Shark Fin

[njjuliano]

My shark fin is missing from the roof of my car. Just got finished getting the bumper fixed last week from a independent body shop, and noticed yesterday that the antenna was bare. Is that for the sat radio only (still works) or for the NAV as well? Snowing today, and am wondering if this is something that needs to stay covered to avoid any shorts and malfunctions.

One thing I can't pinpoint is where it came off. I cant imagine it falling off. I know they hand washed the car before they returned it to me. I returned to the body shop, but they said they didn't notice it missing when they finished it. A new routine for me will be to take pics of the car when getting back from an indy body shop, so that I can look at it again at a later date in case I don't notice anything off in my first inspection. Just in case, for my peace of mind.

[Ilya]

I would at least put some tape over it for now...but I think it's used by the NAV/XM, etc. I might be wrong.

[njjuliano]

Yep, Ilya. Probably a good idea to get a cover.

Quick cell pics below. I don't see any exposed wiring, and from my eyes, looks like the fin is a cosmetic cover. Thoughts?

[Larz]

I have a 2009 with rear cinema and rear arm rest A/V and seat controls so I'm not sure this applies to all M's but I reckon it does. For my car, the shark fin is only for satellite radio and the GPS antenna is under the center grille on the dash.

[Ilya]

Ahh okay, you just need the cover. I thought you meant the whole thing was gone. Probably less of a concern now...but I'd still look into getting it replaced obviously.

[EdBwoy]

I wouldn't sweat it, the thing looks pretty well sealed to me.

To add on Larz's comment, I believe it is for satellite only as well. Without digging into the manuals, I know that the Ms that didn't get the shark fin had the black Sirius FM blob in the same spot.

[njjuliano]

When I called the dealer yesterday, he found a cover for $39.99. Went to the dealer today to get it, and it was $169.

Called Nissan for Maxima ones, and they were $20 - $40.

The rugged look is growing on me. If not, I can order a cover from China for $3.99. It takes a month to get here though.

[Ilya]

Only issue I'd have is the screws. Those things will RUST quick if you just left it lol...

[szh]

The fin usually contains a satellite antenna and a separate GPS antenna for the NAV. If the GPS antenna is elsewhere, that is a bit of a surprise to me frankly.

Yes, probably best to cover it soon to avoid rusting the screws ...

Z

[airmanhoward]

Do you happen to have the part # for the NIssan one?

When I called the dealer yesterday, he found a cover for $39.99. Went to the dealer today to get it, and it was $169.

Called Nissan for Maxima ones, and they were $20 - $40.

The rugged look is growing on me. If not, I can order a cover from China for $3.99. It takes a month to get here though.

[Larz]

I just consulted the FSM and on pages AV-30 and AV-31 the location was confirmed. GPS antenna is under the center screen cover on the dash and XM antenna is in the shark fin. I was also sure the fin was the GPS but not according to the FSM. Strange.

[szh]

I just consulted the FSM and on pages AV-30 and AV-31 the location was confirmed. GPS antenna is under the center screen cover on the dash and XM antenna is in the shark fin. I was also sure the fin was the GPS but not according to the FSM. Strange.

Okay ... good to know. We have some shark fin antennas in our device lab, with GPS antennas inside them.

Although I should note that our shark fin devices are cellular/GSM ... no XM satellite radio in there. Hmmm ... maybe that is the difference.

Z

[njjuliano]

Do you happen to have the part # for the NIssan one?

When I called the dealer yesterday, he found a cover for $39.99. Went to the dealer today to get it, and it was $169.

Called Nissan for Maxima ones, and they were $20 - $40.

The rugged look is growing on me. If not, I can order a cover from China for $3.99. It takes a month to get here though.

No, not yet. They wanted a vin, and I wasn't exactly sure which Max would fit the 2010 M, so I'm doing some research. It definitely is looking like a simple cover, with no other additional use for range or otherwise.

Concerning the rust from others' psts, looking to have some rust free screws to replace, if needed. Not sure how long it has been exposed, but I have not seen any signs of rust.