sharkfin - how does it work?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 414
Likes: 4
From: ny
sharkfin - how does it work?
How does the shark fin antenna work anyway?
1) Do you need to rewire the existing antenna in the 2IS to the fin?
2) Do Sirus and XM require sharkfin?
3) Where is the stock antenna in the 2IS? I can't find it.
4) Where can you get it? and also get it painted?
5) Tape it? Why would you do that? Will it fall off?
1) Do you need to rewire the existing antenna in the 2IS to the fin?
2) Do Sirus and XM require sharkfin?
3) Where is the stock antenna in the 2IS? I can't find it.
4) Where can you get it? and also get it painted?
5) Tape it? Why would you do that? Will it fall off?
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: CA
Originally Posted by doctorttt
How does the shark fin antenna work anyway?
1) Do you need to rewire the existing antenna in the 2IS to the fin?
2) Do Sirus and XM require sharkfin?
3) Where is the stock antenna in the 2IS? I can't find it.
4) Where can you get it? and also get it painted?
5) Tape it? Why would you do that? Will it fall off?
1) Do you need to rewire the existing antenna in the 2IS to the fin?
2) Do Sirus and XM require sharkfin?
3) Where is the stock antenna in the 2IS? I can't find it.
4) Where can you get it? and also get it painted?
5) Tape it? Why would you do that? Will it fall off?
Sirius and XM currently do NOT require the Sharkfin, there is an external antenna that can either be installed on the trunk lid (Factory Recommendation), or on the rear deck (Custom Installation). Also, the Satellite Nav antenna is located behind the rear view mirror on the windshield. There currently is no reason to install a sharkfin on the 2IS unless you want if for the appearance.
The stock radio antenna for the 2IS is in the rear window. (In the glass)
You can order the shark fin antenna from Japan or from a US dealer that can order parts from Japan, I am not sure where, and I do not know if they come painted.
You can tape it, it will adhere if done properly and it will not fall off.
-Brian
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 337
From: NJ
Originally Posted by rys
Sirius and XM currently do NOT require the Sharkfin, there is an external antenna that can either be installed on the trunk lid (Factory Recommendation), or on the rear deck (Custom Installation).
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: CA
Originally Posted by Bichon
That's the XM antenna. Lexus Sirius antennas install on the windshield.
It makes no sense to install Sirius in the front of the vehicle. It's possible to install it in the front or the rear depending on how Lexus makes the fit kit. There's a "network" of audio components that have a bus that runs from front to rear. A device can be added anywhere along this bus. (Usually Lexus will opt to have the user interface the bus at the rear amp).
-Brian
Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: IL
Originally Posted by rys
Where? The NAV antenna is already on the windshield behind the rear view mirror? Where do you place the Sirius antenna?
It makes no sense to install Sirius in the front of the vehicle. It's possible to install it in the front or the rear depending on how Lexus makes the fit kit. There's a "network" of audio components that have a bus that runs from front to rear. A device can be added anywhere along this bus. (Usually Lexus will opt to have the user interface the bus at the rear amp).
-Brian
It makes no sense to install Sirius in the front of the vehicle. It's possible to install it in the front or the rear depending on how Lexus makes the fit kit. There's a "network" of audio components that have a bus that runs from front to rear. A device can be added anywhere along this bus. (Usually Lexus will opt to have the user interface the bus at the rear amp).
-Brian
"From a continental US national perspective, the trunk mounted antenna provides the best XM satellite radio signal reception for sedans as does the front window mounted Sirius antenna. For SUVs, the antennas for both XM and Sirius are mounted on the roof. Installation of antennas in areas other than those recommended by the manufacturer could lead to a degradation of satellite signal and poor reception."
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 337
From: NJ
Originally Posted by rys
Where? The NAV antenna is already on the windshield behind the rear view mirror? Where do you place the Sirius antenna?
It makes no sense to install Sirius in the front of the vehicle. It's possible to install it in the front or the rear depending on how Lexus makes the fit kit. There's a "network" of audio components that have a bus that runs from front to rear. A device can be added anywhere along this bus. (Usually Lexus will opt to have the user interface the bus at the rear amp).
-Brian
It makes no sense to install Sirius in the front of the vehicle. It's possible to install it in the front or the rear depending on how Lexus makes the fit kit. There's a "network" of audio components that have a bus that runs from front to rear. A device can be added anywhere along this bus. (Usually Lexus will opt to have the user interface the bus at the rear amp).
-Brian
"When you go to a Lexus dealer to have Sirius installed, they will install a custom kit for Lexus vehicles in your car. This kit includes a triangular antenna that was made specifically for Lexus/Toyota, and it fits up next to your rear-view mirror, at the top of the windshield glass, on the INSIDE of your car."
Trending Topics
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 337
From: NJ
Originally Posted by rys
As I mentioned, that's already where the NAV antenna is, does any one have a real picture of the Sirius install?
-Brian
-Brian
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 337
From: NJ
Originally Posted by rys
Do you not have NAV?
That's where the Navigation antenna is located on my 2IS.
-Brian
That's where the Navigation antenna is located on my 2IS.
-Brian
I do have nav, but I'm not in my car right now to look at the antenna. I'd assume that if there is already an antenna behind the passenger side wing of the rear view mirror, the dealer would put it behind the driver side wing.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: CA
I found the install manual for the GS300. It shows that the module actually hooks into the amp in the trunk. The antenna is actually routed to the front of the vehicle, up the column, and placed on the front windshield.
There are a variety of reasons that Lexus would opt NOT to do this on the IS. First being the curtain airbag. Toyota traditionally avoids removing the A pillar for any kind of dealer installed option if the vehicle is equipped with a curtain airbag in the A pillar.
The only reasons that I can see that they would have installed the antenna in this fashion on the GS are: 1. Asthetics, and 2. The Antenna provided is not weather proof.
I expect that the final Sirius fit kit for ths IS will have a rear mounted antenna. (Rear deck or rear window).
Of course, I could be wrong, I have been before.
-Brian
There are a variety of reasons that Lexus would opt NOT to do this on the IS. First being the curtain airbag. Toyota traditionally avoids removing the A pillar for any kind of dealer installed option if the vehicle is equipped with a curtain airbag in the A pillar.
The only reasons that I can see that they would have installed the antenna in this fashion on the GS are: 1. Asthetics, and 2. The Antenna provided is not weather proof.
I expect that the final Sirius fit kit for ths IS will have a rear mounted antenna. (Rear deck or rear window).
Of course, I could be wrong, I have been before.
-Brian
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 337
From: NJ
The GS also comes standard with side curtain airbags and I believe the connector for the 2IS and 3GS are in roughly the same place in the trunk. My crystal ball says the install instructions for the 2IS will look remarkably similar to the ones you found for the GS. But I'm just speculating too. Guess we'll have to wait until the until the kit is released to know for sure. If you were local, I'd wager a cold beer on this one. 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
