XM Radio Set Top Box

[johnjrval424]

I bought a used 2008 Hyundai Sonata about 2 months ago. Recently, my XM radio (factory installed) began losing its signal. Now, I get the read-out on my radio: "Antenna".

Two dealership diagnostics later, I'm told that the XM set top box is bad and needs to be replaced. The problem is that it is on national backorder and neither dealership has any idea when it will become available. Sooooo, now I have a XM radio with no XM signal and no prospect of when it will be fixed. Dealerships say it will cost $271.00 for the unit, $389.00 with labor (which we won't do because my husband found where it is located in the trunk and removed it himself).

Someone mentioned that I should take out the factory-installed radio and put in an after-market radio because they have more features (Bluetooth, etc.) and will cost about the same. But, my question is, don't I still need the set top box because it is the "brains" of the XM system? How would an after-market radio operate with having to install yet another receiver for the XM signal? Unless I totally misunderstand the set top box function...

Any ideas? Suggestions?

 

[dn0121]

Wirelessly posted (Baconator 9000: BlackBerry8330/4.5.0.77 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

No a new head unit would have the XM brains in it.

 

[johnjrval424]

Wirelessly posted (Baconator 9000: BlackBerry8330/4.5.0.77 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

No a new head unit would have the XM brains in it.

So, in other words, the XM receiver that comes with a new radio unit would be installed in the trunk in place of the factory-installed set top box?

Thanks for being patient....

 

[aps45819]

If you're doing it yourself, check out Crutchfield.
Car Audio: Subwoofers, Car Stereos, Amps, Receivers, CD Players
They provide detailed installation procedures, any adapters you might need and excellant customer service if you have a problem with the install

 

[johnjrval424]

If you're doing it yourself, check out Crutchfield.
Car Audio: Subwoofers, Car Stereos, Amps, Receivers, CD Players
They provide detailed installation procedures, any adapters you might need and excellant customer service if you have a problem with the install

Thanks. I've been checking out crutchfield for their products. I know they are the pre-eminent "go-to" people for radios, etc.

I just want to make sure that whatever I buy will work without this set top box in my trunk. I'm not that savvy when it comes to car radio products.

Maybe I'll just call Crutchfield and ask their people...

 

[workaholic]

Thanks. I've been checking out crutchfield for their products. I know they are the pre-eminent "go-to" people for radios, etc.

I just want to make sure that whatever I buy will work without this set top box in my trunk. I'm not that savvy when it comes to car radio products.

Maybe I'll just call Crutchfield and ask their people...

Thats your best bet if you are not familiar with Car Audio.

You have to be careful when buying a head unit for your car for XM. Some units say XM Ready and they require additional hardware. Some have it all built in and all you have to do is install it. When installing a head unit with XM radio you are going to have to route a new antenna wire to the roof of the car. It is not hard but chances are you will not be able to use your existing antenna especially if your current receiver box is in the trunk.

If i were you I would give Crutchfield a call and pick their brains. They will also provide you with all of the wiring harnesses and mounting hardware tat you may need for your specific car. The other cool thing is they are located in Charlottesville, VA. So anything you order usually shows up on your door step the next day! At least if you are in SOMD.