Running a XM antenna Wire

[HummerNewbie]

I received my XM Direct kit from Terk today and plan on hooking it up tonight. Last night I briefly looks for a good route to get the antenna to the outside of the vehicle but saw none. Granted I only looked for a moment. What has everyone else done or does anyone have any suggestions. I did some searching but didn't find anything.

[HummerNewbie]

I received my XM Direct kit from Terk today and plan on hooking it up tonight. Last night I briefly looks for a good route to get the antenna to the outside of the vehicle but saw none. Granted I only looked for a moment. What has everyone else done or does anyone have any suggestions. I did some searching but didn't find anything.

[deicustoms1]

Can't you use the stock antenna?

[HummerNewbie]

While searching today to determine the best route I saw some debate regarding if you can use the factory antenna or not. Not sure if my antenna is wired for XM since it didn't come factory. If anyone has been following this debate and knows for sure, I would love to know. If I can use it, I would also need to know how to get to the connection.

[Sewie]

The best route would probably be to go out the grommet in one of the front doors and up the A-pillar molding.

Of course that depends on where you plan on mounting the antenna.

[HummerNewbie]

Thanks for the input Sewie. I didn't really look too hard tonight at running the antenna as I just wanted to make sure it worked. I might go that route. I am droping it off Monday morning to get the DVD and Marker lights install. Wonder if the dealer would run the wire up there for me or not. Guess if I don't get to it this weekend its is worth asking. Now if I can find out for sure if the factory antenna would work and how to connect to it, that is what I will do.

Having done so many system installs over the years I have been very impressed with the fit and finish of the interior. Hummer did a great job.

[f5fstop]

On Saturn VUEs, installing XM for friends, I have mounted the antenna at the back, and ran the wire over the rear edge of the rear door, then under the headliner, over to the right side, down and from there on, to the front under sill moldings. Then up the kick panel and to the unit.
I believe this would work for the H3.
As Sewie states, the A-pillar would be a good way too. Run the wire down the A-pillar molding, to where it ends, then back through the grommet from the door to the inside of the vehicle.

[HummerNewbie]

That is pretty much how I had run it on my Mountaineer but looking at the fit and finish of the H3, it looks like more of a project than the Mountaineer was. I think I am probably going to go the A-pillar route. I did see in the manual that it mentioned having the sunroof open could effect the reception with the factory antenna though. That would be a reason to go to the back.

[deicustoms1]

I did my gps navi antenna somewhat similar to how f5 does.

Antenna in the back center, run the wire along the gap between the rubber and the roof when the rear door is open. Tucked under the plastic piece above the tail light on the drivers side, came across and tucked right into the moldings at the headliner. Went all the way to the drivers a-pillar that way, then went down to the kick, and to the stereo.

I did try several other routes and the fit and finish as you said, did make it harder. There is enough play in the headliner to tuck a wire into the plastic side pieces though for sure.

[HummerNewbie]

I will have to go look at going that route. I think in does work better if it is centered at the back of the vehicle. I am actually surprise how when it is receiving right now sitting on the dash by the A-pillar on the passenger side.

[fourfourto]

This is were they put my gps antenna

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by fourfourto:
This is were they put my gps antenna </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That looks good. I will have to move it back just slightly because the marker lights being install but make go there.

Just an FYI for anyone thinking about getting the Terk GM Direct Connect XM. I saw a number of posts linking to this for $200. I got it through Amazon for $162 including UPS 2 Day shipping.