Hello,
I have been experiencing some dead spots with my '11 RX using satellite radio. I have an '11 rx premium package 1 with the built-in Sat feature.
I also have an '09 IS base model and I added the Vais system for an integrated system using the stock stereo.

The issue is that I've got dead spots with my RX where I have seamless Satellite listening in the same areas with my IS.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and does anyone have any solutions?
Thank you in advance,
Chris

 

My 2010 LS 460 drops signal when driving under trees and overpasses. So did my ES350. Is it possible that the VAIS system has a better antenna/receiver? What year is the VAIS? If newer than 2011, it could be a new and improved setup... I'm on a free trial right now but in the past paid $5/month. Wouldn't pay more than that because of my signal drop experience. I assumed that's the way it is.

 

I'm researching a cartop cargo box for our next trip; and am expecting that my radio will go silent as the cargo boxes being considered cover the antenna.

My Sirius also drops out when driving under trees and low-fying pigeons.

 

Our 2006 RX400h with the VAIS Sirius/XM adapter had better reception than our new 2015 RX450h. The 2015 loses the satellite signal more often. I'm guessing its primarily due to antenna differences.

 

Yesterday I had the oil line recall done and as a result I had a loaner ES. I was curious about the satellite radio situation as I started this thread about.
I drove in the same areas that I was not getting any signal on my RX yet worked perfectly fine in my IS.
The ES has the same issues at the RX, so it appears that this is not an issue with the RX only rather a design or antenna issue with newer Lexus models

Chris

 

Appreciate the update. I also don't believe this is an issue specific to the RX, as there are at least a couple places around town here where SiriusXM temporarily drops out on my RX, but not my MBZ SLK, and interestingly vice versa where I could say my SLK is worse than my RX. I figure, such is life with satellite technology and moved on long ago. If it bugs me a lot I always have FM HD or my standalone music on the iPhone in my pocket.

 

Sirius XM use both satellites and local towers to broadcast its signal.

I live in the desert. But still have two dead spots where I always drive and the signal goes out. One is a fast food drive through and he other is a highway overpass.

 

Chris, I'm glad you were able to confirm it's a signal issue. Annoying but at least nothing that needs to be fixed. Thanks for the update.

 

True. Towers only in urban areas and tall buildings.

 

Our RX had XM reception issues, my STi did, and so does my coworkers MB.
I guess it is a feature to call out every overpass with the reception loss.

I don't know why in today's world of cellular on-demand streaming anyone would pay for XM.
There was very little variety in the content I listened to.
But, to each their own. Maybe there are some talk shows that people like.

I'm not a fan of the fact that car mfgs install XM equipment in their vehicles by default.
Got a useless antenna in both of my cars now. Those kick-backs must really pay off.