2007 Toyota Tundra Installation Report by WileETundra

2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 5.7L V8 Limited
Pyrite Mica, Standard Bed, 20" Alloy Wheels

Owner: WileETundra

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Installation Report: XM Radio Dash Mount

Project Description
The Tundra of course has an XM radio option available from the factory but I decided against it for a number of reasons: it was ridiculously overpriced at $300 or more, it would be imbedded in the vehicle and tied to the factory equipment thus more difficult and expensive to upgrade, and it couldn't be removed for use as a portable device or reinstalled in another vehicle. Simply put there are much better XM systems out there with more features and versatility for a small fraction of the factory XM option. Sure, you might lose some of the integration with the NAV unit controls but those buttons are a stretch from the driver seat anyway so you can mount your own XM receiver in a much closer and more convenient spot. For my personal use I selected the Delphi XM Roady XT mainly because I have one in another vehicle and it works great, but also because it matches the interior dash of the Tundra like it was made for it, and finally because I got a brand new kit with all the accessories for only $30. I decided to mount the receiver on the dash nearest the driver position but to make the entire installation completely removable without any permanent modification to the truck.

Photos
(click on any photo to see a larger version)

DC Power Socket Added For XM Power Adapter	DC Power Socket Second View
Socket Tapped Into White Plug For Constant Power	Receiver Bracket Mounted, Power & Antenna Cables Ready
Roady XT Receiver Mounted 1	Roady XT Receiver Mounted 2
XM Radio Antenna 1	XM Radio Antenna 2
XM Radio Antenna 3

Parts & Cost

Delphi XM Roady XT kit which includes the small portable receiver, remote control, magnetic vehicle antenna, mounting brackets, mobile power adapter, FM modulator, cassette adapter, and line out jack with cable. Basically everything you need in one package. I found mine on clearance for $30 and there are many still for sale on ebay.
Large stainless steel washer roughly 2" in diameter and 1/8" thick, or any similar sized metal base plate to mount the XM antenna on. Do not use aluminum or brass.
DC Accessory Power Socket (female). I purchased a "Y" adapter at Walmart for $4.95 and just cut off one of the female sockets.

Tools
(just the major items, not a complete list)

Drill
Exacto knife
Screwdriver

Install Process

Start by removing the center console components:

Remove the long narrow map compartment lid which is beside the shift knob.
Remove the cup holder assembly by pulling straight up.
Remove the larger console body which sits under the cup holder assembly. Open the console lid then grasp the top lip which makes up the front edge of the console compartment and pull straight up with a firm grasp on both sides. As the console body comes up a few inches you will also have to pull it to the rear so the front portion will clear the dashboard climate control panel.
For most work this is all you need to do, however you can also remove the shift knob cover by removing the single black plastic screw at the bottom left corner. Pull up on the back of the shift knob cover and as it comes up a few inches you will also have to pull it to the rear so the front portion will clear the dashboard and slide over the shift knob. This may be easier if you remove the shift knob but you can do it with the knob in place.

Install the DC adapter:
- The area under the front drink holders contains ample storage space for the DC adapter and there is already a 12V source in there so you just need to install an accessory outlet and plug the XM DC adapter into it. This will allow you to replace the XM unit or adapter later without modifying the wiring.
- Connect the accessory outlet ground wire to the White w/Black Stripe wire in the center console plug.
- Connect the accessory outlet hot wire to the Red wire in the center console plug for constant power.
Install the antenna:
- Color or paint the large stainless steel washer black with spray paint or a permanent marker.
- Attach it to the front right corner of the dash with 3M tape then attach the XM antenna on top of it.
- Remove the glove box and run the antenna wire down through the opening where the dash meets the vertical support, inside the dash area, behind the glove box, then down into the center console area. Take your time and tie up any loose slack with black wire ties. Make sure not to pinch the antenna wire or run it in a location where it might be cut or stressed.
Install the receiver:
- Align the receiver mounting bracket so that 2 of the small screw holes are along the right edge of the middle switch plate next to the TOW/HAUL switch. This plate is blank and unused in most vehicles but you might need to find a similar location if you have already used it.
- Mark and drill the holes just large enough to accept the screws but be careful not to drill them too big or too deep into the dash.
- Attach the XM receiver bracket to the switch plate with the two small screws.
- Note that if you ever sell the truck or want to remove the XM unit for some reason then you can just order a replacement blank switch plate from the dealer for a few bucks and your truck is like new again - no permanent holes or other modifications at all.
Connect the wires:
- Mark and drill a third slightly larger hole along the left edge of the middle switch plate to run the power and antenna wires up through the center console and in behind the receiver bracket. Note that the hole must be large enough to accept the power and antenna connectors so you will probably need to make it between 1/8" and 1/4" in diameter depending on how big your power and antenna connectors are. You should mark the location of the hole with the receiver bracket in place but then remove the bracket when you drill the hole. Also be sure that the receiver fits in place with the cables routed behind the bracket before you drill the hole.
Tie up any excess cables in the center console with wire ties and make sure that the adapter is secured so it won't roll around inside while driving.
Replace the center console components and test it out.

Total Time: ~3 hours including prep and cleanup

Comments

Broadcasting: I could have patched the XM radio sound into the AUX circuit but the XM Roady XT includes a good FM modulator inside the receiver and I found the sound quality to be excellent so I just tuned it to an unused FM channel. This makes it quick and easy to switch between the XM and FM stations right from the steering wheel and no extra wires were needed for the AUX connection.
Satellite Reception: Some people complain about poor reception but the biggest cause is not having your XM antenna visible to the sky and properly grounded with a magnetic attachment to steel. With the antenna mounted to a thick steel washer and stuck in the right front windshield corner I found that my reception was the same or better than having the antenna mounted on the roof, plus it looks better and is out of the way.
Clean & Color Matched: No wires or adapters are visible so this looks like a professional job for sure. The XM Roady XT receiver just happens to match the black and gray interior dash colors perfectly. The display also has 7 selectable backlight colors and one of them closely matches the orange Tundra dash light color so it really looks sharp, as if it were made for the truck.
Control: I really like having all the controls right at my fingertips so I can tune the 200+ channels without leaning forward to access the NAV. I also have a small XM remote control which comes in handy if you want the passengers to control the XM stations.

Disclaimer: this information has been shared for entertainment purposes only. The ideas, methods, parts, and products represented may not be compatible or safe for your vehicle or driving circumstances. The author is not responsible for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, misuse, etc. No guarantees, warranties, or support are provided or implied. Use this information at your own risk.