How to Install Satellite Radio Into Your Car

The invention of satellite radio makes for a great experience car drivers, offering continuous programming without flipping the dial looking for frequencies. Satellite radio also offers more variety, with over 100 channels from which to choose. Radio installation is quick and simple.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open the new radio and locate all of the equipment included in the box to be sure nothing is missing before beginning to install anything.

2. Decide where to mount the radio within your vehicle using the suction mount for the windshield. These mounts are included with all Sirius and XM radios, and you can use them in any car or truck. Put the radio in place with all if its wires unattached for the time being.

3. Remove the magnet roof antenna included with your radio. In the rare case that the satellite radio did not come with a magnet-mount antenna, purchase one at any major retail store. Find a place on the car's roof for the antenna to sit, or if you have a convertible, find a place on the trunk.

4. Plug the antenna into the radio in the outlet marked as such. With Sirius and XM radios, the antenna wires will not fit in the wrong socket. Using a butter knife with a rounded edge, gently push the antenna wire into crevices in the vehicle, hiding any wires. You can usually do this quite easily around the window and door frame.

5. Place the magnet mount on the roof of the vehicle with as little wire as possible showing outside the vehicle. Epoxy or permanent adhesive is not necessary, since the magnet will hold during most driving conditions without damaging to the car.

6. Add power to the radio by plugging the power cord into the cigarette lighter in the car, and then to your radio.

7. Turn on the satellite radio and car radio. Match the frequencies when no audio jack is present by using the dial on the car's radio and the menu on your satellite radio. Listen to the programming from the satellite radio over your car's speakers.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a location to mount the new radio that will not obstruct the view of the road or become a hazard in the case of an accident.

• Look for crevices around the window or door frame of the car to easily hide the wires.

• If you have an audio or auxiliary jack on your existing car radio, you may install a cable directly from it to your new satellite radio.

• Remember to call your chosen service provider to activate the new account.

• Be careful not to cut the wire or yourself with the knife while concealing the wires.