Ghost in the Radio

[GMCnewbee]

Today while driving and listening to Sirius the radio just randomly changed stations from 60's music to Bridge. Not sure what that might be about. We have posted on this Forum before about the radio scrambling or just losing our pre-set station settings. I have had that happen several (to many) times. This was different, just a rando change from one station to another.

 

[NormO]

Good afternoon, Have you come up with any results on this issue? We recently (last month) purchased a 2021 Tahoe Z71, and we have the same issue. It's currently at the dealer getting a software update which we hope solves the issues we are having. I will follow up with more info after its back.

Cheers,
Norm

 

[GMCnewbee]

It has been better recently. I think I have only had the preset stations lost or scrambled once in the last couple of months. Hopefully the OTA updates are working. What it still does is move from one set of presets to another, depending on what station I may have been on and that is also on a second group. Why have a station in two groups? Because when it used to lose or scramble my stations I could sometimes find it in another of my groups and just move it instead of having to search for it. The things we do to come up with work arounds for misbehaving software!

 

[tom3]

On earlier models they call this ghosting. It's the touch screen going nuts. On our 2019 when it does this I raise the screen which disables it and the radio works steady. I got a new screen to put in it but I'm putting it off as long as possible. If you have warranty still I'd check into getting it fixed, it will get worse.

 

[GMCnewbee]

Warranty expired February 2025 so I am in the wind on this one. So far I can live with it. Would be so nice if I did not have to do that. Right now I am waiting on my second letter and the 6.2 engine test at my dealer. After that it may or may not be time to look at a trade in. I would like to wait for 2027 or later if I can. Right now not in a rush to do that. Like I said, I can live with it and I do love the vehicle!

 

[NormO]

Quick update on our situation, dealer did a software update and the issue still exists. Service Tech is also thinking there may be a bad module between the On-Star and stereo unit, since On- Star has not worked since we purchased last month.
So parts on order and will be back in next week for this.
I will update again after the On-Star is working.

 

[Stbentoak]

I have had occasion on my 2025 on the trial subscription where the SXM just blanks out during songs for two or three seconds like it's losing reception. happens daily... Except we are in the clear not near tall buildings or anything that would alter reception. On my 21 the SXM was rock solid. I'm not sure if it's the SXM signal or it's a potentially bad shark fin antenna or connection behind the radio. Probably something I will put on the list for the first visit to the dealer.

 

[GMCnewbee]

I also get that "blank out" every once in awhile. Mine are short, maybe one second or two. Seems to happen most often very soon after I start it and start to drive somewhere. It does not happen enough to really bug me, but it does make me wonder what is going on. I am just too lazy to pursue it at this point.

 

[GMCnewbee]

Last night my Wife came home and reported that the radio station presets had vanished, except for one FM station. I have had the stations scrambled before but this was the first time that they all vanished from my pre-sets. Come on GM, how hard is it to hang on to radio settings?

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Last night my Wife came home and reported that the radio station presets had vanished, except for one FM station. I have had the stations scrambled before but this was the first time that they all vanished from my pre-sets. Come on GM, how hard is it to hang on to radio settings?

Have you had any radio software updates?? That was a known issue in one of the earlier software releases.

Probably be good to get updated to the latest at your next oil Change.

 

[GMCnewbee]

Agreed, my next date with the Dealer is coming up. I always ask them to make sure I have the latest versions and they always tell me that I do. What else can we do?

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Agreed, my next date with the Dealer is coming up. I always ask them to make sure I have the latest versions and they always tell me that I do. What else can we do?

Well, navigate to the Settings --> System --> About (I think) screen.
Look at the Version number (See this post), I think the current version is Y175, can't recall. If you don't have one of those...they need to update you. Tell them you have symptom of Scrambled Radio Presets, that TSB Number ____ describes that issue, and ask to be updated.

TSB Link for your issue --> https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10215759-9999.pdf Which references W161, but Y175 is the latest version, so if you are still below W161, you def need an update.

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

Today while driving and listening to Sirius the radio just randomly changed stations from 60's music to Bridge. Not sure what that might be about. We have posted on this Forum before about the radio scrambling or just losing our pre-set station settings. I have had that happen several (to many) times. This was different, just a rando change from one station to another.

Is your vehicle battery the original one? More than 3-years old? How are the battery terminal posts and connectors (clean and tight with no oxidation)?

The random changes sound like a battery and/or connection issue - although intermittent.

 

[GMCnewbee]

Thanks, I will check my update version. I looked for it in my phone App but I do not see it there. I have been thinking about a new battery. I am now over 3 years on my original. I know in Florida that life expectancy of a lead-acid battery is 3 to 5 years.

 

[NormO]

Well, we finally got the On-Star module part in and replaced yesterday. Of note with this fix the little green light by the On-Star button is on, since we purchased this just over a month ago that has never happened.

Stereo system all seems fine, no random changing stations, blanking out of the screen and various other issues. I will also say one day is not a sufficient period of time for this thing to not have trouble.

Just wanted to get a little update on here for those tracking on this issue.