DIY: Removing XM Antenna

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Old 05-10-2010 | 03:54 PM
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DIY: Removing XM Antenna

This DIY is to show everyone an easy way of taking out their XM antenna. I have heard many people say, that you have to take out the entire headliner in order to do this, but that is incorrect.

With the weather becomming nicer out, I recently blacked out my roof, and took my antenna out for a better fit of the vinyl, and so I could paint the antenna. Many people are now blacking out their roof, so I hope this helps many people complete the job, maing it wasier, and cleaner.

In total, this should take no longer than 10 minutes to take out. It is very simple and straight forward.


Start by taking off the plastic pieces that cover each lighbulb. I used a flat heard screw driver to pop it, then just took it off by hand.

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Next, there will be 2 8mm bolts next to each bulb that hold the assembly to the roof. Take these two bolts out. You can also use a phillips head screw driver.

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Now you are able to pull it out from the headliner with your hand. It may be stuck there, since it has not been removed in a while. Just pull on it, nothing will break.

After taking it out, it will be attached by a wire harness. Simply push on the one tab and remove the harness.

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Now that that's out of the way, you will need to remove the third break light cover. This is only being held on by a few push pins and clips. You can take it off by hand, by starting at one corner and working your way around, and then just pull it off. This allows the headliner to "give" a little, giving you more room to reach the bolt that holds the antenna to the roof.

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You will now see a 17mm bolt, and a wire harness. The red arrow shows where the push pin is that you need to push in order to remove the harness.

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Taking the 17mm bolt off can be alittle tricky. You'll need to put the entire socket/wrench between the headliner and roof. It is tight, but once you loosen the bolt, you should be able to remove it by hand.

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Now, from the inside, just push on the antenna and it should pop off. Go out to the roof, and just pull on it, and you should be done!

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I hope this helps some people. I know it is easy and straight forward, but I have heard too many people say that the headliner needs to come down. Thanks for looking and good luck!
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Old 05-10-2010 | 05:45 PM
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Thanks for the post. Going for the blacked out roof soon myself and really didn't want to mess with the headliner!
Old 05-10-2010 | 06:43 PM
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Old 05-10-2010 | 07:21 PM
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good info! I always thought the roof liner had to be pulled out or something
Old 05-10-2010 | 07:51 PM
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Nice DIY!!!
Old 05-10-2010 | 07:56 PM
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im going to be doing carbon fiber roof...the legit way..
Old 05-10-2010 | 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by poormans_tl69
im going to be doing carbon fiber roof...the legit way..
Too legit to quit I wish I had known this before doing mine lol oh well, luckily I have plenty more where that came from. Nice write-up!
Old 05-10-2010 | 08:35 PM
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yea i came up with the idea when i noticed everyone doing the black roofs. i have time to do so why not
Old 05-10-2010 | 08:51 PM
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yea everyone has the black roof so i decided to do cf since i have the time to do it..
Old 05-11-2010 | 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Timb227
With the weather becomming nicer out, I recently blacked out my roof,
I'm not sure I understand why when it gets hot someone would want to black out their roof? Black attracts heat. White repels heat.
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Old 05-11-2010 | 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by kidrocking79
I'm not sure I understand why when it gets hot someone would want to black out their roof? Black attracts heat. White repels heat.
Because instead of doing this mod in the winter, where temps are freezing, it is alot easier and more comfortable to do them in the winter. It is also easier to play with the vinyl, and get it to sit right if it's warmer out. If you're worried about the black attracting heat, then why do they even make black cars? Not a vaild point.
Old 05-11-2010 | 10:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Timb227
Because instead of doing this mod in the winter, where temps are freezing, it is alot easier and more comfortable to do them in the winter. It is also easier to play with the vinyl, and get it to sit right if it's warmer out. If you're worried about the black attracting heat, then why do they even make black cars? Not a vaild point.
LOL.. nevermind.. I was going in a totally different direction with this.. I thought that you were blacking out your roof because it was getting hot out.. if that makes any sense.. anyways... thanx for the explanation.. I feel so dumb right now..
Old 05-11-2010 | 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by kidrocking79
LOL.. nevermind.. I was going in a totally different direction with this.. I thought that you were blacking out your roof because it was getting hot out.. if that makes any sense.. anyways... thanx for the explanation.. I feel so dumb right now..
LOL, it's all good man
Old 05-12-2010 | 01:25 PM
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Great writeup, maybe I can finally get my roof done now a little easier!
Old 05-12-2010 | 01:47 PM
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Nice write up Tim!
Old 05-13-2010 | 09:38 AM
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gonna need this so when the roof is painted its done right.
Old 05-13-2010 | 10:23 AM
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this looks easy enough that it can be done before waxing the roof! thanks
Plus now I can go for that shark fin antenna
Old 05-13-2010 | 11:27 AM
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good work, thanks
Old 05-13-2010 | 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by poormans_tl69
im going to be doing carbon fiber roof...the legit way..

lol...the legit way....wtf does that mean
Old 05-13-2010 | 07:52 PM
  #20  
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"the legit way" lol everyone asks the same ? it means im doing the real carbon fiber..like doing all the resin work, clearing and sanding...the long process not just buying the look alike carbon fiber vinyl..
Old 05-13-2010 | 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by poormans_tl69
"the legit way" lol everyone asks the same ? it means im doing the real carbon fiber..like doing all the resin work, clearing and sanding...the long process not just buying the look alike carbon fiber vinyl..
oh ok....keep me posted on that...thats gonna look sick
Old 05-14-2010 | 06:29 PM
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Good DIY! I did this same thing when I vinyled my roof.. I have an extra XM antenna for sale if anyone wants to paint it!
Old 03-19-2011 | 01:06 AM
  #23  
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Old 03-19-2011 | 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by poormans_tl69
yea i came up with the idea when i noticed everyone doing the black roofs. i have time to do so why not
Because it will look like ass.......
Old 03-19-2011 | 11:54 AM
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^ You think the black roof looks like ass?
Old 03-19-2011 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by stvtec
^ You think the black roof looks like ass?
No, I think Carbon Fiber will look ass-ish. {to put it politely}
The black roof on a white TL looks better than I though it would, although here in Texas I would need my white roof reflecting all the heat it could!!!
Just like I wish our moon roof's were solid and not glass!
Still wishing I had run across a white TL 6MT with ebony, but AM at least was my second choice.
Just came from a black car. Just don't want the hassle of black again......
Old 03-19-2011 | 01:57 PM
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I hear ya. I definitely lucked out with the 6MT white/ebony.

Someone already did a true CF roof, maybe it was even that guy posting above. It looks amazing IMO, but the guy actually did it with the stock moon roof. I think if I were going through all the trouble of a CF roof, I'd axe the moonroof to remove all that weight that it puts at the highest point in the car.
Old 04-19-2011 | 05:53 PM
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wish i had this info 3 days ago, lol
Old 03-15-2014 | 03:50 PM
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I am new to the site and I found this is really helpful.

Thank you!
Old 03-27-2014 | 12:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Timb227
This DIY is to show everyone an easy way of taking out their XM antenna. I have heard many people say, that you have to take out the entire headliner in order to do this, but that is incorrect.

With the weather becomming nicer out, I recently blacked out my roof, and took my antenna out for a better fit of the vinyl, and so I could paint the antenna. Many people are now blacking out their roof, so I hope this helps many people complete the job, maing it wasier, and cleaner.

In total, this should take no longer than 10 minutes to take out. It is very simple and straight forward.


Start by taking off the plastic pieces that cover each lighbulb. I used a flat heard screw driver to pop it, then just took it off by hand.



Next, there will be 2 8mm bolts next to each bulb that hold the assembly to the roof. Take these two bolts out. You can also use a phillips head screw driver.



Now you are able to pull it out from the headliner with your hand. It may be stuck there, since it has not been removed in a while. Just pull on it, nothing will break.

After taking it out, it will be attached by a wire harness. Simply push on the one tab and remove the harness.



Now that that's out of the way, you will need to remove the third break light cover. This is only being held on by a few push pins and clips. You can take it off by hand, by starting at one corner and working your way around, and then just pull it off. This allows the headliner to "give" a little, giving you more room to reach the bolt that holds the antenna to the roof.



You will now see a 17mm bolt, and a wire harness. The red arrow shows where the push pin is that you need to push in order to remove the harness.



Taking the 17mm bolt off can be alittle tricky. You'll need to put the entire socket/wrench between the headliner and roof. It is tight, but once you loosen the bolt, you should be able to remove it by hand.



Now, from the inside, just push on the antenna and it should pop off. Go out to the roof, and just pull on it, and you should be done!




I hope this helps some people. I know it is easy and straight forward, but I have heard too many people say that the headliner needs to come down. Thanks for looking and good luck!
do u know how to remove or should i say disable XM radio it self?
Old 05-28-2014 | 05:54 PM
  #31  
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Two questions for you:

1.) Does this XM antenna dual function as your Navigation antenna?
2.) Can you use/tap-into this antenna to add to a TV Tuner?
3.) What's the benefit of removing?

Thanks
Old 05-29-2014 | 08:32 AM
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mrsinister12, here are my answers...

1.) Does this XM antenna dual function as your Navigation antenna?
No, navi antenna is located on the rear deck behind your rear seats near the passenger side speaker.
2.) Can you use/tap-into this antenna to add to a TV Tuner?
Probably not unless there is some kit out there to convert the xm antenna to a tv tuner.
3.) What's the benefit of removing?
I removed it so that I could wrap my roof easier.. Then I put it right back.
Old 07-09-2014 | 08:04 AM
  #33  
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So if I unhook the connector to the antenna, will that completely cut the XM signal to my XM tuner? I hooked up a GROM audio adapter to play mp3 music through the XM button and the XM is bleeding through when I play from my iPhone. I'm trying to figure out how to cut off the XM signal. Thanks!
Old 07-09-2014 | 10:36 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by elahey
So if I unhook the connector to the antenna, will that completely cut the XM signal to my XM tuner? I hooked up a GROM audio adapter to play mp3 music through the XM button and the XM is bleeding through when I play from my iPhone. I'm trying to figure out how to cut off the XM signal. Thanks!
Conventional wisdom says yes, but not sure.. Go give it a shot and report back!!
Old 06-10-2015 | 07:28 PM
  #35  
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Great post with great directions! Thanks!
Old 06-14-2015 | 02:09 AM
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This is relevant to my interests. Nice DIY
Old 08-17-2016 | 02:33 PM
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Remove wire harness???

[QUOTE=Timb227;12003044]
You will now see a 17mm bolt, and a wire harness. The red arrow shows where the push pin is that you need to push in order to remove the harness.

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/QUOTE]

What do I do to get the harness out? I am not sure what the red arrow is pointing to and whether I am pushing or pulling. I've tried for 20 minutes now to get this harness off!!! Can someone please help me before I break this thing? LOL

And how easy is it to put it back in if I ever do get this out???

HELP!!!! Thank you in advance!!!
Old 08-17-2016 | 02:59 PM
  #38  
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Got it!!!

So for those of you reading this later...there is a black connector just near the white area where the red arrow is pointing....push that in and then slide out the antenna connector. That was driving me crazy!!!
Old 09-04-2018 | 01:32 PM
  #39  
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Intermittent SiriusXM Radio reception.
My XM Satellite Radio reception (2007 Acura TL w/NAVI) became momentarily intermittent during a holiday trip in 2012.
I let my annual XM Radio subscription lapse, and only recently reactivated (2017), under a special SiriusXM program for older automobiles (>10 years).

The intermittent, dropped XM Satellite reception would only occur infrequently between 1 to 5 seconds in length.
After reviewing numerous comments on AcuraZine and Resetting my Satellite Radio (per XMSirius instructions),
I determined that the fault was likely with the XMRadio antenna (and built-in pre-amp fed DC power via antenna coax).
this approach is common with “L-band” GPS antennas (1.575GHz).

XM Radio (2332.5-2345 GHz) and Sirius Radio (2320-2332.5 GHz) use adjacent S-band allocations at 2.3 GHz.
==
I ordered a replacement XMRadio antenna and 17mm nut from AcuraPartsWarehouse
Part No.: 39150-SEP-A11ZE
Antenna Assy., XM *NH700M*

Part No.: 39513-SZ3-A71
17mm Nut Assy.
==
I followed the excellent “How To” instructions for accessing the XM Satellite antenna
connection point (17mm nut and modular Antenna connector), shown in photo,
under the back headliner.

Sirius XM Antenna connector to Acura TL cable harness.
===
SURPRISE: The Harness Modular Antenna Connector for the XMRadio antenna, was NOT where I expected it.
The cable was taunt, over some sharp metal ridges of the roof. I observed no breaks in the coax cable (chaffing) ...
HOWEVER, I found that the Modular Antenna Connector was NOT FULLY “Snapped”.

I reached under the headliner, to get a few millimeters of slack on the car’s harness coax cable.
I deteched the modular connectors (Easy since they were not properly snapped), and
THEN aligned and re-inserted until the connectors “Snapped” for proper Locking.
===
My Acura dealer has never worked on this area of the 2007 Acura TL ...
and given the torque required to remove the rear passenger light (it was Acura factory tightened).

At this point, I am going to observe operation of my XM Radio over the next couple weeks.
IF the drop-outs have stopped, THEN there are TWO Root Causes for this Intermittent.

1.) Insufficient Harness Slack was provided at the location for the XM Satellite Radio Antenna.
2.) Acura Factory Assembly Error (4th Quarter 2006) in not properly snapping connector OR
Not Reporting Issue to Production QA for addressing lack of Cable Harness slack at location (bad routing?)
==
OBSERVATION:
The 2007 Acura TL with NAVI wiring harness connector to XM radio uses only one (1) coaxial antenna socket.
The modular connector has slots for Two (2) socket connectors, so only One (1) is used.

In other Acura models (years, options), both of these slots have coaxial sockets for Antennas.
The GPS antenna, in the 2007 TL with NAVI is located behind rear seat, “sees sky” through rear window glass.

greg
chicago
Old 09-07-2018 | 07:11 AM
  #40  
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From: New Friggin Jerzy
Originally Posted by w9gb
Intermittent SiriusXM Radio reception.

At this point, I am going to observe operation of my XM Radio over the next couple weeks.

Any improvement in your XM reception?
.
.


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