Notices
LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017) Discussion topics related to the current flagship models LS460, LS460L and LS600H

Sirius XM radio problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 14, 2017 | 06:55 AM
  #1  
roadfrog's Avatar
roadfrog
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Default Sirius XM radio problems

I recently decided to renew my subscription to satellite radio, but have issues.

When I select my sat on my radio, I get "updating", "acquiring signal" and then, "no signal". A couple of times I had a few seconds of sound and then back to "no signal". I reset the signal several times online and also through an agent at Sirius XM, but to no avail. I wonder if my tuner is hooped. I would assume my antenna is fine since my GPS is working.
Ideas? Sirius said to wait a few days and that it should correct itself, but it's been over a week, no joy.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2017 | 09:29 AM
  #2  
enoch861's Avatar
enoch861
Pole Position
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 377
Likes: 18
From: MN
Default

It definitely shouldn't be taking an entire week to update. And even if it did, you should be able to get their channel 1 station. Whenever I activate my radio, it typically takes 2-10 minutes to fix realize that I actually have access to other radios. Never had it take more than 10 minutes. I'm guessing you're also not in the vicinity of tall buildings/skycrapers? Those seem to have a very profound effect the signal.
Otherwise your tuner might be bad. Does the LS have a separate replaceable XM tuner?
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2017 | 10:30 AM
  #3  
DavidinCT's Avatar
DavidinCT
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 210
From: Someplace in CT
Default

Originally Posted by roadfrog
I recently decided to renew my subscription to satellite radio, but have issues.

When I select my sat on my radio, I get "updating", "acquiring signal" and then, "no signal". A couple of times I had a few seconds of sound and then back to "no signal". I reset the signal several times online and also through an agent at Sirius XM, but to no avail. I wonder if my tuner is hooped. I would assume my antenna is fine since my GPS is working.
Ideas? Sirius said to wait a few days and that it should correct itself, but it's been over a week, no joy.
I had mine free for 6 months, so it died the other day, I called in and renewed it... and within 5 min it was working showing all my channels. Make sure your doing it outside with full open sky. I tried to do it with some minor trees over me (normally signal comes through fine there) and I had some issues. I moved my car and within 5 min all shows worked.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2017 | 02:47 PM
  #4  
sktn77a's Avatar
sktn77a
Lead Lap
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,853
Likes: 408
From: Chapel Hill, NC
Default

They have to re-register your unit when they re-start service. They should have all the information they need, but you know what "should have" gets you...............
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2017 | 05:41 AM
  #5  
roadfrog's Avatar
roadfrog
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Default

thanks. Yes I had clear open area when resetting the system. I'm also not getting the free preview channel (Ch 1). My guess is a dodgy tuner.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2017 | 06:13 AM
  #6  
Junglequac's Avatar
Junglequac
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 524
Likes: 39
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Default

Unfortunately it does indeed sound like a hardware issue. I too use XM the vast majority of the time in spite of now having loaded up 6 DVD-Audio discs (really makes a stupendous difference) and having Spotify (premium), and 1000s of songs on iTunes.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2017 | 06:56 AM
  #7  
DavidinCT's Avatar
DavidinCT
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 210
From: Someplace in CT
Default

Originally Posted by roadfrog
thanks. Yes I had clear open area when resetting the system. I'm also not getting the free preview channel (Ch 1). My guess is a dodgy tuner.
Oh, even with a clear sky you don't get the preview channels ? If you go to channel 1 does it show your hardware ID ?

From XM's site.

You can go here to send a "refresh" to your hardware using the hardware ID maybe it will reset it. Before you send it, have the car on with a clear view of the sky.
Refreshing your radio is like restarting your computer- if something is acting up, refreshing your radio should fix it.

NOTE: Refreshes are only for satellite radios. Internet radios do not require refreshes.
  1. The refresh signal will be sent from a satellite, so make sure your vehicle is outside and your antenna has a clear view of the sky.
  2. Turn your radio on and tune to Channel 184 for Sirius radios or Channel 1 for XM and SiriusXM radios.
  3. You can send the activation signal online or call 855-MY REFRESH (697-3373). Make sure to have your Radio ID/ESN handy.


https://care.siriusxm.com/retailrefr...#/refreshradio

I wonder how built it is in the navi system, is just a plugin card or something or is it really tied in (meaning a new Navi CPU or such) if your hardware is bad.

Last edited by DavidinCT; Sep 15, 2017 at 07:22 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2017 | 04:17 PM
  #8  
sktn77a's Avatar
sktn77a
Lead Lap
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,853
Likes: 408
From: Chapel Hill, NC
Default

It's a separate module that plugs into (via a cable) the back of the nav/radio unit. E-bay has them for ~ $100.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2017 | 07:13 AM
  #9  
roadfrog's Avatar
roadfrog
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Default

Oh, even with a clear sky you don't get the preview channels ? If you go to channel 1 does it show your hardware ID ?
Correct. I'm able to get the ID, but even with Sirius XM's help, I was unable to
do a reset.

Keith: Thanks for that info! This may be next move. I hate to go back into the dash again, but it is what it is.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2017 | 05:47 PM
  #10  
satiger's Avatar
satiger
Instructor
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 854
Likes: 99
From: New Jersey
Default

I received one month free subscription from XM but never be able to activate it. Didn't bother to follow-up with XM. This thread triggered the thought on hardware, will test that with new subscription and report back.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2017 | 07:12 AM
  #11  
R Z's Avatar
R Z
Pole Position
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 348
From: Tennessee
Default

Just wondering if it's the antenna. Or if you've had the dash removed to put in your Vaistech device, could the sat connector either not be plugged in correctly, or, perhaps won't work anymore? I know in the 430, my ipod adapter took the sat connection. Not certain how that works on the 460.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2017 | 07:21 AM
  #12  
DavidinCT's Avatar
DavidinCT
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 210
From: Someplace in CT
Default

Originally Posted by roadfrog
Correct. I'm able to get the ID, but even with Sirius XM's help, I was unable to
do a reset.

Keith: Thanks for that info! This may be next move. I hate to go back into the dash again, but it is what it is.
The dash was apart before ? Do you think it's possible that there is a lose cable in there ? Maybe something is not as tight as it should be ?
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2017 | 07:31 AM
  #13  
roadfrog's Avatar
roadfrog
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Default

Yes my dash has been apart 3 times. Twice for the vaistech (once to install and once to remove) and once for SL3B bluetooth module. Although it's possible that something got missed, I doubt it. As I said, the gps works, so I don't suspect the antenna.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2017 | 07:57 AM
  #14  
jmcraney's Avatar
jmcraney
Moderator
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 310
From: TX
Default

Originally Posted by roadfrog
thanks. Yes I had clear open area when resetting the system. I'm also not getting the free preview channel (Ch 1). My guess is a dodgy tuner.
It's unlikely that there is anything wrong with your equipment. And, the GPS and satellite radio do not share an antenna.
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2017 | 06:40 AM
  #15  
roadfrog's Avatar
roadfrog
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Default

And, the GPS and satellite radio do not share an antenna.
Thanks for that. My understanding was that they were incorporated onto the same antenna. So where IS the antenna? Built into the rear window?
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:41 AM.