Audio System - Poor Satellite Radio Reception
Group: 91Number: 05-06
Date: Apr. 29, 2005
Subject:
Satellite Radios, Intermittent Reception Concerns
Model(s):
All Models Equipped with Satellite Radio XM or Sirius 2004 > 2006
Condition
Customer states that at times the reception of satellite radio drops out or fades.
Service
Reception for satellite radio may vary depending on vehicle location relative to physical obstacles that block the signal path to the antenna. Both satellite radio providers use terrestrial repeaters (largely in metropolitan areas), in case a direct line of sight to the antenna is not possible. Both, also have memory buffers which compensate for short term (one or two second) signal blockages.
Long term blockages (more than a few seconds) caused by trees, buildings, tunnels, parking structures, or even large vehicles, can result in temporary loss of the signal. This will be reported by the customer as a "drop out".
When the reception is dropped, the following will be displayed in the radio face plate (MMI screen):
^ XM SATELLITE SIGNAL UPDATING or NO SIGNAL
^ SIRIUS SATELLITE LINKING or ACQUIRING SIGNAL
No further service action required.
- Explain to the customer that this is considered normal operation.