XM for 2008's

[jonnynadeau]

I'm fairly new to the G8 Community and I've searched multiple forums for the answer but still nothing. Is there a way to connect a 2008 G8 GT to XM radio through the factory Head-Unit. I know the 2009's have the XM option but is there a way?

[DRCUSTOMPARTS]

Here is a way to do it:


I have a 2008, and installed a Pioneer Inno 2 connected to the Aux port. I love it. You can't record songs with the OEM XM head units, and I love listening to my recorded XM music as much as the Live stuff.

[Mike P]

Super funny! I was just about to comment on this thread..... :)

Yep, I'm still loving my XM unit......

I gotta see if they have Satelitte radio in the UK.... If not, I'll be using my iPod alot more..... :(


...

[jonnynadeau]

Thanks for the timely post guys! I'm just curious about having XM Radio built in to the Head-Unit, Just like the 2009's, I want the 2009 HU in a 2008. Is THAT poosible?

[DVDDave]

Thanks for the timely post guys! I'm just curious about having XM Radio built in to the Head-Unit, Just like the 2009's, I want the 2009 HU in a 2008. Is THAT poosible?

i have heard rumors that the wiring may be in place but your car would still not be able to work with an OE Box. If by chance it could be done, supposedly there is a plug in the trunk to the right of your OnStar Box that would plug into the XM Box. Running down one of the pillars at the rear window is a plug for an additional wire to run to the box for the antenna....again, i have read about this but have not seen is as I have an '09. Now, if all the wiring was in place, and you did get an OE XM box, a dealer MAY be able to flash your radio and make it work...

good luck....

[BLKG8]

When i first got my 08 , i got a letter from pontiac for a xm reciver. It was supposed to be a plug and play for the 08. I guess it would work like the 09..??. Ask the dealer.

[Mike P]

Thanks for the timely post guys! I'm just curious about having XM Radio built in to the Head-Unit, Just like the 2009's, I want the 2009 HU in a 2008. Is THAT poosible?

If it does work, that is definitely a good option. I really like XM radio.

The only thing is that you won't be able to record music with an OEM XM radio unit. That's a pretty cool benefit on getting an XM reciever that is able to record songs.

Like I said, I listen to my recorded sattelite music, as much as the Live feed...... Good luck though..... :)


...

[GTPprix]

I can probably make this work, just need a car for testing.

[dv327]

Chris, I would be a buyer for this mod!!! I would love XM for my 2008!!

[jonnynadeau]

I'm in...my wife is going through XM withdrawls!

[bowtiefan]

Chris, I would be a buyer for this mod!!! I would love XM for my 2008!!

Me too!

[jojofine]

I'd buy it for sure.

[BigEvil2005]

I found the XM plug in the trunk...thats my Avalanche box in the picture. I plug it in and it lock the computer up. I was hoping Chris would have been able to come up with something. I need a 09 G8 XM box

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5920&d=1257113659
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5921&d=1257113668

[GTPprix]

You'll probably need more than that, if the plugs are there that makes this ALOT easier though. I need to find a 2008 to play with :\

[Panzer Leader]

I sometimes think that Chris White is not of this earth.

[DVDDave]

I found the XM plug in the trunk...thats my Avalanche box in the picture. I plug it in and it lock the computer up. I was hoping Chris would have been able to come up with something. I need a 09 G8 XM box

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5920&d=1257113659
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5921&d=1257113668

i have an '09 XM box but I am not sure I want to part with it, but, if you want a sirius, PM me and I can tell you where to get one relatively cheap....the sirius box is identical to the xm box and in my '09, all i did was swap and activate it...

[BigEvil2005]

Trust me if i were closer I would let you play with my G8

[BigEvil2005]

Thanks...but the wife and I perfer the XM stations...dont want to pay extra for best of XM...they need to get off there ass's and join the programming

[GTPprix]

Trust me if i were closer I would let you play with my G8

Let me see what I can figure out for ya!

[fiveoh]

If this works i'll be selling my 09 xm box. :)

[BigEvil2005]

Let me see what I can figure out for ya!

Thanks bro!!!

[BigEvil2005]

I have aquired an 09 XM box. it shouls be here in a few day's....I will keep everyone posted

[BigEvil2005]

I got a G8 box and plugged it in and it didnt lock the cars radio so thats a good sign but the XM doesnt come on...suggestions?

[DVDDave]

I got a G8 box and plugged it in and it didnt lock the cars radio so thats a good sign but the XM doesnt come on...suggestions?

PM Sent....

[bowtiefan]

PM Sent....

Interested in the outcome. Keep us informed if you have any luck!

[BigEvil2005]

need axcess to a Tech II to load the 09 software...

[DVDDave]

need axcess to a Tech II to load the 09 software...

have you asked a dealer what they would charge? if all you ask them to do is load the software, they shouldn't be charging more than .5 labor per hour, and if it does not work, maybe anther .5 to load it back to the original software...

[GTPprix]

need axcess to a Tech II to load the 09 software...

Which will immediately lock the unit due to the vin mismatch with the BCM ;) This is why dealers dont normally touch stuff like this... There is also a little snippet of code changed IIRC on the 09s that may not like the 08 radio faceplate.

[BigEvil2005]

Which will immediately lock the unit due to the vin mismatch with the BCM ;) This is why dealers dont normally touch stuff like this... There is also a little snippet of code changed IIRC on the 09s that may not like the 08 radio faceplate.

what can I do?

[GTPprix]

what can I do?

Have me create a custom calibration for it, you may also need a new XM module as I'm not sure if those can be unlocked.

[BigEvil2005]

ill let you know.

[DVDDave]

XM boxes ARE NOT VIN locked to any vehicle....I currently have three GM OE Sirius Boxes that came used out of some GM rental cars and all that is needed is to plug it in, call XM or Sirius with the SID and you are all set...

[GTPprix]

Well I know they do lock as evidenced by another thread on the other board where someone just had it happen to them ;) XM apparently just unlocks them remotely. Either way I can fix the radio no problem ;)

[jonnynadeau]

I Like seeing progress, y'all have to let me know what I have to buy/get/steal to get XM in my '08. Thanks for all the interest!

[BigEvil2005]

I Like seeing progress, y'all have to let me know what I have to buy/get/steal to get XM in my '08. Thanks for all the interest!

I know right!!! keep your fingers crossed and pray to John Deloaren The Pontiac god.

[BigEvil2005]

I have a date with a guy at the dealer tomorrow will keep everyone posted.

[StrykersG8]

I took my XM out of my 09. Its for sale...

[BigEvil2005]

let wait to see if it works first...

[DVDDave]

I have a date with a guy at the dealer tomorrow will keep everyone posted.

good luck with your date !!!! bring protection...LOL....

looking forward to your results....

[BigEvil2005]

good luck with your date !!!! bring protection...LOL....

looking forward to your results....

HA! he did sound sexy oh wait nevermind...

anyway I did notice under the radios faceplate it show software 7.70 anyone ever looked under there radio face plate?

[StrykersG8]

Well I know they do lock as evidenced by another thread on the other board where someone just had it happen to them ;) XM apparently just unlocks them remotely. Either way I can fix the radio no problem ;)

Trust me if Chris says he can do it he can :) My XM module is brand new as I took mine out on day 1 when I bought my car. Its for sale :)

[BigEvil2005]

Well guys I am said to report it’s a no go. The XM box is not the issue it’s the computers VIN. So in trying to us a 09’s software just locked it up. So in that I give up...luckily the dealer was cool and didn’t charge me so I am done.

thanks for all the help

[G8GT594]

Well guys I am said to report it’s a no go. The XM box is not the issue it’s the computers VIN. So in trying to us a 09’s software just locked it up. So in that I give up...luckily the dealer was cool and didn’t charge me so I am done.

thanks for all the help

Exactly what Chris said would happen.

[DVDDave]

it was worth the try, sorry to hear the result....at least the dealer didn't charge you....

[BigEvil2005]

Exactly what Chris said would happen.

I know...but it was worth a try...

[BigEvil2005]

it was worth the try, sorry to hear the result....at least the dealer didn't charge you....


Yeah...I will defiantly by a car from them in the future

[BigEvil2005]

Well on to the next project...Headers and exhaust at least theres alot of options there

[GTPprix]

Ok so ship me the radio if you want XM LOL I can do it no problem.

[StrykersG8]

Ok so ship me the radio if you want XM LOL I can do it no problem.

Here's your fix if you want XM in your 08.

[Slizzo]

Chris continues to amaze with his GM technological wizardry.

[jonnynadeau]

So i'm supposed to send you, a complete stranger, my one and only radio and you'll enable XM, just like that?

[StrykersG8]

Yes look what he does for us. Look up some of his threads.

[rez0nance]

So i'm supposed to send you, a complete stranger, my one and only radio and you'll enable XM, just like that?

Uh, really? The "Vendor" title under his name should be hint #1. If you haven't heard of the work (more like car electronic miracles) Chris White does even after only a week on the forum, you're living under a rock. Take a look at his website and (as mentioned) search the forums for some of the stuff he's done.

[jonnynadeau]

...but its cozy here under my rock, I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend so many people. sheesh!

[StrykersG8]

Lol you didn't. I sent you a PM. Let me know.

[BluYa76]

Ok so ship me the radio if you want XM LOL I can do it no problem.

Damn Chris is there anything you don't/can't do? lol

[GTPprix]

Damn Chris is there anything you don't/can't do? lol

Juggle, I cant juggle for shit.



:D

[StrykersG8]

Hey does anyone know if all 08's have the cable to hook up to the XM module?

[G8Smitty]

8043
I took the rear seat out on the passenger side and it appears that the cables are here. This is on my 2008.

[bowtiefan]

Chris, what's the cost to get the radio flashed?



Well I know they do lock as evidenced by another thread on the other board where someone just had it happen to them ;) XM apparently just unlocks them remotely. Either way I can fix the radio no problem ;)

[GTPprix]

Chris, what's the cost to get the radio flashed?

Im working on a few things with this, a kit with a receiver or just the programming. Ideally I'd bundle this with IWM programming at a discount. I'll see if I can figure that out this coming week.

[jonnynadeau]

Well...if it gets me XM I just might pay whatever for it, I miss XM...

[G8Smitty]

I am a proud owner of satellite radio in my 08 G8 GT. Thanks goes out to GTPprix for getting this done for me/us. I sent him my radio and he sent it back magically capable of interfacing to the satellite radio module. He also set me up with the Holden logo for my radio too!

Just to re-hash, the satellite module connectors are in the 08 G8’s. Mine was taped together behind the rear seat on the passenger side. I removed the tape and was able to reroute the two cables to the trunk next to the OnStar box. After that, I ended up ordering an XM module off of ebay, but since it had already been used in another GM vehicle, it ended up with the “XM Theftlocked” message. I abandoned that solution since I couldn’t find how to reset the XM module and XM customer service was absolutely horrible. I priced out new XM modules, and for what I could find they were too expensive for what I wanted to pay.

I ended up buying one of the used Sirius modules SIRGML2 and the XM to Sirius antenna adapters. That set me back $116, but it was exactly what I needed and ultimately what I wanted.

[dv327]

Smitty, how long did it take to get your radio back so you could reinstall? Are all XM module VIN locked? I want this mod and have bought an 09 G8 XM box. I am trying to minimize my down time. Thanks.

[G8Smitty]

I believe round trip, the radio was gone about a week. Keep in mind that I was the beta test, so that may have added a little time. Also, I think that there was a two day turnaround using UPS ground from where I live and Michigan, so almost all of the time was due to shipping. I would suggest that you ask GTPprix what you might expect for a turnaround. You could probably overnight it and save some time too.

Unused XM modules are not Theftlocked. From what I have been told, the first time the module is powered up in a vehicle, the module stores the VIN of that vehicle. If that VIN every changes (switched to another vehicle), then the device becomes Thetflocked. I found a thread that discussed sending it somewhere to be reset for $35, but I didn’t want to risk any more money.

The SIRGML2 radio came from a sponsor on the other board, tss-radio.com. It was completely plug and play. There is actually still air time on it, so I haven’t activated it yet since it is working right now for free. I suspect that will end, probably soon. I order it Monday afternoon and got it Wednesday.

When I got the radio back from GTPprix (Chris White), he also did the video in motion unlock as well. It was a really good value to get the logo change, XM/Sirius capability as well is VIM all at the same time.

[BluYa76]

Hey G8smitty,

The sirius module I had swapped inplace of my XM module had free service for a few weeks. Glad you guys were able to get this to work, and TSS radio has great customer service (in case anyone is wondering).

[bowtiefan]

Glad you were able to make it work! Was wondering about the antenna. Can you use the existing roof antenna or does something have to be retrofitted there too? Can you explain a liitle about the antenna adopter and how that works. Thanks!


I am a proud owner of satellite radio in my 08 G8 GT. Thanks goes out to GTPprix for getting this done for me/us. I sent him my radio and he sent it back magically capable of interfacing to the satellite radio module. He also set me up with the Holden logo for my radio too!

Just to re-hash, the satellite module connectors are in the 08 G8’s. Mine was taped together behind the rear seat on the passenger side. I removed the tape and was able to reroute the two cables to the trunk next to the OnStar box. After that, I ended up ordering an XM module off of ebay, but since it had already been used in another GM vehicle, it ended up with the “XM Theftlocked” message. I abandoned that solution since I couldn’t find how to reset the XM module and XM customer service was absolutely horrible. I priced out new XM modules, and for what I could find they were too expensive for what I wanted to pay.

I ended up buying one of the used Sirius modules SIRGML2 and the XM to Sirius antenna adapters. That set me back $116, but it was exactly what I needed and ultimately what I wanted.

[G8Smitty]

I am using the stock antenna and it works great. The connector in the car is for XM. I ended up going with Sirius instead which takes a small XM to Sirius adapter for the module in the trunk.

[bowtiefan]

Thanks, I wasn't sure if you needed to replace the stock antenna or had to make a connection to it as well.

[G8Smitty]

Sirius Radio still working for free in my 08 GT. I'm loving it!