DIY: Hardwired XM (or iPod) Clean Install - No more wires!
 

Check it out!!!! I’m declaring this the cleanest aftermarket XM installation around.

I used the HON-AUX adapter to get CD-quality sound through the CD changer input on the stock headunit. The difference this makes is amazing. I went from using the FM transmitter, to the cassette adapter, to this, and wow, what a difference. You can use this with your XM receiver, iPod or anything with a headphone jack. When you turn up the music, it doesn’t sound fuzzy or distorted for once. CD quality baby!

I also hardwired the power for the XM receiver to free up my cigarette lighter (not because I smoke but just because it looks so much better). I used the outlet for my XM but you can use the instructions below to hardwire anything that plugs into a cigarette lighter outlet.


Materials....

1 – XM Receiver (mine is a Delphi SkyFi 2)

1 – HON-AUX Auxiliary Input Converter (http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piehonaux.html)

1 – RCA male to 3.5mm headphone jack cable (to connect the HON-AUX box to your XM or iPod headphone jack)

1 – Auxiliary 12v power outlet (I forget the exact name of this, but it comes with a metal cigarette lighter outlet and mounting bracket, red and black wire, and one or two little blue t-taps that you use to tap into your car’s 12v wire – it’s all packed into a tiny little package and was hanging up with all of the electrical stuff in the Walmart automotive section – it was $5.00)

1 – Pair of pliers (to clamp the t-tap shut)


Here we go....

1. Disconnect your car battery. You’ll be sorry if you don’t. :tomato:

2. Install the HON-AUX inside the dash behind or below the headunit. There is already a DIY for this on here somewhere, just do a search.

3. Now install the power outlet. On the driver side of the center console, reach down and pull out the piece of carpet that covers the little area beneath the headunit (see Step 3 below). It just snaps in and out of place, so just give it a yank and it will un-snap.

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4. Look for some wires going into a connector with a piece of foam wrapped around it (see Step 4 above).

5. The BLUE/WHITE wire going into the connector is the 12v. You want to tap the red wire into this wire, and connect the other end of the red wire to the metal aux outlet. Make sure you connect it to the correct connector on the aux outlet. Look at the diagram on the back of the package.

6. Ground the black wire. You can tap the ground wire if you know which one it is, but I just put an O-ring on the end of the black wire and screwed it onto the metal frame (see Step 6 below).

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7. Plug the XM power cord into the aux outlet (see below).

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8. Shove everything under the dash somewhere, or mount it if you want. This is what it looks like when you’re done (see below).

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9. Reconnect your car battery and enjoy!


Finished pics....

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PS. Before anyone asks, my shift knob is from an MDX. No, it doesn't fit. I had to force it on there. But it matches perfectly.

Very nice!!

How do you like XM? So far I'm happy with Sirius. I miss Opie and Anthony though

great job... just one thing... your aux outlet just looks like another cig outlet... why didn't you just cut the cig plug off the XM power cord and hardwire it straight into your t-taps... looks like an extra step unless you plan on taking the XM unit out of the car and still need the plug functionality...

but great job nonetheless... :thumbsup:

Thanks Ken.... XM is great. I don't know how I lived without it. When it comes to XM vs Sirius, it just depends on who you ask. I'm happy with XM.


Thanks Kam.... I was originally going to do a real hardwire like you describe, but I wanted to stay flexible just in case I decide to switch XM receivers or whatever. I also like the idea of having an extra cigarette lighter outlet tucked away for a radar detector or anything else I might want to just pop in.

Great job on the install and the write-up!

~Cheers~

I have XM on my '05 TL and Sirius on my '97, so I'm paying double :rant:

So if I want to listen to Opie and Anthony I take the '05 to work :D

so in order to hear the XM, you press CD on your stock radio? cause theres no aux button

Hey Petie, where did you get your shift knob? I like that a lot. I actually bought one for my Lexus RX330. Is this a Toyota-Lexus knob you are using? Or is this an Acura accessory? Nice knob...ok, nice write up for the AUX input, I still think it is a rip off for $70 for the adapter....hence I have not done anything. 2ndly, I do not have an IPOD nor sat radio...I mainly listen to NPR...shows my age....

lol i listen to NPR alot too and I'm 27. He already answered that question in this very thread. Under his last picture he said:

PS. Before anyone asks, my shift knob is from an MDX. No, it doesn't fit. I had to force it on there. But it matches perfectly.

Yes that knob is butter!

Gotta get one.....force means...screw it in....hard, like raping?

I have Sirius in my 96. They installed it at Circuit City. They hardwired it for me, but not through the CD.

I do like the shift knob, but I have a gray marble type interior on black leather. I do want another knob.

nice job!

Any more xm ideas for my 2002 tl-s?