2004 XC90 Sirius Radio Incompatibility

I've been trying to get some information on when Volvo will get there act together with the incompatibility issue with Sirius Radio on 2004 Models, specifically the XC90. I've paid a lot of money for this car and it's amazing that the car can't handle a simple radio upgrade. I understand that there's fiber optics in the car for wiring but this is not an acceptable excuse. Anyone have any information on this other than "Volvo is working on it"?

currently, only 2007 model volvo xc90s are able to be equiped with sirius radio.
2006 or younger model xc90 radio electronics were tied into the mainframe computer of the car. volvo did not want to risk the chance that it could corrupt the system if something were to happen to the audio system.

richard wrote:

currently, only 2007 model volvo xc90s are able to be equiped with sirius radio.
2006 or younger model xc90 radio electronics were tied into the mainframe computer of the car. volvo did not want to risk the chance that it could corrupt the system if something were to happen to the audio system.

Just bought a 2004 XC90, the whole time saying I wanted to make sure it supported my sirius satellite system, and the whole time sales people saying it would. Come to find out it's not supported. Well, the only supported system is an external through FM transmission. Blows but I'm happy to have the car.

Right now, Sirius has free units if you add on a subscription for 6.99/mo so we're going to do that. the units are compact.

Were you able to actually get the Sirius to work well via FM transmission? I just paid to get the Sirius Starmate Replay installed using the wireless FM transmssion and only get transmission through 1 speaker. It doesn't sound too good. I called Sirius and they know nothing about this 2004 XC90 incompatibility issue. I called Volvo and it seems that the hardwire route is risky and might not work (and is expensive). Which Sirius radio do you have?

Casey wrote:

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Just bought a 2004 XC90, the whole time saying I wanted to make sure it supported my sirius satellite system, and the whole time sales people saying it would. Come to find out it's not supported. Well, the only supported system is an external through FM transmission. Blows but I'm happy to have the car.
Right now, Sirius has free units if you add on a subscription for 6.99/mo so we're going to do that. the units are compact.

I can only confirm the same stories as above. We have a 2005 XC 90 that has the fiber optic connection for the antenna. We have the Sirius Sporster model (we wanted the remote on it). It works through the FM radio by transmitting wirelessly. It is pretty sensitive to FM broadcasts, so you have to search diligently for FM frequencies that are unused in your area, and plan ahead with a list of frequencies unused if you are traveling.

I have a Volvo V50 06, and have been going crazy trying to get down to the bottom of this. I told volvo I would even buy an 07 radio but i'm still waiting to here back. I bought a starmate and the reception stinks - it's sooo static e no matter what channel. Even my iPod does not work. I have a music crisis and I just bought this dam car. I almost crashed 10 times playing with FM stations trying to get it to work. I have really considered getting new car because i am now spoiled because my last car had sirius. urrrrr! If someone has solutions please let me know.

Casey wrote:

<quoted text>
Just bought a 2004 XC90, the whole time saying I wanted to make sure it supported my sirius satellite system, and the whole time sales people saying it would. Come to find out it's not supported. Well, the only supported system is an external through FM transmission. Blows but I'm happy to have the car.
Right now, Sirius has free units if you add on a subscription for 6.99/mo so we're going to do that. the units are compact.

What units are you talking about?

I have a 2004 xc70 and have a sirius starmate 4, an fm converter and the adaptor for the antenna. I get static during quiet programs and in-between stations. I've had 2 fm converters and am on the third radio from sirius. It's funny that the fm converter only connects one leg of the antenna to the converter. Any one have any input?
Kupgas

I have a 2005 Volvo XC90 and I also have the sirius starmate 4. Reception was terrible until I relocated the sirius antenna. I ran the sirius antenna from the center of the hatch across center top back/black section on the roof (this is where the volvo antenna is) and the sirius magnet is now in the center of my roof. Its still not great but it is MUCH better. Hope this helps someone.

I have the same problem on my 2004 XC90. Older model Sirius radios work because the FM transmitter was stronger. About a year ago the FCC made Sirius reduce the FM transmission power of the radios causing the current reception problem. The Volve antanna system is not particularly sensitive to FM signals compounding the problem. I use the same Starmate radio in my Nissan and have no problems

I just bought an 06 XC90 and am getting ready to install a sportster 5. Does anyone know if/where the 08 or 09 XC90 radio will fit in an 06? I'm considering add ing an MP3 version of the radio as well as the sirius upgrade. thanks!

Scott wrote:

I just bought an 06 XC90 and am getting ready to install a sportster 5. Does anyone know if/where the 08 or 09 XC90 radio will fit in an 06? I'm considering add ing an MP3 version of the radio as well as the sirius upgrade. thanks!

Do you know how to get a Sirius radio to work in a 2006 Volvo CX90. Nobody, Sirius or Volvo people, have any idea how to accomplish this. Something to do with the fiber optic antenna? What is the deal? I love my Sirius radio and really miss it.

Where can you mount the sirius radio on the dash of a 2005 xc 90? I am picking mine up from the dealer tomorrow and need to transfer my sirius from my jeep to the volvo.

Chip - I also have an '05 xC90, Im thinking of buying an FM Modulator to install in-line with the FM antenna. Is this what you have or do you have the wireless FM transmitter? Also is your antenna outside on the roof or inside the vehicle?
Thanks

Chip wrote:

I have a 2005 Volvo XC90 and I also have the sirius starmate 4. Reception was terrible until I relocated the sirius antenna. I ran the sirius antenna from the center of the hatch across center top back/black section on the roof (this is where the volvo antenna is) and the sirius magnet is now in the center of my roof. Its still not great but it is MUCH better. Hope this helps someone.

Mike wrote:

Chip - I also have an '05 xC90, Im thinking of buying an FM Modulator to install in-line with the FM antenna. Is this what you have or do you have the wireless FM transmitter? Also is your antenna outside on the roof or inside the vehicle?
Thanks
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Has anybody got any ideas for installation of satelite radio for 06 XC90. The FM modulator is not strong enough to work without a lot of static, is there anything that can be bought to boost the signal, since it seems Volvos are not compatible to the XM SureConnect system.