XM Radio B%llsh*t!!!

[06Envoy]

So I just bought my Envoy which has XM radio in it.

I enjoyed listening to it until Dec 1, 2011 when it was cut off.
I figured it was a preview for the new owner. I wondered at how XM radio could know the truck was sold...

A few days pass...

I hear on regular radio about a halfprice for 6 months sale that XM is having for new customers.
So last Sat night, I sign up for a year. Great! I think.

Yesterday, I drive into town and try to listen to it. Nothing, just channel 0 and 1.
I call them up.

'I'm sorry sir, that radio was already activated, and your just trying to renew it. The Half price sale doesn't apply to you. '

WTF!!! I am a new customer!!!!!
I spent 10 minutes trying to convince that lady that I was a new customer and not the previous owner of the truck.
Needless to say, I don't have XM radio activated right now!!!!


Anyone else have this experience?
Any ideas on how to get a discount or sale for users in Canada?

 

[Me007gold]

Just keep calling back untill you get what you want. It may take 3 or 4 calls but usually they will bite

 

[06Envoy]

Really?
Ok, I'll try that....

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Regulator]

Yes, just call back. They can do pretty much anything they want. Barter until you feel you have a good deal.

Every year I let my subscription expire for a couple weeks, then call in and get new service. I always barter with them until I get a deal I can live with. Right now I am on a buy 6 get 6 months free deal, and I convinced them to give me half off of the same deal for my second radio!

 

[06Envoy]

So I just called back.
They gave me the half price deal!!!!


I'm going outside now to see if I can activate the radio......

Thanks guys!!!!

 

[06Envoy]

Yup!!!
Worked like a charm!

Who knew that you had to call back to get the deal that you wanted?? I didn't!
Thanks again guys!

I was grooving to the 1st wave channel, listening to DepecheMode and NewOrder! Bringing me back to High School!

 

[STLtrailbSS]

XM is kind of a dumb buisness. I had the onyx unit in the old TB and I just never used it so I called to.cancel and they freaked out gave me 3months free, 3montihs went by called again another 3 months free, called again they gave 1 month free but they said that could no longer give out freebies and this would be my last chance to evaluate the service, 1 month later called them told them yep I sold that car...true story

 

[AbsoluteZero]

Curious what others are paying. My 2 yr XM subscription is coming due in January. Seems like the typical rate was $77/yr but the recent announced price increase wonder if others are still getting this or something better.

 

[Regulator]

Yup!!!
Worked like a charm!

Who knew that you had to call back to get the deal that you wanted?? I didn't!
Thanks again guys!

I was grooving to the 1st wave channel, listening to DepecheMode and NewOrder! Bringing me back to High School!

I am glad that it worked out for you. I am continually amazed at how much you can barter with them and end up with a good deal!

 

[Bill W]

My other vehicle came with XM when I bought it new. After the trial period I called to cancel because to me it wasn't worth the 12 bucks or so it would cost per month. They practically begged me to keep it and so we play this game every time my subscription is about to run out. I tell them I can't afford to pay full price and they start offering me cheaper deals.
I pay about 6 bucks a month. At that price it's worth it to me but I wouldn't pay much more. I really only listen to the comedy channels and some of the sports.

 

[Guenther]

I always get a deal for $20 for five months. Done it probably 6 times now on 5 different radios between xm and sirius.

 

[06Envoy]

So just when I'm starting to settle down in my new Envoy and things are looking good. I run head first smack into a wall.

I have the DVD system, the Bose system, the Onstar system(not activated) and the XM radio system.... The final peice of the puzzle is my phone.
Ontario already has that law that says we can't talk on the phone unless we use Bluetooth.
So I spent a few days trying to figure out how to pair my phone to the radio. Nope! Hehe.. then I figure it must be paired to Onstar....Nope again! Onstar wants me to use thier phone! I don't think so!

Now I'm fustrated again! WTF?

I actually don't mind the OEM radio, but I do need my Bluetooth before I get pulled over!
I don't want one of those cheesy in car BT modules that is seperate from the radio. I'm used to using the radio to place and answer calls and having the tunes cut out when talking, etc from my previous truck. I want the same thing in my new truck.

So, now I'm shopping for an aftermarket headunit that does the following without breaking the bank;
6.1" DoubleDin
XM radio
Bluetooth
DVD
Door chimes
Steering wheel controls
GUI customization
Day/night levels
GPS would be nice but not required


So I think I find the one I want at Futureshop. It's on sale right now for $350.
JVC AVX-740 (It meets my criteria except GPS, but that's ok)


DOES anyone know what parts I need to buy to go with it?

I've already downloaded all available manuals from JVC and somehow muddled my way to possibly getting XM radio to work again by buying these parts;
CNPJVC1
CNP2000UCA

But what about the;
Steering wheel controls?
Door Chimes?
DVD System?

What if any modules do I buy to get those to work again?

 

[RedEnvoyDenali]

Does anyone have experience in negotiating with XM in Canada? The best deal I have so far is about 175.00 for 1 year with Internet radio turned on. We listen to basically one channel and Baseball (Jay's of course) in the summer.

 

[Me007gold]

So just when I'm starting to settle down in my new Envoy and things are looking good. I run head first smack into a wall.

I have the DVD system, the Bose system, the Onstar system(not activated) and the XM radio system.... The final peice of the puzzle is my phone.
Ontario already has that law that says we can't talk on the phone unless we use Bluetooth.
So I spent a few days trying to figure out how to pair my phone to the radio. Nope! Hehe.. then I figure it must be paired to Onstar....Nope again! Onstar wants me to use thier phone! I don't think so!

Now I'm fustrated again! WTF?

I actually don't mind the OEM radio, but I do need my Bluetooth before I get pulled over!
I don't want one of those cheesy in car BT modules that is seperate from the radio. I'm used to using the radio to place and answer calls and having the tunes cut out when talking, etc from my previous truck. I want the same thing in my new truck.

So, now I'm shopping for an aftermarket headunit that does the following without breaking the bank;
6.1" DoubleDin
XM radio
Bluetooth
DVD
Door chimes
Steering wheel controls
GUI customization
Day/night levels
GPS would be nice but not required


So I think I find the one I want at Futureshop. It's on sale right now for $350.
JVC AVX-740 (It meets my criteria except GPS, but that's ok)


DOES anyone know what parts I need to buy to go with it?

I've already downloaded all available manuals from JVC and somehow muddled my way to possibly getting XM radio to work again by buying these parts;
CNPJVC1
CNP2000UCA

But what about the;
Steering wheel controls?
Door Chimes?
DVD System?

What if any modules do I buy to get those to work again?

How about using an aftermarket bluetooth system like this?

Bluetooth Hands Free Car Kits - Parrot USA

 

[06Envoy]

How about using an aftermarket bluetooth system like this?

Bluetooth Hands Free Car Kits - Parrot USA

I don't want one of those cheesy in car BT modules that is seperate from the radio. I'm used to using the radio to place and answer calls and having the tunes cut out when talking, etc from my previous truck. I want the same thing in my new truck.

Ya, I've looked at seperate bluetooth modules, but meh....
I still think that I'd prefer an all-in-one unit....

Thanks though!
Keep the ideas coming!

 

[Matt]

What about this: costartech.com - BlueSTAR it replaces your Onstar module, so you can use your phone the way you want to use it.

This guy was/is on the OS.

 

[BO TIE SS]

Who knew that you had to call back to get the deal that you wanted??

I've never done it simply because I don't listen to the radio enough to justify paying for it. But think of it this way...they're playing music whether anyone is listening or not. It's better for them to make a deal and get some money than not to and get none. Like an empty hotel room doesn't bring in any money...

 

[Dad-O-Matic]

I still think that I'd prefer an all-in-one unit....

Is $350 your max budget? If so get ready for some sticker shock. If you want to retain the Onstar, chimes, RAP and Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) etc., you'll need a GMOS adapter. If you want to retain steering wheels controls you'll need the steering wheel adapter.

When I installed my JVC KW-50HDT I used the Axxess GMOS-014, it was the only one I found that included connectors for the RSE. So here's what it would cost for just the adapters to install an aftermarket head unit.

$140 GMOS-014 Metra GMOS-014 2000-Up GM OnStar & Chime Retention Module
$50 Axxess ASWC Axxess ASWC Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface

$190 Total just for adapters

You could save $45 by using the GMOS-04 (Axxess GMOS-04 (gmos04) OnStar Interface for Amplified GM Systems) and splicing in your own RCA jacks for the RSE, so $145 total.

Add that to whatever your stereo costs

 

[06Envoy]

This is why I came over here..
You guys are awesome!

Now I have an option to keep the factory radio with that Bluestar module which pretty much looks like it would work for me. I could live with that.

Or

I have the part #'s required to go aftermarket touch screen.


Now I just have to decide which way to go

Thanks again!

 

[RedEnvoyDenali]

Anybody from Canada negotiate with XM Canada. The best they are offering me right now is 175.00 for 1 year with internet access. Since we only listen to a couple of stations and baseball in the summer I am debating whether to keep it or not.

Any experiences would be appreciated.

 

[06Envoy]

FWIW, $175 is what I just paid for mine.
It's the 6month half price deal that's on thier webpage.

I did have to fight a little bit to get it though.
I would be curious to see if any other Canadian got a better deal though.

 

[06Envoy]

Is $350 your max budget? If so get ready for some sticker shock. If you want to retain the Onstar, chimes, RAP and Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) etc., you'll need a GMOS adapter. If you want to retain steering wheels controls you'll need the steering wheel adapter.

When I installed my JVC KW-50HDT I used the Axxess GMOS-014, it was the only one I found that included connectors for the RSE. So here's what it would cost for just the adapters to install an aftermarket head unit.

$140 GMOS-014 Metra GMOS-014 2000-Up GM OnStar & Chime Retention Module
$50 Axxess ASWC Axxess ASWC Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface

$190 Total just for adapters

You could save $45 by using the GMOS-04 (Axxess GMOS-04 (gmos04) OnStar Interface for Amplified GM Systems) and splicing in your own RCA jacks for the RSE, so $145 total.

Add that to whatever your stereo costs

Wow man....
You wern't kidding about the adapters....
I picked out the;
GMOS-014 - RSE, Onstar, Chimes
ASWC - steering wheel controls
CNP2000UC - Universal XM Radio tuner
CNPJVC1 - JVC XM radio connector
from sonic electronix.com

With shipping they came out to over $420...
That is more than the Head Unit.

I guess I'll have to save my pennies and pick up beer bottles for a month or so....

Or as my wife is currently saying...'let the money tree regrow it's leafs after X-mas...'

 

[06Envoy]

So, I ended up getting the Costar module. It arrived today.
A new touch unit may be nice and flashy, but overkill for my needs. I'm too old to get excited by that stuff anymore.
Thanks for the suggestion!

Here are the pics of the unit. Hopefully it will get installed over the next few weeks. I'll report back on how well it works or not.

 

[Matt]

So, I ended up getting the Costar module.
Thanks for the suggestion!

I'll report back on how well it works or not.

No worries. Looking forward to your functionality report.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Very cool, please let us know how Costar works! Not sure I can justify the $$ for it as we can still use our Bluetooth headsets here (for now), but Ive been wanting to get someone's opinion of it!

 

[06Envoy]

I couldn't wait! :wootwoot:
I just finished installing and testing the unit.

First I hooked it up to my machine to verify that it had the latest firmware in it. It does. In fact it came with a version newer than what is posted online.
Installation was super easy, just plug n play.

But! I couldn't get the in call volume to go higher... it was low. I bumped up the output by 24db (according to the config utility) and it wasn't doing anything for me.
A quick call to the Canadian vendor of these things, and he told me what to do. In less than five minutes the volume was corrected.

It is nice to have handsfree again. And it automatically mutes the radio, the steering wheel buttons work, etc.
I havn't tried streaming my audio books yet. I'll try that on the 45minute drive into work tomorrow morning!
If anyone is interested in what phone I was pairing it with, I am using my new Galaxy Nexus. I should probably try my old Samsung Galaxy S to see if it works ok too.

So far the only thing that doesn't work for me is caller id in the DIC.
I think that maybe due to the fact that our trucks are not CANBUS? IDK...

I didn't have to adjust the microphone input levels at all. My wife says that she can hear me loud and clear. And the beauty of using the onstar equipment is the built-in noise canceler. I had my front and rear heater fans on full, and she couldn't hear that noise, just my voice.

Anyways, this is just my initial experience. After a few weeks of living with it, I'll post up again.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that pushing the 'talking ear' button on the steering wheel brings up the voice dialing. And it works like a charm! I can make a call without lifting my hands off the wheel.. .Now that's laziness! er, I mean saftey!

 

[TollKeeper]

Didnt know anything about the COSTAR unit... Will have to look into that unit later on. I am currently using the BlueFusion unit, and all I can say is that I LOVE it.. Streams audio clearly, whether it be streaming internet, or, from the internal hard drive on the phone. I have not been able to get the voice dialing to work, of course i didnt look to see how it worked yet either. And for 40 bucks installed.. The price was perfect.

 

[06Envoy]

Didnt know anything about the COSTAR unit... Will have to look into that unit later on. I am currently using the BlueFusion unit, and all I can say is that I LOVE it.. Streams audio clearly, whether it be streaming internet, or, from the internal hard drive on the phone. I have not been able to get the voice dialing to work, of course i didnt look to see how it worked yet either. And for 40 bucks installed.. The price was perfect.

For $40, you got one heck of a bargain.
I checked it out and it came out to more $$$ than the costar unit.
BlueFusion, click on GMC Class2. Add shipping to Canada and it's more $.

The other problem I have with the Bluefusion is that it uses the XM Radio input.
If you read the whole thread, you'd see that I currently use my XM Radio.
Costar uses the Onstar input which I don't use.
And the Costar you don't have to run a second Microphone in your truck. You get to use the built-in noise cancelling onstar mic, which so far is awesome.


Anyways, I'm glad the Bluefusion is working out for you, it's just not for me though. Thanks anyways.


EDIT: Actually, I wonder..... My wife's Trailblazer doesn't have Onstar. I'll have to check to see if she has XM Radio. She started bugging me last night for her Bluetooth upgrade.

 

[Matt]

EDIT: Actually, I wonder..... My wife's Trailblazer doesn't have Onstar. I'll have to check to see if she has XM Radio. She started bugging me last night for her Bluetooth upgrade.

Or you can get her the COSTAR unit too.

 

[06Envoy]

I would but her TB doesn't have onstar.... My Costar needed the onstar plugins??? I should really look under her backseat sometime.

 

[TollKeeper]

You can still get the Brand New BlueFusion units for 40 bucks or so.. Amazon.com

 

[06Envoy]

You can still get the Brand New BlueFusion units for 40 bucks or so.. Amazon.com

Link please!
All I could find was a $100 one HERE...

Still $100 is better than close to $300.
$40 would be better though..

 

[Matt]

I would but her TB doesn't have onstar.... My Costar needed the onstar plugins??? I should really look under her backseat sometime.

Just look at her rear view mirror, does it have the onstar buttons. If it does, no worries...if it doesn't, you're knackered unless you want to do the mirror upgrade.

 

[06Envoy]

Just look at her rear view mirror, does it have the onstar buttons. If it does, no worries...if it doesn't, you're knackered unless you want to do the mirror upgrade.

Oh, no onstar buttons in mirror, no DIC, no steering wheel controls. I was hoping that the onstar control box under her seat where the Costar plugs in was there though. I looked this afternoon and it's not. So yes, she is knackered.

Unless she has the xm radio input, then she could use the bluefusion.... So now I have to look for that....

 

[TollKeeper]

Link please!
All I could find was a $100 one HERE...

Still $100 is better than close to $300.
$40 would be better though..

They say they are used.. However some of them are just open box, never installed... Its what I bought..

Amazon.com: Used and New: Bluefusion Bfcl2K Hands-Free Bluetooth Integration for Select GM Class Ii Vehicles

This will require routing a microphone. There are 2 ways of doing it. The normal was is to run the wire thru the dash, around one of the A-pillars, thru a bit of the head liner, to have the microphone hand by the overhead console.

Now with a Envoy, what I did, was route the microphone thru the center stack, and stick it on top of the fascia for the radio, just above the left vent. It allows you to aim it better for better voice pick up I think.

 

[Mark20]

Can the Bluefusion use the built-in OnStar microphone?

 

[TollKeeper]

I would say it could be done if hard wired or something, but as for plug and play. No..

 

[goulds48]

In reguards to the XM I called 800-347-0600 and told the operator "I want the $77 for 1 year deal".The price went up, but talked to a guy and he worked it out to be 156 and change for 2 radios for a year. Call the number above, not 1800xmradio, trust me, less headache.

 

[06Envoy]

So I have had the Costar unit in for a few weeks now.
I thought I'd give a bit of a status update.



The short verdict is 'The thing sucks.'



The long verdict is 'The thing sucks, here's why...'

- The unit was a PITA to install and make work. The in-call volume was not easy to match to the radio volume at all. And it took a call to the CDN reseller to make it half-ass work using 'features' that are not documented.
- The unit looses Bluetooth pairing with my phone.
- The unit randomly will answer a call whereby the caller can hear me, but I cannot hear the caller and worse, the radio kicks back in so I'm thinking that the caller has hung up/crank call, but he's listening to everything in my truck including the radio, conversations, etc.
- The unit has twice now completely stopped working. The mirror controls will start to blink on and off, then finally they stop coming on at all. It takes a complete removal and re-install and re-pairing to get the unit to work again.
- The unit will not answer two calls in a row without shutting off the truck first. So effectively I can only use it once per trip.
- Steering Wheel voice dialing working is completely random. I have no idea if it is going to work or not when I press the button. Why go to the casino? I can play the odds in my own truck?
- There is no audio streaming.
- There is no caller-id in the DIC.

Currently I'm on my second Google Galaxy Nexus phone and it's refused to pair with the Costar. And this afternoon the Costar started it's second round of the game that I like to call 'blinking of death', and finally shut down. I have to remove it and reinstall it and then repair it to make it work again for what? Another one or two weeks? Then I do it again?

It's not my phone. It's the unit.
So far, I've tried my first Gnex.
Then I had to buy another GNex, so I'm trying to pair it now. (See THIS sad thread to know why I'm on my second Gnex.)
Today I tried my wife's Samsung Galaxy S Captivate.

- Pro's
When it works, it's great to be hands free. The noise cancellation mic from the Onstar unit is awesome. Callers can't hear any background noise. I've had people tell me that they couldn't tell I was in my truck. I even had the roof open and both heater fans on full blast and they couldn't hear the noise.


- Con's
Only works when it wants to. You have to treat it like your wife. Talk to it. Caress it. Hope that you havn't done some small unknown wrong to it. Ask it nicely for some lovin. And if your lucky, you get some. If your unlucky it will refuse to talk to you.


My next thought is that maybe it's just the unit that I got. So I searched the tech support forums. Lots of others are having similar issues.
I think it's hit and miss. You may get a good unit, you may not.
I'll try again this weekend to get my phone paired with it.
If it doesn't then I may look up the warranty info, or even better the return info.

 

[06Envoy]

In reguards to the XM I called 800-347-0600 and told the operator "I want the $77 for 1 year deal".The price went up, but talked to a guy and he worked it out to be 156 and change for 2 radios for a year. Call the number above, not 1800xmradio, trust me, less headache.

Hey, thanks for posting this up!
If it saves even one member here a few bucks by calling that other # then you've done the community a service!

Thanks again for posting that up!