SIR-GM1 to 06 factory Nav with NO XM

[mowdoc]

IT WORKS GREAT!! Just be ready to do a long install.

OK - I wanted the Sirius built in to my 06 H2 that had the stock touch screen Nav and did not come with XM or 6 disc CD changer. I was using the Sirius Starmate with replay but the glare from this thing at night was too much and since I was running thru the antenna, I was hearing analog music.

Install of the SIR-GM1 was time consuming to say it nicely. I have changed the dash panels before (thanks Stuart) and have experience with that or I would still be installing this thing.

I have read, and believe them, that some people can reach the plugs on the back of the radio. I could not. So I had to unbolt the console and move it back a couple of inches. Then the center dash panel and the passenger dash panel had to come off as well. The glove box was dropped open to provide the best accessability. Once the dash was out of the way I removed the radio/nav unit. Now the plugs were easy to see/figure out and change. After the supplied "T" harness was plugged into the radio/nav unit it was installed back into the dash. The harness is too short to put the Sirius anywhere except on the pass side of the radio. Double sided tape worked perfect for this. The wiring was easy and everything you need comes in the kit. It is easy to figure out and things plug right in. Next was the 12 volt power supply needed for the new unit. I ran this from the fuse block on driver side of dash.

The antenna was mounted between the sunroof and the front right amber clearance light on top. One screw removes this light. Then I ran the wire thru the light wire grommet and fished it down the right A pillar then under the dash to the tuner. It took a few minutes of fishing with a coat hanger and help from the wife to do this but it come out very clean and was worth the effort.

How does it sound? - SWEEEEET!! CD quality for sure.

The touch screen display still says XM1 and XM2 when selected but down near the title and artist it says Sirius. Title and Artist do not scroll. The channel and catagory are displayed as well as time of day. The screen still shows the big H2 when booting up as it did before. There are a couple of display options that seem worthless to me but others may use them.

All of the steering wheel controls work perfectly. The best part is you can shut down the screen for night driving.

The down side - direct access channel selection can not be made from a keypad. You must use presets or scroll thru all the channels by using the channel select or search bottons.

I bought the SIR-GM1 at Circuit City for $99. They would install it for $105. This may be worth it to many. I prefer to do my own work. At least I know all the screws got put back and if the dash rattles I know who to blame.

Bottom Line - the SIR-GM1 works as advertised. It NEEDS direct channel access IMO. The sound is great. Everything you need comes in the kit except for a short wire for 12 volt power and a piggy-back fuse holder.

Most will need to plan an entire afternoon or pay for the install.

mowdoc

[OldHiker]

I just came back from Circuit City. $99 for the unit $60 for the install. Then it turns out to be defective! They did not have another unit so I must wait for the replacement.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

[mowdoc]

That's a bummer OldHiker.

The wait is worth it for the music though.

$60 sounds about right for the install. I could do another one in under 2 hours. There was a lot to figure out the first time. Plus those guys in the install shops have the quick connecters and stuff to speed it up.

The SIR-GM1 would be simple to install if the factory XM was there. No need to remove radio then, just open glove box and unplug the old XM and plug in the new Sirius unit. You reuse the same mount and the wire will reach. Putting the Sirius in where no XM was before requires much more work.

mowdoc

[mrmayhem]

that sounded just like my install. Sirius is much better than XM.. Funny..now that I got rid of XM..they keep calling me and offering me all types of free systems to stay with them.
Next project will be to install the Ipod interface to the stock 6disc system.. supposedly integrates to the stereo.

[H2NY]

I have the ipod interface installed now justh have to install the SIR-GM1. Hope it all goes smoothly..