Sirius Radio installation in 2010 Tacoma Access Cab

Thanks to those who have posted previously regarding installing Sirius or XM receivers into Toyota Tacomas with satellite-ready radios possessing an AM/SAT (but NOT XM) button. Here’s what I did with my 2010 Tacoma access cab, standard 6 V6:

It took some web surfing to determine if a Sirius system could be installed since most indications in the manual and elsewhere are that the OEM radio head unit is intended for XM. The short of it is yes, it can be done.

I initially went to TSS-Radio Sales (http://www.tss-radio.com) and looked at the TOYSC1/SCC1 system. This is what their tech support folks told me:


We do not recommend the TOYSCC1 for the 2010 model year because of software compatibility. We recommend the VAIS or the iSimple product instead. You can certainly try the TOYSC1/SCC1, but it hasn't been updated in quite some time and it may not yield the same results the SLS2 or the iSimple system would.

This is the VAIS interface -
http://www.tss-radio.com/toyota-sirius-interface-package-auxiliary-p-4471.html


Another option, I gather, is this: http://www.tss-radio.com/isimple-toyota-factory-upgrade-kit-for-sirius-p-6961.html

In the end, I opted for the Sirius receiver manufactured by Toyota, which I purchased from http://www.toyotapart.com:

PT545-00080, SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO RECEIVER, $115.79

PT545-0C081, SIRIUS FIT KIT, $93.38


Other vendors sell these two parts as well. I went this route in large part because there’s only one piece of equipment, the receiver, to be installed.

If you’ve read any of the install-a-satellite-receiver-in-a-Tacoma blog entries, you know that you must also purchase the SFA12M adapter cable (http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=1154) which allows you to use the factory satellite radio antenna instead of the magnetic antenna included in the receiver kit.

My receiver and fit kit came promptly, but installation instructions were not included. You can find the instructions here:

(http://www.toyotapart.com/2009-2010...SSY_PT545-00080_T-AI-0402-D_--PT545-35090.pdf)

Oddly, these instructions seem not to include a description of how to affix the receiver in the rear auxiliary box area in the access cab model. But you can find that description in the XM receiver installation instructions here:


As a bonus, these instructions provide info on how to remove the ridiculous subwoofer. But I digress….

In the end, I elected not to hassle with removing all of the trim, seats, boxes, etc. that would allow for mounting in the back. I have read that there is space for mounting behind the passenger side kick panel, but I saw no available space. I chose a spot just forward of and left of the shift lever—mounted in the center console, driver’s side. If you want to get into the console, pull up the center cup holder. You should be able to do this by hand or with a nylon tool. Unscrew the four screws. Unscrew the shift knob. The forward part of the console is separate but connected to the aft portion. I expect that you could detach the front from the back, but I didn’t. Instead I lifted out the carpet from the center console storage box, and unscrewed the two bolts. The whole console will then lift back, up, and out. The inner sides of the console have sound insulation affixed to them. I removed a small piece of the insulation, matched with the size of the receiver. In order to mount the receiver, I flexed the screw tabs on the receiver until they snapped off, the breaks flush with the sides of the receiver. With these tabs gone, the receiver fits perfectly onto the inner surface of console. I affixed it Velcro tape, as I didn’t care for the provided double-sided tape.

Removal of the footrest, scuff plate, and the cowl side trim board (kick panel), as described in the instructions, is straight forward and easy (I used a nylon trim tool). I hooked up the antenna and wire harness, using the power and antenna connectors behind the kick panel, before final installation to make sure everything was working (until you activate your receiver, ‘Station 184’ appears on the screen, and Sirius promo info is broadcast). I then tucked it all away and replaced all of the trim. Routing the wires from behind the kick panel area to up and behind the dash and back down into the console was a minor chore, but it should be ok, and the wires are tied up and out of sight.

Cheers

 

the sirius fit kit part number that i have is pt54535090 and the reciever is pt54500080, I dont know what that one part number is that you have. You never had to remove the factory head unit from the dash to do any of this? it all works fine with the shark fin antenna adapter?

 

I didn't touch the head. The wiring and shark fin connect to the harness behind the kick plate, and everything works fine.

 

wow this is going to be easier then i thought. I just ordered my equipment

 

It's cake. I installed it in the proper location and it took about 30 minutes because I took my time.

 

Here are the OEM parts on Amazon:

TOYOTA Genuine Accessories PT546-35090 Sirius XM Satellite Radio Fit Kit

TOYOTA Genuine Accessories PT546-35090 Sirius XM Satellite Radio Fit Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWVNLFK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_rx2gDb9NYQ7PT

TOYOTA Genuine Accessories PT545-00080 Sirius Radio Receiver

Toyota Genuine Accessories PT545-00080 Sirius Radio Receiver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWVNJXY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_5z2gDbGB5FYAM