Radio Reception Issues

ClassC5 · February 12, 2014

The FM in my 2014 Sierra SLT faded in & out on the way home from the dealer! Worst FM reception of any vehicle I've driven in the last 20 years. Nearly $50k for a 'high tech' pickup and the radio sucks. As with many other posts, the XM works great, I don't know about AM, but FM is useless. Other than that what a great rig… otherwise very impressed so far but just hit 500 miles. I've had it to the dealer about this but what surprises me is they either don't know how or are unable to run basic diagnostics. I will be reporting to GMC to see if a fix is in the works. I am vary disappointed with this.

ClassC5 · February 12, 2014

I recommend anyone with the radio issue contact the GM person on this site and let Jennifer know. She opened a case for me on mine. Until GM has enough cases they cant do anything, it will take GM knowing about it in large numbers for them to take a truck from the lot, diagnosis the issue then come up with a verified fix that can be deployed on customer vehicles as a fix.

I'm new to this blog. Who is Jennifer and how do I contact her? You can add me to the list of "lousy FM reception". My 2014 GMC Sierra SLT has less than 500 miles on it and I've already had it to the dealer. They either lack troubleshooting skills or there are no diagnostics for the new system. Thanks!

BigMikeVA · February 12, 2014

For those people complaining about the HD radio signal dropping that's just how HD radio is, it happens regardless of the make of the vehicle its in.

klrrdr · February 12, 2014

It is not. My wife's car works flawlessly and the loaner I got never dropped the signal,not even under a bridge.

steig · February 12, 2014

HD radio is not suppose to drop out like it does in the Silverado. I have other vehicles with HD radio and they work perfectly. The Silverado has a FM radio reception and HD radio problems. I have been dealing with dealer and GM about this issue for over 3 months. Nothing happening. I would not have bought this truck if I would have known the FM radio is this bad.

sh00ter · February 12, 2014

I've had my Denali for 2 weeks now & have the poor reception issue. I listen to lots of AM radio & it's really terrible. I haven't noticed any problems with XM stations.

GM needs to get this corrected ASAP. I've bought 11 GM vehicles since 2000 & never had this problem with any of them until now.

steig · February 12, 2014

I've had my Denali for 2 weeks now & have the poor reception issue. I listen to lots of AM radio & it's really terrible. I haven't noticed any problems with XM stations.

GM needs to get this corrected ASAP. I've bought 11 GM vehicles since 2000 & never had this problem with any of them until now.

I don't think GM will correct the problem. I called them several times, they act like my radio is an isolated problem. They claim they have no FM or HD radio issues that they are aware of.

I think the only way to fix this issue is to change entire system. Very expensive.

TJay74 · February 12, 2014

I will prob end up emailing some people soon, maybe some high up heads will get the ball rolling. if not and if it bugs me enough then either GM is going to provide lifetime free XM or else I can start the lemon law buy back on the truck.

dmd277 · February 13, 2014

My hope is that they will fix it in the 2015's then maybe I can install the parts in my 14. Also maybe an aftermarket fix. Still looking for a better antenna.

steig · February 13, 2014

My hope is that they will fix it in the 2015's then maybe I can install the parts in my 14. Also maybe an aftermarket fix. Still looking for a better antenna.

Just to let you know: GM told me that if I modify the radio, antenna, or cable in any way that they would void my warranty. My truck is going back in again for the FM issue, my dealer is supposed to be working with GM tech support. GM also stated again that they have no kown issues with FM radio reception.

WhiteMike · February 13, 2014

I took my truck in a week or so ago to get the bedliner installed. While in there I told them the AM reception was really bad. FM wasn't as bad (Because the noise it made blended in with the music). The XM radio was just fine. The issue I am having is the AM stations make ALOT of 'crackling' noise. When I have the volume 1/3 to 1/2 turned up and listening to sportstalk radio it is almost unbearable. The voices come in clear and no weird AM buzzing sounds, but there is the constant crackling sound (Especially when their is a deeper voice)

1st time in shop - Once I picked up the truck with bedliner and window tint, they said they have heard of no complaints and didn't find anthing. The service Manager did come out and sit in the truck and he heard the noise. Said to bring it in at a later date and we will figure it out. *I did have the loaner truck, a 2014 SLE for the day. The AM/FM stations worked just fine. Maybe just a very, very slight crackle now and again if I were being picky.

2nd time in shop - I dropped it off this morning specifically to get this AM/FM reception fixed. The loaner they gave me was a different 2014 SLE. The AM/FM reception was fantastic! On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, this truck was a 10. My truck is about a 2, it's that bad and big of a difference. I got a call a few hours later and the service tech said it's both front speakers causing the interference. They are going to order new front speakers and swap them out. I did notice it was much worse on the front speakers, and I thought there was very little problem with the rear speakers, but there was some if I was being picky.

Said it will take a week or so to get the parts in. I will update either way. Until it's fixed, I am skeptical. I do trust the serive manager and tech's, they do seem to care and want to get it figured out.

Edited February 13, 2014 by WhiteMike

wandern · February 13, 2014

Just to let you know: GM told me that if I modify the radio, antenna, or cable in any way that they would void my warranty. My truck is going back in again for the FM issue, my dealer is supposed to be working with GM tech support. GM also stated again that they have no kown issues with FM radio reception.

GM had a specific question about FM radio reception on a recent customer satisfaction survey they sent out. I highly doubt they create random questions that aren't related to issues reported; rather the questions are used to get an idea of how widespread the issue may be with people who are "putting up" with it and haven't reported it to their dealers.

dmd277 · February 13, 2014

Thanks for the heads up steig, I will put their 59 cent antenna back on before I take it back to the dealer.

steig · February 14, 2014

Thanks for the heads up steig, I will put their 59 cent antenna back on before I take it back to the dealer.

Sure !!!

dmd277 · February 18, 2014

I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on were I could get a better antenna, I have tried all of the auto parts stores. The new antenna improves reception a little but I was hoping to find one that would correct the problem. I have lost hope that GM will fix it.