfin antenna. Note that the wiring from the Sirius unit to the ML unit is fairly cumbersome and difficult to move into place.



Here is the OEM connector on the sharkfin antenna. Note that it is square, not circular like a FAKRA connector.



Here is the modified sharkfin antenna wire. I cut off the square Lexus proprietary connector and attached a standard SMB connector. This was a bit challenging - I can post the parts I used if anyone is interested. The SMB connector then plugs right into the gold-colored connector on the Sirius unit (seen in the first picture near the top right).



Any questions, let me know.

 

Wow!

So the only solution is to cut the XM Plug and splice it into the Sirius Antenna wire?

 

Just looking for some tips on installation. For anyone who used the Sirius tuner supplied antenna (not the sharkfin but the little magnetic one). How did you route the antenna wire from the back to the front and where did u end up installing it (top of trunk or back shelf near the brake light)? Any tip would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Kind of wish I had an '07 with a sharkfin & ML so I wouldnt have to do this...oh well...

 

I believe that is true, you will need to cut and install the mating SMB connector.

 

dam. that suks.

I am looking for direct PNP.

KCCRash...

How did you force the OEM plug into the Sirius Tuner?

I am sure there is something that fits.

 

I was curious... If i were to buy a shark fin antenna... send it to Brian... would he be able to crimp on the standard Sirius end for the tuner?

 

Nope, the dealer replaced my end with the necessary piece.

 

The harness that runs from the shark fin to the trunk is around 280 bucks. It actually splits and runs to the front of the car too. I checked into this option before having the dealer 'fix' my end. Note that this price is JUST for the harness, not the fin itself.

 

The thing to do would be to ask kaslead to send the end he cut off to Brian and see if Brian can come up with an adapter.

 

Dealer replaced it with what type of end? for Sirius or XM?

 

This is what I talked to Brian about, and he said he would need to buy the harness part from Lexus to make it work since it's a proprietary part.

If you are somewhat handy, you should be able to install the SMB connector yourself with the right parts.

 

When I had the Vais unit, it was mounted in the dash and the antenna was placed on the package shelf in the rear window. The wire was routed along the passenger side of the car in the crease between the headliner and the top of the door trim. It ran from the front dash to the rear window, with the antenna mounted on the far right side of the package shelf. I posted a pic of it a few pages back.

 

You had the Vais unit?

How is the performance between the Vais and the Sewell unit?

Is your Vais unit for sale?

 

FYI, I'm hearing there will be another Group Buy for vaistech units in the next week or two...

 

The vaistech units are for Ipod