Installing a new deck this past weekend and decided to add an XM receiver as well. I spent some time looking for a good spot to put it, and finally settled on under the board over the spare tire:









It's a fairly small unit, but I couldn't find a suitable spot above the glove box. I am using nylon washers to give it some space from the board just in case it gets warm, but I think it will be fine.

What do you guys think about the placement of the XM unit?



Also, what is the best place to get a good chassis ground in the trunk? I'm planning to run the ground wire up the passenger side to the bolt behind the kick panel for now.

 

If you are ok with it when you have to change the tire, then placement isn't terrible. I wedged mine under the passenger seat. It fits perfectly. If you remain in the trunk, you can ground to existing tail light grounds or there is something on the bottom left of the spare tire well that has some nice bolts you can ground to.

 

GT5 so no spare tire for me. It clears the Ford sealer that is mounted under there.


Did you velcro the box? I looked at getting the unit under the seat, but couldn't seem to find a way to snake the wires through the carpet opening and to the rocker side.

 

I pit mine underneath the head unit in the center console , there's enough room to put it there if you want ...

 

Thought about putting it on top. 3M adhesive tape would be the only thing I could think of?

 

Look under the passenger seat when it's all the way forward. there is a metal bracket and the unit will wedge right in there. Follow the rail that is facing the driver side on the passenger seat. There is a hole in the carpet on the back of the rail where it bolts to the car. There may be another hole on the other rail too that is closer to the door sill. That would be real easy to run your wires thru

 

I fabbed up a bracket and mounted it above the glovebox and below the airbag.

Thanks for the info guys!

 

Well if it works who's to argue with you? But personally I would try under the head unit or in the center console just like 05YellowGT recommends. It just seems like there's less wires to run and power and ground points are all over the place up there. But if you got it working maybe it's fine.

 

mine like Jed mentioned was the most direct way as well when I went with Pioneer Head unit I put it under the head unit less all round hastle & later on bother if I were to swap back my factory stuff still in place.
PS Often people plug the anteni in the wrong hole if'n you get now sound.

 

Thought about it, but man the Pioneer box comes with a TON of cable. I already have my harnesses and what not taking up space under the headunit itself.

 

ran what I needed to where and looped it all up tight it's hidden away nice enough, sure beats running all the wires to the back that's a lot more work, I had to do it for the sub amp but if I went back to factory it would make it a breeze ?