So...is the stock HHR radio XM ready? If so, where can I get an XM radio that will plug right in?

There is an XM radio option available, it's built in to certain stock stereos, provided your HHR came that particular option. (non removable)

Adding on either an XM or Sirrius unit shouldn't be a problem. There are other informational threads related to XM throughout this site.

Welcome to the site & enjoy! :D

<<provided your HHR came that particular option. (non removable)>>
That is what I am asking. Is that an option on the stock HHR radio? Is there an XM radio that will plug directly into the stock radio and give me all of the XM menus on that radio.

The 2LT comes with 3 months free XM already included(in the stock radio),nothing is needed to be added ,if you want to continue after your first 3 months you just call XM to re-up the service.

So...is the stock HHR radio XM ready? If so, where can I get an XM radio that will plug right in?

Yes, both radios for the HHR are XM ready but, they are designed to take GM's XM receiver which is mounted in the rear quarter panel of the vehicle. Visit your dealer's parts department and see what it will cost to get the parts to add XM this way, between the receiver, antenna, and cabeling you will be well over $500.

You are better off visiting your local big box store and looking at 3rd party satellite receivers.

That answers my question...thanks a bunch!

I would also have to believe that since this radio is XM ready, there must be a 3rd party radio that is "plug & play".

Yes, both radios for the HHR are XM ready but, they are designed to take GM's XM receiver which is mounted in the rear quarter panel of the vehicle. Visit your dealer's parts department and see what it will cost to get the parts to add XM this way, between the receiver, antenna, and cabeling you will be well over $500.

You are better off visiting your local big box store and looking at 3rd party satellite receivers.
Glad you cleared that up Monster... :bow: I learned something new about my HHR today.

Also good to know where XM receiver is located, for those of us w/existing XM/GM Pioneer radios! :D (just incase)

Thanks, JD

Unless my radio is just different then everyone elses (1LT stock radio, CD/MP3 unit), it's not XM ready- has no data ports on the radio whatsoever.

Unless my radio is just different then everyone elses (1LT stock radio, CD/MP3 unit), it's not XM ready- has no data ports on the radio whatsoever.
Hmmm... that's interesting. You're the guy that put a "Car-puter" in your HHR. :beer: (so obviously you'd know) :bow:

The guy asking about the XM radio never said which level HHR he owned? :confused: Maybe he's looking to buy an HHR and researching the options?

Does yours have the category button? When I try to use it it just says its an xm feature.

Does yours have the category button? When I try to use it it just says its an xm feature.
I figured you were asking me, :confused: so I just went out to the garage & checked... cause now I'm curious too!

Yes, my radio lists "station", "song", "artist" & "category" w/ buttons for each. (a "back" button too) I usually have "song" selected so I tried "Cat" and yes it displayed the style/genre of music etc.

However, all my radio pre-sets are set to XM stations... I don't listen to local Cleveland radio BS! :eek:

Does yours have the category button? When I try to use it it just says its an xm feature.
Just curious, what radio pkg/option do you have in your HHR? Do you have XM? :confused: (subscription etc)

Now, while thinking about it... the "Cat" button might NOT work unless you have XM operational. I know that some FM radio stations transmit "RDS" info/data but might not list a category. :confused:

Also, for more info: See Section 3 of your Owners Manual. :D

You were "right on" with the $500 price. I contacted my dealer and was quoted $270 for the radio + 2 hrs. labor for the install.

I just got my 2LT six disc etc. and the only thing I can find on the stereo about xm is if I push the trac button the readout says XM FEATURE ? What do I need to do to recieve it?

Unless my radio is just different then everyone elses (1LT stock radio, CD/MP3 unit), it's not XM ready- has no data ports on the radio whatsoever.

Your radio isn't different. There are three radios used in the HHR, the base radio is only in the LS and can't play MP3 files. The other two radios (one which contains a CD changer) are able to play MP3's, host the GM XM receiver and support the upgraded Pioneer audio system.

The reason you don't see a data port on the radio is because the XM receiver and the radio communicate over the vehicles GMLAN interface. The audio from the XM receiver is feed in to the head unit on pins 1 and 2 of the 16 pin connector.

I hope this helps to clear the confusion. :)

Your radio isn't different. There are three radios used in the HHR, the base radio is only in the LS and can't play MP3 files. The other two radios (one which contains a CD changer) are able to play MP3's, host the GM XM receiver and support the upgraded Pioneer audio system.

The reason you don't see a data port on the radio is because the XM receiver and the radio communicate over the vehicles GMLAN interface. The audio from the XM receiver is feed in to the head unit on pins 1 and 2 of the 16 pin connector.

I hope this helps to clear the confusion. :)

Ah...

Another reason why we hate newer GM's at the shop :)

Now it doesn't HAVE to be the factory XM receiver now does it? Shouldn't one of the other aftermarket brands, like Sirius, Delphi, or even the after market XM work?

Now it doesn't HAVE to be the factory XM receiver now does it? Shouldn't one of the other aftermarket brands, like Sirius, Delphi, or even the after market XM work?

Unless you can do some serious modifications...an aftermarket won't work- they use different connections.

Forget XM...Get Sirius...If you can afford it, buy the S50. It's like a satellite radio and an Ipod together. If not, the other units have enough rebates to bring them down well below the $100 mark.

When your ready to install search for my S50 install thread. It'll get you up and running in no time.

Ng

Yeah, the S50 is a hip tool. On the XM side, I think Becky uses one of the portables in her HHR. I guess we'll have to wait for her to weigh in...

XM is releasing something very similar to the S50 that is made by Samsung.

S50 is awesome though.

XM is releasing something very similar to the S50 that is made by Samsung.

S50 is awesome though.
Any clue on the release date??? :confused: I'm in the market for a portable XM unit.

Any clue on the release date??? :confused: I'm in the market for a portable XM unit.


Not sure. They are out there- I know my manager received one from XM free of charge. Should be out pretty soon I'd imagine.

On the XM side, I think Becky uses one of the portables in her HHR. I guess we'll have to wait for her to weigh in...

Nope, I use my AirWare in my company car. I got hooked on XM and had to have it in the HHR. I like having it built-in to the radio. But, the AirWare portable is cool. You can use it like an MP3 player (except it is an XM feed or prerecorded XM), it has it's own antenna, battery and headphone jack built in. The other advantage of the portable sattelite (whether XM or Sirius) is you can use it with your home stereo or in any of your cars. More flexibility.

Just my 2c....

Any clue on the release date??? :confused: I'm in the market for a portable XM unit.

There is a lot of info about the Samsung Helix and Pioneer Inno here (http://www.xm411.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=21584)

They are saying that late March/early April it should be available.

xm411.com is a great site for XM info if you are looking for an XM radio other than the one in the HHR. Good Luck.
Becky

Given the recent news that the RIAA is trying to raise their licensing fees to the satellite radio providers from around 6% to 30%, I’m not too interested in investing my money in to any new hardware right now.

I’ll wait till June to see if we get hit with a subscription cost increase. We’re at the bottom of the food chain, so here we go, bend over, again.

There is a lot of info about the Samsung Helix and Pioneer Inno here (http://www.xm411.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=21584)

They are saying that late March/early April it should be available.

xm411.com is a great site for XM info if you are looking for an XM radio other than the one in the HHR. Good Luck.
Becky
Thanks for the info Becky!! :bow: YEP... that's exactly what I'm looking for!! :D

Can anyone give me the name of a dealership where you got the quote of $270.00 + 2 hrs labor for the XM option. I have called my local dealership and they claim it can not be done. I have the radio with the CAT button and I want the XM option that works with the factory radio. I have an Delphi MyFi but would still prefer the in dash option. Thanks.

Can anyone give me the name of a dealership where you got the quote of $270.00 + 2 hrs labor for the XM option. I have called my local dealership and they claim it can not be done. I have the radio with the CAT button and I want the XM option that works with the factory radio. I have an Delphi MyFi but would still prefer the in dash option. Thanks.

That was my local dealer in Renton, WA...Good Chevrolet. About $500 total is what they said.

I bought my LT1 three weeks ago and tried to get the dealer to install the XM system in my car. The manager told me that the vehicle would have to been "born" with the system already installed.

I was told by my dealership that they had problems with the electrical portion of the XM receiver system. If you have either the HHR with the 6 CD changer or if yours has the MP3 support then you will be ready for the receiver when the new model is released around Nov. or Dec. '06. Of course this is relying on an estimate from GM which I hope is accurate. Terk may come out with one before then, and if so it will probably be less expensive.