Basic troubleshooting
1. No Sound or Audio
- Check Volume/Mute: Ensure the radio is unmuted and the volume is turned up.
- Test Other Channels: If only one channel has no sound, it may be a temporary outage. Try other channels.
- Power Cycle: Turn the radio off, wait 30 seconds, then restart it.
2. “Acquiring Signal” or No Signal
- Antenna Placement:
- Ensure the antenna is properly connected and placed outdoors (e.g., on a car roof or near a window for home radios).
- Avoid obstructions (trees, buildings, tunnels) blocking the southern sky (satellites orbit southward).
- Weather Interference: Heavy rain, snow, or storms can disrupt signals temporarily. Wait for clearer weather.
- Check Wiring: For car radios, inspect antenna cables for damage or loose connections.
3. Channels Missing or “Loading”
- Subscription Check: Confirm your subscription is active and includes the missing channels (log in to your account online).
4. Radio Not Activating
- Verify Radio ID: Tune to Channel 0 or check your vehicle’s Uconnect®/infotainment system for the correct ID.
- Wait Longer: Activation can take up to 1 hour. Keep the radio powered on and tuned to Channel 1 or 184.
- Double-Check Input: Ensure you entered the Radio ID (ESN/RID) correctly during activation, with no typos.
5. Static or Poor Reception
- Reposition Antenna: Move the antenna slightly (for home radios) or adjust its placement on your car.
- Avoid Interference: Keep the antenna away from GPS devices, power lines, or other electronics.
6. Account or Billing Issues
- Check Trial Status: If using a free trial, ensure it hasn’t expired.
7. Vehicle-Specific Issues
- Trial Period Ended: Many cars include a 3–12 month trial. Renew your subscription if the trial expired.
- Factory Reset: For infotainment systems (e.g., Uconnect®), perform a reset via the settings menu.
- Dealership Support: If hardware fails (e.g., antenna), contact your vehicle dealership.