2004 - hwo to add/upgrade to SAT radio

[78Staff]

OK, I've searched though the various online resources, and have really come away more confused that when I started I think lol...

Essentially, I have 2004 Signature with the base (no sat, no nav, no changer, not the Alpine) single CD sound system. All I am looking to do is add on SAT radio. I don't need 6cd unit or nav unit, but would use those units if required for SAT... As far as I can tell, there seem to be a few different paths...

* Upgrade to newer model year FLM radio that has SAT capability, and add the appropriate module/antenna package, and possibly a flash from FLM dealer. Seems easy enough, and I see several 08-up oem radios with SAT buttons on the various sell sites that are very reasonable. Problem is, in 06 Lincoln switched the head units from 4 plug to 3 plug design, due to no longer using the changer in the trunk and switching to a 6CD in dash. So I haven't really been able to nail down if the later unit would work.

* Upgrade to an 03-05 unit since these are the "4-plug" units, I just can't seem to find any confirmation if any of them (premium/alpline/nav)are SAT Capable.

* Upgrade to aftermarket unit - which while I would prefer to keep the oem look, as long as it was not something out of star wars, AND was controllable by the oem steering wheel controls, I guess I could do this if I have to.

* Use an add on SAT unit with one of those FM Modulators... this is really a last resort. I read lots of complaints about sound across modulation. I'm not a "loud" music guy though, so maybe just for normal volume music and such they are not so bad?

Anyway, this is what I've been able to come up with, not sure if there are any different/better options? Or if I have info above incorrect? If so I'd love to hear about them .

Thanks all...
Mark

 

[Town]

Hi 78staff,

Looking at the Owner's manual:

the 2003 model does not seem to offer SAT option on any of the radios and not even on the Nav THX system, so 0 options.

the 2004 model does not seem to offer SAT option on any of the radios except the NAV THX system, so only 1 option.

the 2005 model does offer several radios with the SAT option (look just below the on/off volume knob for the SAT button) and on the NAV THX system, so at least 3 options.

I don't know anything about aftermarket radios and options parts so I cannot help you there.

Good luck.

 

[78Staff]

Hi 78staff,

Looking at the Owner's manual:

the 2003 model does not seem to offer SAT option on any of the radios and not even on the Nav THX system, so 0 options.

the 2004 model does not seem to offer SAT option on any of the radios except the NAV THX system, so only 1 option.

the 2005 model does offer several radios with the SAT option (look just below the on/off volume knob for the SAT button) and on the NAV THX system, so at least 3 options.

I don't know anything about aftermarket radios and options parts so I cannot help you there.

Good luck.

Ah, this helps very much - thank you. I will start searching for a 2005 head unit

 

[C Krohn]

FM modulator is not a good option. It requires an unused FM frequency, and in metropolitan areas (such as DFW), there aren't any unused frequencies.

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[GeneLaw1]

OK, I've searched though the various online resources, and have really come away more confused that when I started I think lol...

Essentially, I have 2004 Signature with the base (no sat, no nav, no changer, not the Alpine) single CD sound system. All I am looking to do is add on SAT radio. I don't need 6cd unit or nav unit, but would use those units if required for SAT... As far as I can tell, there seem to be a few different paths...

* Upgrade to newer model year FLM radio that has SAT capability, and add the appropriate module/antenna package, and possibly a flash from FLM dealer. Seems easy enough, and I see several 08-up oem radios with SAT buttons on the various sell sites that are very reasonable. Problem is, in 06 Lincoln switched the head units from 4 plug to 3 plug design, due to no longer using the changer in the trunk and switching to a 6CD in dash. So I haven't really been able to nail down if the later unit would work.

* Upgrade to an 03-05 unit since these are the "4-plug" units, I just can't seem to find any confirmation if any of them (premium/alpline/nav)are SAT Capable.

* Upgrade to aftermarket unit - which while I would prefer to keep the oem look, as long as it was not something out of star wars, AND was controllable by the oem steering wheel controls, I guess I could do this if I have to.

* Use an add on SAT unit with one of those FM Modulators... this is really a last resort. I read lots of complaints about sound across modulation. I'm not a "loud" music guy though, so maybe just for normal volume music and such they are not so bad?

Anyway, this is what I've been able to come up with, not sure if there are any different/better options? Or if I have info above incorrect? If so I'd love to hear about them .

Thanks all...
Mark

As said above, FM Modulator is your worse option, you will always get interference and if traveling, you will always have to change stations to try to find one that will work.

After market is the best option IMO, for the added features you will gain. There are many choices you have out there that will look stock in the car. You can still maintain the steering wheel controls using an adapter.

No matter which option you chose, you will need a tuner and antenna and of course subscription to curise to SAT radio.