Tom450

Has anybody been able to use the HD FM for traffic or weather information? I would like to use this instead of the SX traffic and weather but can't seem to find a station that displays the information.

dchar

I think that if you have 2013 GS, you can only get XM traffic info. In the 2014 models of lexus, they changed it to HD radio for traffic info.

Tom450

I was under the impression that Lexus has added this to all 2013 and later models. This is from Lexus drivers:
On Lexus vehicles launched in 2013 and later, SiriusXM Data Services (including NavTraffic and NavWeather) are no longer available, since Traffic and Weather are now delivered to your vehicle by HD Data as subscription-free services.
I have HD radio but also have the SiriusXM data traffic and weather for the 30 day trial. So, do I really have the HD radio data services on my 2013 GSh?

JellyBean

I think our 2013 GS was "launched" in 2011. Lexus could've used more exact language in that release you quoted.

dchar

After my 1year trial of XM traffic and weather expired, I received no info. Therefore, it doesn't automatically change to HD radio for traffic. 4GS was launched in 2012, so the statement you quoted does not apply to 2013MY cars.

Tom450

What a bummer. Guess I will see how much I really use the XM traffic and decide then if I will subscribe. I will be getting the Sirius anyway so really no big deal, about $50 a year more.

Thanks for the explanation, much appreciated.

jjscsix

I'll admit I'm not a techie, but I'm confused. HD radio is a radio that has the capability to receive and play HD radio stations. If there is not one in your area that broadcasts in HD, then where is the car supposed to get the info? Is this something that Lexus or another third party provides other than just a local station that has HD capability?

Tom450

After further research I found this thread:- bad-news-for-2013-owners-and-lexus-enform-updates. Don't know if this is the latest and most accurate information.

It seems that even though the 2013 has the HD radio, we do not get the data needed for the free weather and traffic. It says in the lexus drivers website that a HD icon will show in the nav screen when in a HD radio data area. It does not show on mine but the HD radio receives the HD FM stations.

The thread says that Lexus went with a version 8 instead of updating our version 7 but it could be updated if Lexus wanted to. Please read the thread, my explanation is not very good, it is much better in the thread.

I called the local Lexus dealer today and told them that I couldn't get the HD traffic and weather and the service guy said I should be able to since it is a 2013. Sounds like nobody really knows what is going on. I think I'll get my nav updated and tell him to get my HD traffic working .

moose66

I'd be anxious to see what happens. Keep up posted whether or not you have success with this.

onexcite

Can't believe Lexus screw us for many little things.

Never buy first year model again.

moose66

Gets you every time. They make you drool with the new body style and some updates the previous gen did not have. Then you buy, and the next 'refresh' turns out to be better. Typical in the auto industry. If they didn't do that, it would be no need to roll out new model years. Keeps you coming back. And in our case, pissed off!

onexcite

Totally agreed!

It need to be change. Mostly just minor tweak and software update, the hardware are pretty much the same. If one car maker start roll out the update then other will have to follow. Just like smart phone and Samsung smart tv. Even for a fees I bet people willing to pay for the update.

Tom450

I got the nav update which came with a firmware update. I was told it just fixed some bugs along with adding the new maps. Generally speaking, most of the service people have no clue regarding what our GS has. The service guy had to go ask the tech person and came back and told me that it is only on models INTRODUCED in 2013 (meaning the 2014 model year) and our GS's were introduced in 2012 so they don't come with the HD traffic and weather. We have to stick with XM traffic and weather subscription services.

I wonder if a group b**ch to lexus would help to get it but I think it would just be a waste of time and energy.

hziemba

If you are subscribing to the XM Radio, note that there are channels that give you traffic info for several major markets. It's not integrated into the nav system, but if you're in one of those markets, it can be helpful, at no additional cost.

I wasn't impressed with XM Traffic...my local news station has traffic "on the 2s" which provides better coverage.