I'm getting ready to install a Delphi Skyfi XM radio unit. I will have to pull the head unit and attach to the regular FM antenna and also grab retained accessory power (RAP) from somewhere. Anyone have any thoughts on where the pressure points, clips, etc. are to pull the interior moldings off?

There is no service manual available for the 04 until 04 according to Helm. I normally would get some tips from these books.

I'm in the same situation... all I can say is this: Good luck my friend. I will be careful. Whoever does this first, please post what you find! If I'm the first one, then I will post instructions.

I just tried to take the bezel off where the radio and climate control settings are and I couldn't get it to budge. I found that the "ON ACC START" overlay around the ignition switch just pops off and the rubber piece under it as well. However, I can not get this trim panel away from the body. I'm definitely feeling like I will break it if I try much harder.

No service manual available until next year, this is not good. I'm attempting to install a radio now.

I knew about the ignition switch and the little rubber underneath it... I haven't had much luck with the dash, either. I miss my subs....

The info I have access to says to remove the ignition switch bezel with a 'plastic trim tool'. Then it looks like you can pull that center IP trim panel off - it doesn't say anything about removing any screws or needing special tools - I guess I'd just be careful and try to work it loose!

It's a pretty brutally tight trim panel. I tried working it around the right side and got my fingers under it. Beyond that, it wouldn't give. I'm sure there's no screwed either. I was just hoping to focus on the stronger areas where the pressure clips are so I don't break the panel. With this car being so new, ordering a replacement trim panel may not be quick if I am not careful.

I did it, here is the radio removal. I pulled the trim panel off with just my fingers. I had to use some good force to pull at it, but it didn't break and held up quite nicely.

Here is the rear of the panel so you can see where the clips are.
[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-1-5.jpg?i=1053953387[/img]

And the dash itself...
[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-1-4.jpg?i=1053737035[/img]

With components removed...
[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-1-2.jpg?i=1053918646[/img]

Some pretty lousy pics of the wiring harness and the rear of the head unit.
[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-1-3.jpg?i=1053857705[/img]
[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-2-2.jpg?i=1054032660[/img]
[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-2-1.jpg?i=1054032609[/img]

I have a few issues now. I'm still working on the XM radio install. That's the whole purpose of this mission. I'm planning on putting the Delphi Skyfi in the compartment under the A/C controls. I took apart the Delphi Skyfi vehicle adapter and can make it fit in that compartment by drilling or dremmeling a wide hole in the bottom. It should mount flush and look slick.

I'm having difficulty finding a retained accessory power source though. I found a "RAP" relay on the fuse block. Here is a lousy picture of it and a redrawing of the schematic printed on it.

[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-2-3.jpg?i=1054265157[/img]
[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-1-1.jpg?i=1054265106[/img]

Which point number can I get a good 12V safe switched RAP power source from? With a multimeter, I find 12V on some when RAP is active. I would prefer to use RAP power so the unit doesn't power off when I shut off they key. I'd rather it turn off when the radio does. I've done this in my Corvette and GMC Sierra without any issues. On the Corvette, I connected into the antenna RAP power and on the GMC, there was a RAP #1 fuse. I can't find a good RAP power source on the head unit or the Monsoon amp and without a wiring pinout, I don't have much to go on except what my multimeter tells me. I want to splice into one of the 3 orange wires connected to this relay in the diagram, where should I splice into?

Anyone got access to pinouts or other useful info?

Kick a** man, that's awesome!

Thanks!

I completed my Delphi Skyfi install for those who care. Here are pictures.

[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-2-4.jpg?i=1054638327[/img]

Closer pic...

[img]http://photo.starblvd.net/~jtemail/1-2-5.jpg?i=1054638352[/img]

I ended up going with the FM modulator. I had to do quite a bit of gymnastics for this one. I wanted to find retained accessory power so the XM wouldn't die when I turned off the key. After much research, I found that the only things truly powered by the RAP circuit are the sunroof and power windows. I tapped into the power window wires for 12V power. It's a 25A fuse and I'm sure it can take another 1A maximum load. The radio has constant power. It turns off by a serial data signal telling it do so, along with the HUD and many other systems in the car.

It's working great. I dremmeled out the bottom of the storage area under the A/C controls and eliminated the car cradle that comes with the SkyFi kit by taking it apart and putting the essential parts under the storage compartment. I put velcro on the top of the unit to keep it in place in the compartment, although its a pretty tight fit anyway. I learned a lot about the car in the process.

You are one brave and talented soul! My dash would have been destroyed and still laying in a hundred pieces.

It's been a few weeks and things are working great. I placed the XM antenna on the back shelf in right behind the hook in the center of the rear shelf. Works great. I put velcro on the bottom to stop it from slopping around.