XM radio with the Kenwood DNX 8120

[jcolan26]

I just purchased the Kenwood DNX 8120 and had a question regarding the XM radio. I already have the XM antenna on my 08 Altima 2.5SL w/convience package. Is there any way i can use the existing XM antenna without having to use the kenwood KCAXM100V?

Does anyone know if I need to purchase anything else besides the PAC SWI-JACK for this installation.

Thanks in advance

[AppleBonker]

I just purchased the Kenwood DNX 8120 and had a question regarding the XM radio. I already have the XM antenna on my 08 Altima 2.5SL w/convience package. Is there any way i can use the existing XM antenna without having to use the kenwood KCAXM100V?

Does anyone know if I need to purchase anything else besides the PAC SWI-JACK for this installation.

Thanks in advance

I'm sure it would be possible to use the stock antenna, but it definitely wont be a plug and play. Also, the antenna runs to the XM module in the trunk, so the cabling wouldn't likely be long enough to reach your unit. IMO, it would take a lot of work and it would probably be far easier for you to just use the Kenwood antenna.

Aside from the PAC adapter for steering wheel controls, you'll need a dash kit for the install and an antenna adapter. Details on these should be in the FAQ linked in my signature.

[rjdmmfl1]

I'm sure it would be possible to use the stock antenna, but it definitely wont be a plug and play. Also, the antenna runs to the XM module in the trunk, so the cabling wouldn't likely be long enough to reach your unit. IMO, it would take a lot of work and it would probably be far easier for you to just use the Kenwood antenna.

Aside from the PAC adapter for steering wheel controls, you'll need a dash kit for the install and an antenna adapter. Details on these should be in the FAQ linked in my signature.

Agreed on all points, with a few additions...

regarding the XM tuner itself, the KCAXm100V is only used in onjunction with a seperate Xm satellite mini tuner! It should also be noted that you can NOT get XM Nav traffic updates with this unit

It would be better to just get the hockey puck looking unit, the GXM30 .. this units has the Xm tuner built in, but ALSO gives you XM nav traffic!

[jcolan26]

Thanks for the info, I think I will go with the GXM30.

Funny thing, I went to get this installed by a professional today and when I got there the guy was asking me questions about parts and how things should go. I repeatly told him I have no clue, so I just decided to get my into my car and take my things with me and leave right away.

I know there is a write up on how to install a in dash nav unit, but I am a real newbie and getting a little confused with all the steps. On a scale of 1-10, how hard would this installation be for me?

I bought the Nav Dash kit from Nissan because I have the manual temp, I bought the PAC kit for the steering wheel, the kit to use my bose system with this and the antenna adapter. Im going to go out and buy the Garmin GXM30 tomorrow.

I appreciate the help on this and look forward to installing it.

Oh yeah, the installer wanted $100 per hour to install it.

[rjdmmfl1]

Thanks for the info, I think I will go with the GXM30.

Funny thing, I went to get this installed by a professional today and when I got there the guy was asking me questions about parts and how things should go. I repeatly told him I have no clue, so I just decided to get my into my car and take my things with me and leave right away.

I know there is a write up on how to install a in dash nav unit, but I am a real newbie and getting a little confused with all the steps. On a scale of 1-10, how hard would this installation be for me?

I bought the Nav Dash kit from Nissan because I have the manual temp, I bought the PAC kit for the steering wheel, the kit to use my bose system with this and the antenna adapter. Im going to go out and buy the Garmin GXM30 tomorrow.

I appreciate the help on this and look forward to installing it.

Oh yeah, the installer wanted $100 per hour to install it.

ok, well 2 b honest, if its your first tme , it may take you a little while, but if you follow my install steps on my write up, you should not have a problem. Just take your time!

Also, note that installing the kenwood unit is EASIER than installing any of the pioneer units (like the one I have on my wirte up)

you don't need to take out the speedometer and all of that with your unit!

also, you got the actual adapter, so no need to splice a bunch of wires and what not, thus making the install that much easier!

Shoot me an email and I'll give you my cell phone number, and I will walk you through the install if necessary... I'v taken a part the dash on our cars at least 15 times, so I pretty much have it all memorized at this point! Good luck, and when its all said and done, you'll be happy with the 300 - 400 dollars you saved on the install labor charges!

[jcolan26]

Thanks for that, I am going buy the garmin GXM30 and try the install myself, if I run into any issue's I will definetly drop you an email so you can send me your cell #.

[jcolan26]

So my install will be started in a few days, I had to order the GXM 30 and I noticed my Nissan Nav Dash kit was cracked so Im sending it back and nissanonline parts is going to send me a new one.

While I was looking for the GXM30 today I was speaking to an installer and I got a little confused. He told me with the Metra 70-7552 wire harness I will be able to install this and have my bose system work with it. I was under the impression that I need to buy another wire harness to have that option. Is this true?

I am looking forward to installing this unit.

Thanks in advance.

[rjdmmfl1]

So my install will be started in a few days, I had to order the GXM 30 and I noticed my Nissan Nav Dash kit was cracked so Im sending it back and nissanonline parts is going to send me a new one.

While I was looking for the GXM30 today I was speaking to an installer and I got a little confused. He told me with the Metra 70-7552 wire harness I will be able to install this and have my bose system work with it. I was under the impression that I need to buy another wire harness to have that option. Is this true?

I am looking forward to installing this unit.

Thanks in advance.

No, he is correct, the metra harness adapter goes in between the aftermarket unit and your factory vehicle wiring harness...however, since you have the Bose system, you also need something like the Scosche SLC-4 or FAI-3A sound level converters. These will allow you to dial down the volume leaving your kenwood deck going to the Bose amplifier. If you don't do this, your volume will be maxed out at like 9 or 10, and then start to distort really badly!

Someone on here a while back didn't take my advice and chose to listen to their installer that told them that the SLC-4 wasn't necessary. They installed their unit without it, and it sounded terible, then they had to take it back, and force the installer to put in in! Trust me, if you have the Bose system, you will need the SLC-4 or FAI-3A or something similar!

So the flow regrading these extra pieces will be

Kenwood 8120 --> kenwood's wiring harness --> SLC-4 --> metra wiring harness adapter --> vehicle wiring harness

[jcolan26]

Im about to purchase the SL4, one question. Is the SL4 better than the PAC OEM-2?

[rjdmmfl1]

Im about to purchase the SL4, one question. Is the SL4 better than the PAC OEM-2?

in terms of quality, I would say no, the Pac OEM is better quality... but either will get the job done!

[jcolan26]

I purchase the FAI-3A from walmart yesterday so i am waiting on that and my new center dash return from Nissan. I will attempt to start the radio one I have all these items.

I really appreciate the help and quick response.

Thanks again, Im sure I will have a lot more questions once I start and I will email you.

[martymcfly1]

[QUOTE=jcolan26]I purchase the FAI-3A from walmart yesterday so i am waiting on that and my new center dash return from Nissan. I will attempt to start the radio one I have all these items.

I really appreciate the help and quick response.

Thanks again, Im sure I will have a lot more questions once I start and I will email you.[/QUOT

Putting in my two cents. Don't forget to disable the parking break lock out. Ground the parking break wire so you can edit your navi settings while moving and (watch movies). That is if you are so inclined.

-McFly

[jcolan26]

I went to install the radio myself but went against it when I ran into some problems with all the wires. I had it professionally installed and I couldnt be happier. It cost me $150 but it was well worth it. I used the GXM 30 antenna with the system for XM and GPS. They connected my Bose system with the receiver and my system sounds better now with the DNX 8120 than the factory Bose radio. My installer did not have to use the SLC-4 the radio pushes the Bose amp and the sound that comes out of it is incrediable.

I've had the unit installed in for two days and didnt get into half of the features this radio has. I couldnt be happier. I will try to take some pics of the radio in my dash.

Thanks for all your help.

[rjdmmfl1]

I went to install the radio myself but went against it when I ran into some problems with all the wires. I had it professionally installed and I couldnt be happier. It cost me $150 but it was well worth it. I used the GXM 30 antenna with the system for XM and GPS. They connected my Bose system with the receiver and my system sounds better now with the DNX 8120 than the factory Bose radio. My installer did not have to use the SLC-4 the radio pushes the Bose amp and the sound that comes out of it is incrediable.

I've had the unit installed in for two days and didnt get into half of the features this radio has. I couldnt be happier. I will try to take some pics of the radio in my dash.

Thanks for all your help.

Hopw loud do you listen to your music? In my experience, if you don't install the SLC-4 with an aftermarket headunit, and you turn the volume up loud, it gets loud too quick and distorts really badly.. but then again, that was with the pioneer units.. their quality is not as good as that in the newer kenwood units, especially the DNX-8120...

hey if it works and you are happy, that's all that matters.... glad we were of some help!

[jcolan26]

I had the radio turned up all the way to the max and there was no distortion. I was all ready to yell at the installer but when the radio was at its max the sound that came out of it was better than the Bose factory radio.

Question for you, I have the (GXM30 hockey puck antenna). Is there anyway I can hide this ugly thing somewhere in my dash without losing the signal and no one can see it?

[rjdmmfl1]

Yes, they should have mounted that underneath the dash instead of on top of it... makes for a cleaner install and reception is still just as good! You don't lose reception through the plastic dash!

[jcolan26]

I will do that myself. No need to bring it back to the installer.

Thanks for your help