XM and Cell Towers

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Jan 28, 2019 | 07:50 AM

gadgetman1

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 1,404

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From: Texas

XM and Cell Towers

Has anyone been told that there is interference from cell towers on XM? I’m STILL having the issue, yet when I take it in, the dealer says they can’t duplicate it. It doesn’t seem to be any particular station or time of day. Sometimes it’s so bad that the entire feed stops & it just displays “No Signal”. 99% of the time, I’m very close to a cell site or cell tower. Our Camaro also has XM & does not do this.

Jan 28, 2019 | 10:48 AM

geko29

CL Community Team

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 9,312

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From: IL

I used to have this problem way back when Nextel was a thing. But since Sprint tore down that RF-noise-factory, it's been smooth sailing.

Jan 28, 2019 | 11:27 AM

gadgetman1

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2016

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by geko29

I used to have this problem way back when Nextel was a thing. But since Sprint tore down that RF-noise-factory, it's been smooth sailing.

Oh my, I’ve never heard that. They couldn’t pay me to have Sprint - I’ve had them twice & they were horrible both times. I was told it was AT&T that was interfering with XM. Why does Lexus seem to be the only make with XM issues?

Jan 28, 2019 | 11:46 AM

oldcajun

Racer

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 1,419

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From: AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadgetman1

Never had a problem like this with either my RX or my wife's Accord.

Jan 28, 2019 | 11:47 AM

Johnhav430

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Sep 2016

Posts: 8,563

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From: PA

I kind of doubt it. I activated it in a used 2006 LS430, and it does not have any issues with no signal. I mean there are places where the signal drops out, but they are the same places as my wife's 2011 GM SUV. If the drop outs are at the same place for you, then I would think that's normal. Can you duplicate the issue at the dealership?

What I mean is I know where it drops out for me, and it drops out, 100% of the time, with any vehicle. If I am not in those spots, the signal never drops out....now if you drive normally at say 40 mph through those spots, the dropout is 3 sec. out of a 75 min commute, or small %.

Jan 28, 2019 | 12:57 PM

wasjr

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 1,058

Likes: 67

From: TN

There is a quarter mile stretch of road we travel daily that is close to at least two cell towers that I have always assumed caused the following impact on our vehicles’ XM service:
07 LS460: totally quiet with no signal
13 ES300h & former 11 MDX: intermittent no signal with sound off and on
17 MDX: no effect on signal

I have just assumed technology in the 17 MDX eliminated the issue.

Jan 28, 2019 | 07:08 PM

gadgetman1

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 1,404

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhav430

I only have drop outs with the Camaro under bridges or really large buildings that block the signal. The Lexus is dropping out next to cell towers constantly as well as bridges & tall buildings. I’m beginning to think Hyundai/Kia is a building a more reliable vehicle. I’ve had a few rentals that were great & known a few folks that love their Hyundai & Kia SUV’s. I don’t plan on getting rid of the Lexus anytime soon, but I’m disappointed in the amount of stupid stuff that keeps failing. I now have an exhaust rattle/buzzing near the rear axle & the dash is creaking again - dealer said they fixed it, but it started as soon as the temps went below 50.

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Jan 28, 2019 | 07:28 PM

tex2670

Lexus Champion

Joined: Apr 2007

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From: Southeastern PA

I have Sirius in 2 cars. No problem like that.

Jan 29, 2019 | 04:57 PM

Corey140

Intermediate

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 408

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From: Georgia

It is T-Mobile (AT&T may have been resolved but not 100%). It's been a few years so I'm not sure of the specifics anymore.

Jan 29, 2019 | 05:55 PM

#10

gadgetman1

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 1,404

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by tex2670

I have Sirius in 2 cars. No problem like that.

The Lexus RX doesn’t have Sirius, only XM. Sirius is a different channel lineup, even though they are the same company now.

Jan 30, 2019 | 04:56 AM

#11

tex2670

Lexus Champion

Joined: Apr 2007

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From: Southeastern PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadgetman1

The Lexus RX doesn’t have Sirius, only XM. Sirius is a different channel lineup, even though they are the same company now.

I'm aware. But the signal still comes from the same company's satellites, using the same technology.

Jan 30, 2019 | 07:03 AM

#12

gadgetman1

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by tex2670

I'm aware. But the signal still comes from the same company's satellites, using the same technology.

I’m not trying to split hairs, but Sirius satellites are different than XM satellites. I don’t know if that even makes a difference. There is clearly something that’s different in the RX infotainment system from other vehicles. Most more tech-savvy cars have gone to SXM channels & offer a lot more than Lexus’s old XM. Has Lexus even offered Apple Car Play or Android Auto on an RX yet?