Radio Reception Issues

[Jesse Davidson]

I know there are a lot of pages to this thread, so I just want to point out to those of you who joined recently...Todd (aka TJay74) has been working this issue with the engineers for a long time and has been the "guinee pig" for some the attempted fixes. In one attempt to update the software a TSB was released and it was determined that a hardware replacement would be needed in some of our early '14 builds for it to work. I was able to use the info Todd provided to help my dealer look up the Bulletin, determine what was needed and apply the update (hardware was replaced and software was updated). Thankfully mine got much better due to this update for the '14s. Of course the feedback was mixed and Todd continues to drive the engineers.

Thanks Todd...we look forward to any progress that you can make on our behalf.

nice to hear someone real is cracking the whip on those engineers, now if you can, try to get them to fix the 2015 models too haha

[WLC]

Presets are hard to use while driving. Must change stations due to reception.Voice command works but you must memorize tune number. Sliding presets while driving is dangerous!

[Jesse Davidson]

so I currently have a Tahoe as a loaner, and the radio works flawlessly....... proof its not the broadcasters or interference from buildings, trees etc like the TSB says, I think yes

[TJay74]

Only problem is that the new Tahoe may not use the same radio module as the trucks and to be honest I doubt much in the Tahoe/Yukon system carries over to the truck line.

[Jesse Davidson]

Only problem is that the new Tahoe may not use the same radio module as the trucks and to be honest I doubt much in the Tahoe/Yukon system carries over to the truck line.

yea, your probably right, but it is a 5.3 V8, dont know if its the exact same, but regardless, for the radio condition, it throws the broadcaster signal quality theory out the window for GM's current TSB on the issue if the tahoe radio can get it, so should the Silverado Radio, as far as I'm concerned, it proves that they are putting bad radios in the trucks. besides, my old 2007 that i traded in with the stock deck could get them no problem as well. I call bullsh*t on the signal quality theory. It's defective equipment,

[Jesse Davidson]

So I got the call this afternoon, the GM rep drove my truck, says he got up to about 75 MPH and claims the only vibration he felt was on the AFM. because of this, the dealer did nothing. they didn't roadforce the wheels or inspect the steering position sensor like I specifically requested they do. no examination of the drive train even though they even said the vibration is the drive train.... go figure..... their resolution is to "keep the truck in M5 so it doesn't switch to V4 and shake on the switch and when in V4 at specific speeds" the GM rep called it "the nature of the beast" and "normal operation" I tested this, and there was still vibration...

as for the radio, he listened and heard everything I was complaining about with the muddy, muted, faded audio and says "per bulletin ETIN PI 1288B, radio is in normal operation" the software is up to date, and they won't do anything about it.

I told the service rep at my dealer that if this is how GM wants to handle this, I will have to contact my attorney and file a suit/ claim against GM. He said he agrees that "this should not be normal operation" and that he "would advocate for me with GM on the radio" I proceeded to tell him how I have a 13 year old A/V receiver in my half subterranean basement with a speaker wire antenna that is mounted to the main carrying beam in the center of my house that gets better reception than my truck when in and around Boston/ Cambridge where the signals are broadcast from. he said "he didn't know the GM radios were that bad"

I will say that in my 2 days with the Tahoe, I felt the AFM vibe only once, there was no other Vibe issues. similarly with the radio, I only heard it fade/ muddy once in the two days.

I have already called my attorney, and am waiting for a call back to discuss where to go from here. this was only my second repair attempt, but with GM stating that it is "normal operation" when it clearly shouldn't be, I don't know what the next step is.

Sorry I can't provide any answers to anyone, but this is what GM is saying as of now.

[WLC]

Took my sierra in today for the headlight upgrade and oil change. Pretty much blowed me off when I inquired about radio reception issue.Said he ran the vin and nothing is available for hardware or software upgrade.Early build truck. Reception sucks on my truck.Here we go!

[krellheat]

When I had the 'free' oil change, they reprogrammed intellilink and now radio will not function at all at startup once a day. That is. worked going to work but not whe leaving work at end of shift. Yet worked again after stopping at foodbag before going home.

[Jesse Davidson]

So I just got off the phone with my attorney, they said as of now there is nothing we can do. Apparently in MA, GM doesn't represent themselves, they hire some huge outside firm who is "extremely difficult to deal with" and even though state law is 3 repair attempts, they basically won't do anything unless you have more than that. They also said that I would need to get some dealership to make some form of repair attempt and not say that the vibrations and radio are "normal operation" and just write me off that way, which is all I've been getting. They did say that if I really wanted to, we could do a full on lawsuit instead of a regular lemon law claim, but that it would likely take 8-10 years before it closes, and by that point I will have gotten rid of the truck anyway. They are recommending that I either keep going and complaining about it to every dealer around, or go trade it in and get something else....

I have friends at some news stations, maybe I should give them a call and see if they want a story about how GM refuses to recognize issues with their vehicles and repair them... I'm sue that would catch some attention from Corporate... As for now, I'm heading to a ford dealer to see what they will give me if I trade it in.

Or maybe I should just deal with it in M5 mode to help on the vibration and live with it.... this is beyond frustrating, any suggestions?

[Imcrazy]

The radio continues to suck big time.....

[GMCustomerService]

Originally Posted by krellheatWhen I had the 'free' oil change, they reprogrammed intellilink and now radio will not function at all at startup once a day. That is. worked going to work but not whe leaving work at end of shift. Yet worked again after stopping at foodbag before going home.

We apologize for the frustration you're experiencing with the audio system within your vehicle, krellheat. Please know that we are here to assist you with having this resolved to your satisfaction. If you would send us your VIN and dealership name via private message, we can look into some additional options that may be available to you. I look forward to your response and working with you.

 

Marlea W.

GM Customer Care

[wm1584]

What about the rest of Marlea?

I've had mine in twice for routine maintenance and had them look into the radio. The second time they keep it overnight and they say there is nothing wrong and HD channels just aren't strong enough in my area. I live within 30 miles of downtown St. Louis and should not have reception issues. My previous HD radio had no dropping out issues. This is unacceptable with the amount I paid for this truck. I want my HD radio!! Please help.

[Jesse Davidson]

What about the rest of Marlea?

I've had mine in twice for routine maintenance and had them look into the radio. The second time they keep it overnight and they say there is nothing wrong and HD channels just aren't strong enough in my area. I live within 30 miles of downtown St. Louis and should not have reception issues. My previous HD radio had no dropping out issues. This is unacceptable with the amount I paid for this truck. I want my HD radio!! Please help.

good luck, GM doesn't have a fix and per the service rep at my dealership "per bulletin ETIN PI 1288B all radios with some package have this issue, as do any replacements". GM considers it "normal operation". these issues began at some point in 2013 when GM changed manufacturers, and the issues are carried into the Sierra/Silverado, Canyon/Colorado, Tahoe/what ever the GMC equivalent is, and possibly more.

 

The only aftermarket direct replacement for the Sierra/Silverado (without excess modification for it to fit) is the Alpine X008U ($1599.99) which requires a "restyle kit" that adjusts the trim around it, and allows us to keep onstar and steering wheel controls ($249.99). there will likely be a few more wiring parts and install cost, not to forget the 1 day rental while the work is being done, so we are looking at well over $2,000 just to get a properly working direct fit replacement radio, all because GM refuses to fix it properly.

 

The radio, as well as a number of other issues is why I am looking at starting a class action suit against GM. GM doesn't want to do the right thing and recognize issues with their vehicles and fix them on their own, so lets force them to right? let me know what you think

[surebuttercringe]

LOL @ Marlea thinking she's going to help out with this when we all know GM has already told us to get bent. More lip service from GM Customer Care with no proof of results.

[tbare54]

I've been watching this thread for quiet some time. I have a 2014 Dbl Cab Silverado, about 4 months ago I took my truck to local dealer and complained about lack of HD channels and poor reception. My dealership called and said the had to order new radio receiver and there was a software upgrade available, after the new hardware arrived and was installed. To make a long story short, after getting truck back I have been amazed at improvement, I live in Fort Wayne, In and I like to listen to WLW out of Cincinnati, Oh which is about 140 miles away. It is an HD channel and comes in loud and clear HD, since hardware replacement. Also there are a lot of local FM stations which are HD and now come in, that I wasn't even aware were available in HD.

I'm thinking that a lot of the poor radio reception issues are there and GM has a fix for the the issue, but poor dealership service is not even trying to remedy the problem, just giving customers the run around.