Radio Reception Issues

[WLC]

Alright guys, play nice.

 

I got an email the other day and a call from GM today. The new radio module is headed to my dealership and should be there today or tomorrow morning. Now the only bad thing is I am out of town until after the new year so I wont be around to have the new module installed or to test it out so that I can let GM know if it is working or not. Even if I could get in tomorrow it wont give me enough time to check the new programming and validate if the multi-pathing issue has been resolved or not.

 

GM knows at this point from me that this needs to be the correct and proper fix. I now have 2 years of my time invested in it and while I can appreciate that there may be some hurdles to jump thru since they are at the mercy of the supplier I really think they (GM) should have lit a fire under the suppliers butt to get this fixed long ago. I advised the GM executive board today that if the fix does not work that GM can have my truck back via buyback and I will order a 2016 truck and then they will have their very own test truck here in Oklahoma to continue to use at their mercy.

 

This wouldn't be so bad if the manufactures didn't wrap everything into one item, now you can even swap the radio out to fix the issue via aftermarket. The truck has been awesome other than this nagging issue which is even more sad in my eyes.

Alright guys, play nice.

 

I got an email the other day and a call from GM today. The new radio module is headed to my dealership and should be there today or tomorrow morning. Now the only bad thing is I am out of town until after the new year so I wont be around to have the new module installed or to test it out so that I can let GM know if it is working or not. Even if I could get in tomorrow it wont give me enough time to check the new programming and validate if the multi-pathing issue has been resolved or not.

 

GM knows at this point from me that this needs to be the correct and proper fix. I now have 2 years of my time invested in it and while I can appreciate that there may be some hurdles to jump thru since they are at the mercy of the supplier I really think they (GM) should have lit a fire under the suppliers butt to get this fixed long ago. I advised the GM executive board today that if the fix does not work that GM can have my truck back via buyback and I will order a 2016 truck and then they will have their very own test truck here in Oklahoma to continue to use at their mercy.

 

This wouldn't be so bad if the manufactures didn't wrap everything into one item, now you can even swap the radio out to fix the issue via aftermarket. The truck has been awesome other than this nagging issue which is even more sad in my eyes.

TJ74 must have a new truck coming

[WLC]

Posted Yesterday, 09:31 PM

Getting ready to go back down the exhaust route myself once the new truck comes in. 6.2L w/ the 8spd. Going to do what I did on the current truck, Magnaflow 3.5" in / 3.5" out muffler, cut out the exhaust valve and resonator and this time I am also going to cut out the 3rd cat as well. Should sound pretty healthy once done, I will also turn off the AFM. Never had any issues with drone at all with this setup in the current truck.

 

ikaika1984 likes this

So TJ 74 has a new truck coming. What will be the radio fix for the rest of us?I am sure everyone will not get their truck bought back.I know TJ did a lot of work but I spent a lot of money on two trucks!

Edited February 1, 2016 by WLC

[chuckl1218]

"What will be the radio fix for the rest of us?I am sure everyone will not get their truck bought back.I know TJ did a lot of work..."

Based on TJAYs latest remarks, the most recent fix effort didn't fix it and due to his efforts and discussion with GM, he's getting a new truck. I was able to get the previous PI1288a fix done which made mine "satisfactory" to me, but not great. And it has varied results with others. My truck has had no other issues that haven't been addressed. I like my truck and have also done so many mods that I don't want another truck. It's also clear to me that no other fixes are coming...not sure they CAN fix it...

 

So, what about the rest of us? If you are wiling to take up the fight, then you are certainly welcome to or push for a buy back. I'm just going to live with it...

[TJay74]

Sadly yes folks, I pushed for the buyback option after dealing with this for 2 years. The issue is still not fixed, not even close. My informal testing has shown that even with the new update the system constantly drops out of HD, it also drops out of stereo to mono all of the time randomly. The only thing I have seen that can push the issue is being around high voltage transmission lines and regular distribution lines for electric. I work for an electric utility company and have a degree in that area, with as much as the radio cuts out while around electric lines and around building it leads me to think that there is some sort of RF/EMI interference at play here that is causing the issue.

 

The GM engineers said they didn't think so, but it is just to coincidental that when I pass under our transmission lines the system cuts out or when I am driving down a road that has distribution electric lines on both side of the road with transformers on the poles that the system will start acting up.

 

So as of now I have been approved for the buyback or trade assist, that is provided the numbers work out. Sad it had to go this route, I love my truck and it has almost everything I wanted and I would of had it paid off by summer of 2017.

[WLC]

When I took my truck in last week dealer said they are still working on the fix. I think they are feeding me fish food! Have to figure a way to play FM radio in the truck. Any ideas?

[glcbn]

When I took my truck in last week dealer said they are still working on the fix. I think they are feeding me fish food! Have to figure a way to play FM radio in the truck. Any ideas?

 

You have to get the PI1288a done! Whatever it takes to get them to do it, but it needs done. They fed me a line of BS too, but I didn't take no for an answer. I also had ammunition (forum info ) when they handed me their typical BS.

 

As chuckl1218 posted also, the update made a difference with my radio. Maybe more than others, because since the update my radio has been "normal" 99.9% of the time. I hardly ever have any type of issues anymore. The only times it acts up, is if the weather is exceptionally crappy. Very low ceiling, or dense fog. Other than that, pretty flawless for sure.

[Jesse Davidson]

Posted Yesterday, 09:31 PM

Getting ready to go back down the exhaust route myself once the new truck comes in. 6.2L w/ the 8spd. Going to do what I did on the current truck, Magnaflow 3.5" in / 3.5" out muffler, cut out the exhaust valve and resonator and this time I am also going to cut out the 3rd cat as well. Should sound pretty healthy once done, I will also turn off the AFM. Never had any issues with drone at all with this setup in the current truck.

I havn't done any exhaust work, but I do have a rough idle and have a drone with the system, as well as a whole host of other issues

 

"What will be the radio fix for the rest of us?I am sure everyone will not get their truck bought back.I know TJ did a lot of work..."

Based on TJAYs latest remarks, the most recent fix effort didn't fix it and due to his efforts and discussion with GM, he's getting a new truck. I was able to get the previous PI1288a fix done which made mine "satisfactory" to me, but not great. And it has varied results with others. My truck has had no other issues that haven't been addressed. I like my truck and have also done so many mods that I don't want another truck. It's also clear to me that no other fixes are coming...not sure they CAN fix it...

 

So, what about the rest of us? If you are wiling to take up the fight, then you are certainly welcome to or push for a buy back. I'm just going to live with it...

look into the direct fit replacement from alpine, you will need the new wiring harnesses and they make a control module they still allows the system to show the vhicle diagnostics and stuff. it's not a cheap unit or fix thought.

 

Sadly yes folks, I pushed for the buyback option after dealing with this for 2 years. The issue is still not fixed, not even close. My informal testing has shown that even with the new update the system constantly drops out of HD, it also drops out of stereo to mono all of the time randomly. The only thing I have seen that can push the issue is being around high voltage transmission lines and regular distribution lines for electric. I work for an electric utility company and have a degree in that area, with as much as the radio cuts out while around electric lines and around building it leads me to think that there is some sort of RF/EMI interference at play here that is causing the issue.

 

The GM engineers said they didn't think so, but it is just to coincidental that when I pass under our transmission lines the system cuts out or when I am driving down a road that has distribution electric lines on both side of the road with transformers on the poles that the system will start acting up.

 

So as of now I have been approved for the buyback or trade assist, that is provided the numbers work out. Sad it had to go this route, I love my truck and it has almost everything I wanted and I would of had it paid off by summer of 2017.

stereo to mono would be a great way to describe the issues that I have been having with the radio in my truck, however mine doesn't only act up around transmission lines, I can be on the freeway with NOTHING around and it will still do is a lot, so i personally dont believe that is the cause. In addition, and pardon the double post on this, but I have begun to notice clipping in the audio. I keep my volume at roughly 1/2 to 5/8 levels, so there should be plenty of power left over for that. There is something seriously wrong with these units, and these trucks as a whole...

 

I've had my truck since June 30th, and since then I have been to the dealer multiple times for multiple issues, all of which still have no resolution...

 

 

Radio: latest hardware and firmware... "No fix at this time"

 

Rough Idle: adjust exhaust pressure and reprogram ECU module... helped with exhaust resonance, but still not fixed

 

Vibration from AFM: acknowledged issue, and regional rep felt it... "nature of the beast, normal operation, suggested driving in "M5" to help reduce the vibration from AFM"

 

Other Vibration (35 mph+): not replicated.... "no fix at this time"

 

Failing to supply the appropriate A/T tires paid for and shown on window sticker (also known as FRAUD): "those are the tires that come on the truck, we will not do anything for you" (Chevy Customer Assistance, not dealer for this one)

 

 

 

I am hoping that the lawfirm I am in contact with will be taking the case as a class action, but I spend about 3 hours a day driving, and this combination of issues, especially the Vibration and radio are really starting to wear me thin. I may be looking to try to get out of this truck sooner rather than later. If there is one thing I do know, it is that this sure as sh*t is going to be the first and last GM product I ever purchase.

 

Congrats on the new truck TJ

Edited February 2, 2016 by Jesse D

[sealteem1]

I know you guys are waiting to get this fixed under warranty, but just wanted to share with you guys about iDatalink. http://maestro.idatalink.com/product/product/product_id/102

They now have released the new software that will allow you to replace your head unit with an aftermarket one and keep all the controls. It even comes with a warning chime speaker so your chimes will no longer go through the radio. Also Alpine released a completely new system for our vehicles too that replaces the entire radio cluster. Expensive though! http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500X110SLV/Alpine-X110-SLV-In-Dash-Restyle-System.html

[Jesse Davidson]

I know you guys are waiting to get this fixed under warranty, but just wanted to share with you guys about iDatalink. http://maestro.idatalink.com/product/product/product_id/102

They now have released the new software that will allow you to replace your head unit with an aftermarket one and keep all the controls. It even comes with a warning chime speaker so your chimes will no longer go through the radio. Also Alpine released a completely new system for our vehicles too that replaces the entire radio cluster. Expensive though! http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500X110SLV/Alpine-X110-SLV-In-Dash-Restyle-System.html

thats what I was referring to above just couldn't remember the names of them, and didn't feel like taking the time to look them up haha. thanks for filling in the blanks I left

[ClassC5]

I gave up on this issue about a year ago because my forehead hurt from banging on the wall. I've decided that since the XM works so well that GM must be getting some rebates from them and could care less about the FM issue! A new issue is that when playing music (via Aux & bluetooth), from my iPhone, 90% of the sound comes from the left front speaker. Doesn't seem to matter what settings I change on the stereo system or the phone. I haven't tried it with a cable. Has anyone else had this issue?

[Jesse Davidson]

I gave up on this issue about a year ago because my forehead hurt from banging on the wall. I've decided that since the XM works so well that GM must be getting some rebates from them and could care less about the FM issue! A new issue is that when playing music (via Aux & bluetooth), from my iPhone, 90% of the sound comes from the left front speaker. Doesn't seem to matter what settings I change on the stereo system or the phone. I haven't tried it with a cable. Has anyone else had this issue?

I've had something similar, but not the same. it's only happened a few times, but the radio will randomly just not work at all, other times I will only get audio out of 1 or 2 of the speakers. after turning the truck off and on a few times after driving, it will normally come back. but it is very strange

[tnchevy]

Looks like I am the only one who has their radio just wipe the saved stations at random twice now. Just 2 times in a year and a half but 2 times too many.

[chuckl1218]

Looks like I am the only one who has their radio just wipe the saved stations at random twice now. Just 2 times in a year and a half but 2 times too many.

 

I have read about this issue before and very intermittent like yours. Mine likes to drop the 3 phone favorites I have saved into the buttons. And once when my battery was acting up, I would press a favorite station, it would change but not stay illuminated. Every once in a while, some flaky stuff... Edited February 3, 2016 by chuckl1218

[WLC]

Traded beater truck. Went from a 93 f-150 2 wheel drive to 97 dodge 2500 4 wheel drive. FM radios in both of these trucks are better than my 2014's. Talked on GM's chat line today and they said they cannot provide any technical advice. I guess they can tell you what to put on a hotdog.LOL

[WLC]

How do you connect an external source to the sound system.I played around with my iPod and headphones and could not get either to work. Should have read my confusing Manuel first. I think I got it.

Edited February 4, 2016 by WLC