I just got a 2002 Excursion, and it has the original 6 disc in-dash unit. We have grown accustomed over the last 3 years to having XM in our car, so I'm looking to upgrade my system.

Question is: Do I replace the whole head unit with an XM ready one? If I do this, will I lose steering wheel control of my radio stations/volume?

I guess my other option would be one of the "car kits" with the external XM unit mounted in the car.

Thanks for any info and/or options!

Joe

 

I would just stick your existing XM in as you had it with your previous car/truck. I installed mounts and antennas in each of my vehicles so I could just swap the XM into whatever I am driving........

 

I don't have an existing unit....it was built into our other vehicle.

 

You can replace it with an upgraded radio from Ford and keep your steering wheel controls. I really don't know if the aftermarket radios will allow you to do that....Go to Crutchfield's web site and look at their specifications on the new radios.

Ford uses Sirius in their products, but as they merged, I guess you'll have some XM stations too.

 

I was thinking about that...in terms of a later Ford Radio.

Crutchfield will allow me to use the steering wheel controls with a new head unit with some adaptor kit.

Total cost for that job would be close to $400.