I have an early 05 without the SAT ready radio.
I have been talking to Mazda for months now about getting the SAT ready head unit installed.
I just got off the phone with Mazda 5 mins ago...
I'll translate:
Thanks for waiting 5 months to get the SAT ready radio for your car, which you should have had from the factory.
Sorry, but the SAT ready head unit will not work in your car, period.
We recommend you go out and get an aftermarket radio. (WTF)
Again, thanks for letting us make you wait 5 MONTHS to give you the great news.

Sucks to be me I guess..

-B

 

that sucks man...these are things they should tell you when you buy the car

 

so i guess there is no chance of getting on in an 04 too....that sucks. an aftermarket headunit will probably sound better anyway.

 

That sounds like a kiss-off by someone who probably knows very little about the car. I wouldn't give up based on that answer! There's no way a Sat-equipped radio magically won't work with the car. Its got to be easier than integrating an aftermarket radio in this car!

jds

 

my question is where is the antenna installed for the sat radio.... other than than i think it will be easy to do it prob just another plug in into the head unit

 

The antenna is literally stuck onto the trunk, just like any other satellite radio antenna. One of those magnetic/glue on. It sits right in the center of the trunk width-wise, and closest to the rear window. I saw this on the "shinka" addition at my dealer. They also said it comes with a 1 year subscription. Woo-hoo

PS - whoever stuck the antenna on did a craptastic job, b/c both the salesman and myself noted at the same time, "That's not anywhere near center!"

 

hey guys I'm lookin at gettin sirius put in my car but i have an 04' what is my best option since they don't make anything stock compatible with my HU. Is there a way i can keep the stock HU and somehow integrate the sirius HU into the car, cuz my brother has an 04 with XM and he has the stock HU but the XM face was integrated below the HU where the ashtray is so when the cover is closed u see nothing but when u flip it up u have the headunit there for the sat radio. think this is possible with sirius? i haven't gotten a chance to see how his is setup just wondering if u guys have heard about this being done.

 

I think it's Boozehound who has a great DIY install for the XM Roady2 in the ashtray. Do a search and you'll find several. Some others have installed the XM Commander in the ashtray too. Mine is on top of the ashtray cover for now. It will take a little trimming to get my Roady2 inside though, ala Boozehound. I don't think that Sirius makes a unit small enough to do an install like this.

 

Sorry, but the SAT ready head unit will not work in your car, period.
We recommend you go out and get an aftermarket radio. (WTF)
Again, thanks for letting us make you wait 5 MONTHS to give you the great news.

So how do you put an aftermarket radio in a 8,and you can put the sat head unit in the car so what kind of B.S. ia mazda handing out????

 

I am having Sirius satellite radio installed in my 2004 RX-8. Here is what you have to change: the tuner module (head unit) and the front faceplate. The tuner module is approximately $300 and the front faceplate is approximately $400. Then you have to purchase the Sirius satellite accessory and the Sirius installation kit. As soon as the installation is complete, I will post the necessary information for anyone to convert their audio system over.

 

When I asked Mazda to clarify exactly why I cannot use the SAT ready HU in my car, they said the wiring is not compatible and it will not work, period.

Please post the details and part numbers if you can. I am very interested.
Also, where did you get the details of exactly what parts you need ?

Thanks,
-B

 

THat simply is false,I have asked over three dealerships and all say its just a hu exchange.Why the mazda north america is taking this poistion has more to do with $$$$ then custumer relations.

 

Who ever you are speaking to is FULL OF IT! Yes the HU needs to be upgraded to a different one or upgraded (let me explain) but it is very doable. Most dealers don't have a f-ing clue what they are talking about.

In fact you do not need to change the faceplate either...but if you want it to say 'sat' then it is needed

www.mazdaparts.com offers an upgrade for the HU to make it compatible with the Sat unit...best part is it is well under $100 to upgrade it

 

True, how much pain involved? I have a 04 non Bose and would love to get Sirius but no idea where to start and how much dough we are talking minus the monthly fee to get it operational in my car.

 

well upgrade your HU with mazdaparts...and purchase the Sat unit from them too

actually just ask thew about it...but I can help

 

Did you try calling Mazda USA? Call them!!!

 

that;s the point of this topic that mazda USA dose'nt have a clue,nor do they give a flying heck as to what to do.

 

Dealer in Freehold, NJ just called me back and said to go the aftermarket route as well. Apparently the '05 HU does not go with my '04. I don't believe them. Any and all info would be appreciated.

 

i got the same story from the dealership for an 04

 

some dealer's are idiot's contact thew he should help you

 

I was at a mazda dealership yesterday and they had a 04 radio out and when I asked if the sat radio would work they said it would.And bye the bye the system from mazda is basily fm modulated sat config.,when you press the sat button the head unit goes to the fm band for the fm modulated sat signal,not a direct connection(that how mickey mouse the hesd unit is)

 

well whoever you spoke to was an idiot...the Sat uses the same digital interface as an external cd changer or the PIE unit...everything is digital and there is no FM modulation in fact the radio element of the HU is not even active when in Sat mode, External mode, CD mode, etc.

as for the 05 sat HU working in any other RX-8...THERE IS NO REASON IT SHOULDN"T unless Mazda is trying to pull the wool over our eyes like the '05 key not working in the '04 car...which was a bunch of bullshit

 

I gave up on this issue.
Mazda insists my non-SAT 2005 HU cannot be replaced with a SAT HU.
Even if they are wrong (most likely) I just want SAT.
I ordered the PIE items and I am getting an aftermarket SAT kit.
Anyway.. I needed a good excuse to get speakers, amp and sub as well.

 

Hey Truemagellan....how does a visor decal removal count as a mod? lol