G35 XM / Sirius Satellite Radio Antenna Install

Have an install guide you'd like to share or even unformatted pictures? Contact the editor.

by Brad (VQ)
vq@6mt.net

Description
For those of you that don't like the factory, or dealer installed look, I have created this install guide to show you a quick and easy alternative. In this guide, we will mount the antenna on the rear trunk lid, just behind the 3rd brake light. This creates a stealth look, while maintaining the antenna's unobstructed view of the sky!

Cost
The Sirius tuner used in this install was purchased through Grubbs Infiniti. Click here for current pricing. The antenna used in this install is the new low profile Sirius antenna from Terk. To purchase this antenna, follow this link (and don't forget your 6MT.net discount code :) In order to use this antenna, you will also need a single-input to dual-input converter. The older Satellite receivers all had 2 inputs (earth and sat). The newer model antennas only have one. This makes wiring the antenna SO much easier! The converter is included in all antenna purchases from Grubbs (free of charge), or it can be purchased here.

Here is an image of the new low profile antenna from Terk (with dual input converter next to it):

Tools Required

• 10mm socket wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Double sided foam tape (included in kit from Grubbs)
• Small zip ties
• Cleaning supplies (whatever you prefer to clean the surface of the trunk before mounting)

Installation

Step 1: Antenna Prep
As soon as you get the new low profile antenna, you'll notice that it has a very long and VERY rigid tail. Like most Terk antennas, the manufacture REALLY wants you to mount it 6 inches out on either the trunk or roof. For best reception, they recommend the antenna has at least 6 inches of metal all around. This obviously does not look too appealing, especially on our beautiful G35's. An alternative is to mount it clost to the front trunk seam. This is the approach I have chosen for this install.

The first step, then, is to bend the tail. DO NOT bend the tail cold. If you take it out of the box and band it, the sheilding on the wire inside will tear, exposing the metal wire. Instead, I used the low setting on a hair dryer to gently warm the tail, and bend it slowly. Once you bend it a full 180 degrees (so the tip, is touching the bottom of the antenna), tape it in place and let sit. As it cools, it will naturally take this shape, and you can remove the tape.

Here is an image of the tuner's connectors and converter. Note, there is a plug on the other side of the tuner, but you will not be needing it. The pre-wire plug in your G35's trunk will plug into the jack shown here, next to the antenna connections.

Step 2: Getting to Pre Wire Harness
As you can see, my spare has been used :) Remove the spare tire completely from the trunk.

Once removed, you will find 2 bolts holding the left cover in place. Unscrew and remove the cover.

The white plug you see here is the Satellite radio's pre-wire harness. Your new tuner will plug right into it. FYI, on most G35's the Bose amp will be mounted here also (on the 3 unused screws you see below).

Step 3: Mounting Receiver
First, see the third picture below. You should connect the ground wire FIRST! I failed to do this in this install, and had to go back. Remove one screw from the tuner's housing, and attache the ground. Then find an area of the trunks metal body to attach the other end of the ground. To make life easier, I striped away the paint from the middle "cover" screw and attached there.

Plug your new tuner in as shown below.

The Infiniti kit should include some double-sided foam tape. Remove the backing from one side and press firmly to trunk bottom where Bose amp would be (if you have the Bose amp, mount the tuner next to it). Peel off the other side as shown below, and firmly press the tuner on top. It's easiest if all your connections are done prior to this.

Here's the grounding step mentioned above.

Mounting complete.

Step 4: Mounting Antenna
I've chosen to mount the antenna as shown below. However, you can really place it where ever you like. First, clean the area with a mild soap mixture. Let completely dry. Then SLOWLY lower the antenna onto the trunk lid. The magnets are VERY strong, and you don't want to damage the paint. Once mounted, if it is not straight, pull up the antenna, and try again. DO NOT SLIDE THE ANTENNA around on the lid... it will scratch!

Tuck the rest of the tail around under the trunk lid liner. Feed the wire over to the passenger side for the next step.

Step 5: Wiring Down from the Trunk Lid
Carefully, pop in the rubber seal and feed the wire through. If you've got an awe or other appropriate tool, you can poke a hole in the seal for the best fit. Remember, though, that the antennas somewhat large connector has to fit through. I gave up on trying to fit the antenna's connector through after several attempts. Instead, I've wrapped the wire in some electrical tape where it will touch the exposed metal.

Use your left had to reach around underneath the trunk lining and grab the antenna wire. This may take a few attempts, and some major "stretching" of your body!

Better view of what's going on...

Once all of the slack is pulled through, pull the rubber seal out and zip tie the antenna wire to the rubber wire jacket.

Step 6: Fishing the Wire Through the Trunk
Now comes the fun part. If you've got some free time and are up for a challenge, you can remove the trunk lining. I, on the other hand, took an easier route. By using some of the exposed creases and seams and a few easily removable panels, you can fish the antenna wire over to the tuner with no problem at all. First pull the wire taught, and let the trunk lining flap go.

Next, you'll ned to jump inside the car. Pull the seat down and you'll see a rubber seal running around the opening to the trunk. Pull the top portion of this down.

This is as far as you'll need to pull it down to.

On each side of the panels (where you just removed the seal), you'll see 2 clips. We're only interested in the top one (on each side).

Pull the clip down firmly, and the top trunk panel will come down.

Once the top trunk panel clips are both pulled down, you can fish the wire over top. It's easiest if you have something to prop it open with but here I just used my finger to hold it down.

The wire is now on the other side of the trunk... we're getting there! You can reattach the top clips, and put the rubber seal back in its place.

This is where the wire will come out in the trunk. Tuck the wire underneath a seam that runs towards the rear. Here you can see me pushing it up underneath with my finger.

Next, you'll need to pull down the flap on the other side (remember reach up underneath this flap on the other side to pull the antenna wire through from the trunk lid). Tuck the antenna connector up and over (behind) the trunk lining.

Fish the wire down until it comes out of the bottom. This might take some more work then these two steps illustrate. I had to reach up underneath from the bottom until I could grab the tip and pull it down. Pull through ALL of the slack. Go back and make sure that all of your wires are still tucked behind the seams (nothing has popped out).

Last step, connect the antenna wire to the converter, and bundle up the remaining wire. The excess wire can then be zip tied.

Put the cover back on, spare tire back in and you're all set. Next you'll need to turn on you radio and tune into station 184 (for Sirius). This is their test channel, and you can always tune in and listen even before you activate your tuner. This is a good to test. If you didn't grab the ESN number off of the tuner before you buttoned everything back up, just tune to channel 000, and it will flash the tuner's ESN. Call 888-539-SIRIUS to activate your tuner (you'll need your ESN and a credit card).

If you have any further questions, ask away in our Coupe or Sedan Forums.