Difference between std. factory radio and one with XM

[cmeinck]

I just go my wife XM radio for Christmas. We have the car kit, but would prefer the built-in option. I'm looking into getting the factory unit that is XM ready. What's involved in getting the new unit working with my XM account? Does the XM model have an AUX out. Once I resolve my battery issues, I'd like to have my iPod hooked up again through the AUX out.

TIA

[westcoastchick]

XM came standard with my 6 disc changer. My question, good folks, XM is free for however long then I have to pay for the sevice. I never use it since I listen to CD's, what are the advantages in keeping it? TIA

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mike E:
I might be able to help a little. I am currently in the process of installing the better radio (6 disc w/xm) in place of my standard stock radio. I physically installed the radio yesterday. The connections from the base radio vs. the upgraded 6 disc radio are the same. The install took about 5 mins. However, as f5fstop stated, the radio did in fact lock on me. So, it will be at the dealer tomorrow to be unlocked. I've been told, and am HOPING, that once unlocked, I will have XM radio and not have to add any other hardware, I'll just need to subscribe. I'll keep you posted. f5fstop, do you think I'm going down the right path here? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You are heading in the right direction; however, if your vehicle did not come with XM from the factory, you will still need something for the XM signal. (Read my previous post in this thread.)
You can purchase the XM receiver module from the dealer, but this also has to be programmed into the vehicle's internal class 2 data bus so that it will operate.

[Mike E]

f5fstop, great info. I greatly appreciate it. That kit looks easy to install. I wonder if I could use the antenna already (onstar) on the H3 instead of mounting a new one?

[fourfourto]

I was at target today they have a xm black box to add it to a stereo.I didnt check the price. They also had some options for mp3 hook up I liked the cig ligher fm type they started at $19.99 I liked the 29.99 one.

[WPBGUY]

Did someone say "Navigation System"?!?!?!?
My ears and eyes popped out!
Can I get it, huh, huh, maybe, yes, huh!!!!
I want it, badly!!!!!

[Mike E]

Guys, I'll post what I know at this point. f5fstop can probably provide more info when he can.

1) i'm not sure there is a difference between the monsoon 6 disc and the 6 disc that I have. I think they are the same radio with an amp hooked to it to make it a monsoon system. I could be wrong.

2) Yes, if you do not have XM from the factory in your H3 you will need the Terk kit for $169.

3) you can install the radio yourself. The connections are the same on the 6 disc versus the standard radio. Remove the chrome panel around the radio by inserting your fingers in the two outlets at the bottom and pullin up and out. You may have to move the shifter back and then turn the key off. Make sure you set the parking brake. Then, there are 4 bolts holding the radio in. Remove them and the radio pulls out. once the radio pulls out just unplug the two plugs and plug the new one in and screw it back to the dash. When you power the car back up the new radio might work for a few seconds before it locks. That's when you call the dealer and make an appointment to unlock the radio. My dealer charged me $50 yesterday to unlock the radio. You HAVE to take it to a dealer because it requires a special device in order to unlock it.

I hope this helps you guys out!!! Live and learn!!

[cmeinck]

Still waiting for my factory radio to come via UPS. Thanks for all the helpful replies, yet I'm still not sure of a few things.

1. Is there a difference between the Monsoon 6-CD factory radio and the Monsoon 6-CD XM-Ready Factory radio? If there isn't then I assume I just bought a radio that I already have?

2. It looks like I'll have to get the TERK kit which includes the XM Module. That's around $169.

3. Since swapping factory radios requires the dealer to activate, do I have to get it installed at the dealer? If so, that's going to be a nice added expense.

This is a great and helpful thread. Thanks to all who have responded.

[cmeinck]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I might be able to help a little. I am currently in the process of installing the better radio (6 disc w/xm) in place of my standard stock radio. I physically installed the radio yesterday. The connections from the base radio vs. the upgraded 6 disc radio are the same. The install took about 5 mins. However, as f5fstop stated, the radio did in fact lock on me. So, it will be at the dealer tomorrow to be unlocked. I've been told, and am HOPING, that once unlocked, I will have XM radio and not have to add any other hardware, I'll just need to subscribe. I'll keep you posted. f5fstop, do you think I'm going down the right path here? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Looks like you're taking the same path I did. I'd be curious to hear how you make out. How easy was it to swap out the stereo's?

[cmeinck]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">XM module is not attached to the radio, it is a separate module that is located under the dash, and wired to the rear of the radio. There is a difference with XM capable and having XM. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Sorry for being dense, but are you saying there is no difference between my factory stereo and the XM capable factory stereo I just bought.

Thanks for your patience and help.

[westcoastchick]

Thanks guys..

[Mike E]

It's very easy to swap out the radios. I did it in about 5 mins. I just wish I could unlock it myself without having to take it to the dealer. They are going to charge me about $50 to unlock it. I'm dropping it off tonight for service in the morning. I should know tomorrow night if I have XM and will let you know. If not, my experiment will continue and I'll probably have to buy a XM kit to install or something. We'll see.....

[cmeinck]

I'm guessing that the one I purchased probably has that module. They sold it as an XM capable radio and they were getting contacted from XM to activate their service. They ended up selling the radio because they upgraded to a navigation system. So my best bet would be to have the dealer swap out the radios?

I should have the new radio in a few days. I'll see if there are any XM modules attached that I can see.

Thanks for your help.

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by f5fstop:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mike E:
f5fstop, great info. I greatly appreciate it. That kit looks easy to install. I wonder if I could use the antenna already (onstar) on the H3 instead of mounting a new one? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I can't answer that, but maybe I'll take a look today. Since Onstar is standard on all H3s, I would have thought GM would only use one antenna that had both connections for XM and for Onstar. However, some on this site who have installed XM have stated that there is only one lead from the antenna going to Onstar. I have not verified this, but maybe I'll get around to looking this up today. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Our computers were down all day, and maybe down tomorrow (thanks EDS), so I could not check the antenna part numbers to see if there are more than one. Maybe tomorrow they will be back up and running.

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mike E:
Thanks! looks like I'll get a quote tomorrow to have that installed. I should have just purchased the better radio when I bought the H3. Live a learn! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Before paying the possible high price for the stock XM receiver module, after you have the 6-disk reprogrammed, check this thread:
http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/4871031121/m/1...691020641#8691020641
Go down to the message from kodiakz, he talks about a system from terk, that does the same and is less expensive. Just a thought.

[H3Eric]

Mike E, thank you very much! I will install the radio this or next week.

[Mike E]

Thanks! looks like I'll get a quote tomorrow to have that installed. I should have just purchased the better radio when I bought the H3. Live a learn!

[H3Eric]

I meant the volume difference between the standard radio and the moonsoon without amp.

[Hummer Guy]

You can get whats called an XM direct connect for any H3 radio. We used the same one for the H2, but it was a real pain to get it to fit/work properly in the H3, but it was done.

[NEOCON1]

when they swapped to monsoon did they add the 200 watt amp that is standard with monsoon