LS430Lexus

The window sticker of my '06 LS430 shows Sirius installed from the factory. I have a large Triangular (or Trapezoidal) box on the windshield to the right of the rain sensor and rear view mirror. I believe it is related to the sat radio. Does anyone have any information, knowledge or experience with this? I would like to remove it:

1. If it is only an antenna, can I remove it and substitute a "regular" sat antenna mounted in an inconspicuous spot?
2. If it is the sat "unit", I would like to remove and install a Vais SL3 that came from a previous LS.
3. Best method for removing it.
4. If it can't be removed, how do I activate sirius/XM? Screen currently says "deactivated".

Any information or experience with this unit is appreciated. Thanks.



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Johnhav430

I don't have my window sticker, but I have the build sheet sent to me from Lexus. It shows my sat radio as a port installed option, and the antenna is a square on the trunk. Can you post a pic of yours so we can see what it looks like?

This pic shows how mine looks. If you change the color, the antenna on the trunk stays put, implying that is the correct location (factory supplied the pic that amazon is using).

TriC

Another unidentified box? Is it rectangular or just 4 sided? If the latter, it could be the sensor for the rain sensing wipers.

The antenna for the satellite radio is most likely routed through the trunk. It is a small black "puck" as others have called it and is labeled "Sirius." It is typically mounted on the edge of the trunk lid or is affixed to the bottom of the rear glass. If it was not being used, it may have been dismounted and tucked into the underside of the rear package shelf.

NL5

I am guessing it's the rain sensor. Does it look like the pic below?

LS430Lexus

This is a picture. it is to the right of the rain sensor.


This is to the right of the rain sensor.

LS430Lexus

It is part of the OEM Sat radio unit. I activated Sirius today. It took a bit of time because the unit and ID number are old technology. It works ok but compared to the Vais SL3 unit from my old car:
1. Seems to drop the service more often
2. The readout of artist and song title only show 8 characters and not 16
3. Not sure yet but the sound is a touch less vibrant. It may be the radio settings so I will have to play with it.
Fortunately, I retrieved the Vais unit before my old car was sent to salvage and ordered a new harness from Vais. I will use the factory triangular unit for a few weeks until I have the time to install my old Vais unit. I hope the factory unit doesn't conflict with the Vais. Thanks.

LS430Lexus

I finally installed the Vais SL3 unit to replace the factory Sat (added at the port) unit. According to Vais technical support, the port installed Sirius "Roady" unit uses outdated technology and the triangular front windshield mounted dual lead antenna works poorly. To disconnect the old trunk mounted unit and eliminate any conflict, I just pulled the connector. Since removing the windshield antenna may leave residue, I am just leaving it there for now.

The Vais SL3 installation went smoothly. I installed the new antenna inside the third brake light, it seems to work fine despite a light ceramic tint. Overall, it was worth it. No more random service drops. The readout of the song and artist title now has 16 characters. The sound is a bit fuller and brighter. I now get all the channels. I am pleased, better to have the Vais working in the car rather than sitting on a storage shelf.