Xm Satellite Commander Install Write-up

[BtownVolvo]

Someone on Swedespeed asked if I could do a write-up on my XM Satellite radio install and figured I'd go ahead and post it here as well.

If you're going to install the display in the same place as I did in the overhead console, it is best to retrofit the holder included with the radio in the plastic piece first [which will now be named "the mount"]. Reason being is if you're going to paint it as I have (which I highly recommend), you're going to want to let the paint dry at least 24 hours to cure properly. The paint I used was just an ordinary satin black. It matches the rest of the black trim up there nearly perfectly.

Retrofitting the mount is pretty self explanatory. Dremel out an opening so it slides on and reinforce with some heavy duty double sided mounting tape. I painted this piece completely assembled so to make sure the whole thing matched. Don't forget to wipe down the mount with some kind of spirit to clean it up (i've even used vodka if none is available). I put down about 3-4 thin coats just to be safe. Again, I HIGHLY recommend you let it cure for at least 24 hours to prevent any permanent scuffing. Now, moving along...

Also, if you are using the FM modulator as I have, you will need to fabricate the antenna wires per Gregg's instructions. I would tell you how to do it myself, but he charges for the manual so it's a mods call if I disclose this info. Click Here for Gregg's website. It's 3 bucks for the manual. If you can't spare that in the quarters in your center console, you probably don't have XM radio. It's very simple to make.

Before you start wiring things up, I always lay out the wires along intended routes just to keep everything organized. Start by removing the back hat deck lid by pulling down on the two plastic tabs and pushing up on either side to snap it out of place. Once both sides are undone, slide it towards you.

Next, connect the FM antenna wires per Gregg's instructions and run them down the back left panel (in relation to the car) to the hat deck, taking care to go above the curtain airbag. There should be some wires up there already you can zip-tie them to.

Take some more double sided mounting tape and tape both the FM modulator and the control unit to the top of the hat deck.

At this point, you can connect the antenna cables to the FM modulator. Male from window into female modulator, male from modulator into female from window.

Antenna wiring:

After testing possible "hidden" positions in the car and realizing it wouldn't go in the shark fin for me (I have GPS), I got the best signal from the trunk. Start at the actual antenna and work your way back to the control unit. You can see where I ran my wire in the following pictures.

From there I simply followed the cables coming out of the gasket up the hole in the hat deck and wrapped up the excess cable with a zip-tie. That was easy!

Power Wires:

Oh noes! The dreaded part! Surprisingly, Volvo did us a HUGE favor here and pre-wired us some 12v and accessory plugs in the trunk! All you have to do is crimp on some male plugs and you're set! This is where you pay off from my trial and error. I didn't have any handy at the time so I took a feeler gauge and simply fabricated my own plug by soldering the wire directly on the feeler gauge. For the 12v placement (yellow wire), look behind the right cover in the trunk where you will see a lovely plug with a nice thick red wire going into it. Take note that it's on which side exactly it's going into, like so:

Run that side of the wire up the nearest hole in the hat deck. For the accessory plug (red wire), look under the left side cover now. You will see a tiny plug taped down directly below the amp:

Same drill here, crimp a male connector and plug it in. Grounding is also a breeze! Take a spare nut and bolt and simply tighten it down in one of the many empty holes in the hat deck as seen here:

Power is done! Yes, it's really that simple.

Now for the prized display. Make sure you run the end of the cable through the mounting bracket before you run the wire through the headliner or you'll be kicking yourself later. Start by pulling off the trim along the sunroof and twisting and pulling out the holders in the back 90*. I also removed the left rear "oh shit" handle just because I didn't want to risk creasing the headliner. The handle is 2 bolts and a swift jerk and it's out.

Straighten out a hanger and thread 'er on through. This is the path I followed:

Run it along the same left panel and zip-tie it along the same wires as the antenna's to keep it clear of the airbag. We're on the home stretch now!

Connect everything up and wrap up loose wires (clean or what-have-you). You can see how I ran my wires, with the exception of the red one. Just ignore that...another trial and error mistake.

Replace the headliner surround, panel, "oh shit" handle, etc... and turn it on to see if it works!

FYI, this is basically what I see while driving. Facing forward:

Looking at the radio:

Congrats! You've installed your satellite radio better than the dude at Best Buy!

Cheers and Happy Wrenching!

Reid

[(n)A-GAME]

Great writeup! When I installed Sirius in my dad's S60, I actually just mounted the antenna on the rear parcel shelf because I hate the way sat radio antennas ruin the look of a car.

[beasters]

I'm SO envious of your car.

ugh.

[BtownVolvo]

Great writeup! When I installed Sirius in my dad's S60, I actually just mounted the antenna on the rear parcel shelf because I hate the way sat radio antennas ruin the look of a car.

Yea I tried that, but got REALLY poor reception. I figured this is because 1.) tint and 2.) the radio antenna is integrated into the rear window = interference

I'm SO envious of your car.

ugh.

Thanks! :D