Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
This post is just to let others know that it may not be possible to convert your factory RBQ AM/FM/CD/6Disc/Sirius/U-Connect in-dash radio from Sirius to XM in a 2006 Ram and possibly some other models.
Several months ago I read the excellent post written by Hoagie about making the conversion in his 2005 Ram and I made several assumptions that proved to be incorrect.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148005&highlight=SIRIUS
I assumed that because the aftermarket plug and play conversion worked so well and so easily in Hoagie's 2005 that it would also work in my 2006 with what I thought was the same RBQ radio. About the time I ordered my new truck I went online to the website of the same internet marketer referenced in Hoagie's thread and ordered the XM conversion kit. I didn't call and ask if it was compatible with my 2006 truck, I assumed it would be.
My truck arrived with the OEM Sirius installed as part of the "Lone Star" option package and time was short when I took delivery. I needed to transfer all the towing equipment from my retired truck to the new one and get back on the road so I decided I would try the Sirius for a month or two and decide if I really wanted to make the switch.
Well, after two months and 20,000 miles I decided I like XM better than Sirius. It is a personal decision, much like saying I prefer white trucks over red, green, or blue trucks, but I think Sirius is oriented a little more toward a younger market and I'm not part of that market.
I'm home for a couple of days so with the help of my Dodge dealership mechanic friend I decided to make the switch today. The installation was easy and straightforward and the XM receiver and Dodge adaptor boxes and cable harnesses were quickly installed. When we finished we had no satelite sound and the OEM radio was still displaying Sirius programming in the digital display window.
We searched high and low for the Sirius receiver thinking we probably had to unplug it or remove power from it. No such luck. It couldn't be found. We removed the glove box and searched above, behind, and beside the cavity. We searched above the brake pedal on the driver's side. We even removed the back seat and still couldn't locate it. I searched previous posts on the TDR forums and sent one member a PM. In desperation I called a local sound system retailer/installer. The young man who took the call helpfully offered to show me where the Sirius box was if I'd take the truck to his shop. I did and explained what I was doing as we walked out to the truck. He looked the installation over briefly and explained that he hated to give me the bad news. He said they had a shelf lined with XM Direct conversion kits. They had learned, he explained, that regardless of what the printed literature says XM Direct kits are simply not compatible with all years, makes, and models. He further explained that there is no wrong way to complete the installation, if all the harnesses are plugged in to the boxes, it should work. He also advised that he believes the Sirius receiver is actually contained in the OEM radio head in my 2006 truck and cannot be separated or removed.
So here's the bottom line. The XM Direct Sirius to XM conversion may not, probably won't work in your 2006 Ram. I'm not complaining or blaming anyone else. I am responsible because I assumed that because the kit works great in 2005 Rams with the same equipment that it would work in my 2006. It doesn't.
Later I found that my truck is NOT listed among the approved applications listed on the box. That was not a big surprise . . . we've all seen products that do work in models later than listed on the box but the manufacturer or retailer has not yet updated his labels or catalogs.
Here's my free advice: If you are considering converting your factory Sirius to XM beware. Currently available kits may not work.
Harvey
Several months ago I read the excellent post written by Hoagie about making the conversion in his 2005 Ram and I made several assumptions that proved to be incorrect.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148005&highlight=SIRIUS
I assumed that because the aftermarket plug and play conversion worked so well and so easily in Hoagie's 2005 that it would also work in my 2006 with what I thought was the same RBQ radio. About the time I ordered my new truck I went online to the website of the same internet marketer referenced in Hoagie's thread and ordered the XM conversion kit. I didn't call and ask if it was compatible with my 2006 truck, I assumed it would be.
My truck arrived with the OEM Sirius installed as part of the "Lone Star" option package and time was short when I took delivery. I needed to transfer all the towing equipment from my retired truck to the new one and get back on the road so I decided I would try the Sirius for a month or two and decide if I really wanted to make the switch.
Well, after two months and 20,000 miles I decided I like XM better than Sirius. It is a personal decision, much like saying I prefer white trucks over red, green, or blue trucks, but I think Sirius is oriented a little more toward a younger market and I'm not part of that market.
I'm home for a couple of days so with the help of my Dodge dealership mechanic friend I decided to make the switch today. The installation was easy and straightforward and the XM receiver and Dodge adaptor boxes and cable harnesses were quickly installed. When we finished we had no satelite sound and the OEM radio was still displaying Sirius programming in the digital display window.
We searched high and low for the Sirius receiver thinking we probably had to unplug it or remove power from it. No such luck. It couldn't be found. We removed the glove box and searched above, behind, and beside the cavity. We searched above the brake pedal on the driver's side. We even removed the back seat and still couldn't locate it. I searched previous posts on the TDR forums and sent one member a PM. In desperation I called a local sound system retailer/installer. The young man who took the call helpfully offered to show me where the Sirius box was if I'd take the truck to his shop. I did and explained what I was doing as we walked out to the truck. He looked the installation over briefly and explained that he hated to give me the bad news. He said they had a shelf lined with XM Direct conversion kits. They had learned, he explained, that regardless of what the printed literature says XM Direct kits are simply not compatible with all years, makes, and models. He further explained that there is no wrong way to complete the installation, if all the harnesses are plugged in to the boxes, it should work. He also advised that he believes the Sirius receiver is actually contained in the OEM radio head in my 2006 truck and cannot be separated or removed.
So here's the bottom line. The XM Direct Sirius to XM conversion may not, probably won't work in your 2006 Ram. I'm not complaining or blaming anyone else. I am responsible because I assumed that because the kit works great in 2005 Rams with the same equipment that it would work in my 2006. It doesn't.
Later I found that my truck is NOT listed among the approved applications listed on the box. That was not a big surprise . . . we've all seen products that do work in models later than listed on the box but the manufacturer or retailer has not yet updated his labels or catalogs.
Here's my free advice: If you are considering converting your factory Sirius to XM beware. Currently available kits may not work.
Harvey
