XM® Satellite Radio Reception Is Unique (ASN0906-09)

XM® SATELLITE RADIO RECEPTION IS UNIQUE

ACURA SERVICE NEWS

SERVICE INFORMATION

XM Satellite Radio, unlike commercial AM or FM radio, is digital programming transmitted directly from satellites in geostationary orbit high over the equator. For an XM antenna to get a strong signal, it's got to have a clear view of the southern sky. If the signal gets blocked, no programming is received, and all you hear through the audio speakers is silence. This can often cause confusion for vehicle owners. If the XM radio cuts out because the signal got blocked, they think there's something wrong with their radio and they wind up on the service drive with a radio reception complaint.

In large cities-where the signal is often blocked by tall buildings-XM Satellite Radio has installed a network of ground-based repeaters to boost reception. These repeaters, however, don't cover all of the blocked areas. Out in rural areas, there aren't any repeaters, so the system has to deal with mountains, trees, power lines, and tunnels blocking the signal.

Where the antenna is mounted on the vehicle can affect XM radio reception. Vehicles with factoryinstalled XM radio come with the antenna mounted on the roof or in the rear glass for best reception. But in vehicles with the accessory XM radio, the antenna is mounted inside the passenger compartment. This makes for an easier installation, but you compromise with a slightly weaker signal that can affect XM radio reception, particularly if you're heading north or away from the XM satellites.

So, before you start replacing components for an XM radio reception complaint, compare your service client's vehicle to an identical XM radio-equipped vehicle with the same trim level. You may find you're dealing with just the normal characteristics of satellite radio. If so, there's nothing you can fix by replacing parts.