SiriusXM.... I have a signal problem / They are sending me a "gift"?

[mountie]

I finally got fed up with the signal - loss issues with my factory installed XM. ( 2005 Yukon). I finally called SiriusXM.
( What a language problem , but they did the best they could)..... I was trying to communicate to them if there was an alternative antenna, instead of a PROJECT to replace my roof antenna. Customer service was going to sell me the wrong model antenna. ....The second person I spoke with confirmed, the antenna they wanted me to order was the wrong model. ( Any correct versions are "out of stock").... > I gave up on the phone call<
I e-mailed XM, with my concerns. I got a phone call 20 minutes later !! They thought the age of my XM box was the issue.
They are sending me a new replacement XM box..... For FREE !! ( inc. free shipping ! )...

I'm impressed..... I'll up-date when it arrives.... And if the signal is improved, and the antenna was not the problem?

 

[Doubeleive]

hmm, can't imagine them having 16 year old hardware sitting around, I wonder what they are actually sending you....

 

[tom3]

I hate to pay for radio, but anytime I'm in the Tahoe it's on XM, sure miss it if I gave it up. And the streaming is handy too.

 

[swathdiver]

I finally got fed up with the signal - loss issues with my factory installed XM. ( 2005 Yukon). I finally called SiriusXM.
( What a language problem , but they did the best they could)..... I was trying to communicate to them if there was an alternative antenna, instead of a PROJECT to replace my roof antenna. Customer service was going to sell me the wrong model antenna. ....The second person I spoke with confirmed, the antenna they wanted me to order was the wrong model. ( Any correct versions are "out of stock").... > I gave up on the phone call<
I e-mailed XM, with my concerns. I got a phone call 20 minutes later !! They thought the age of my XM box was the issue.
They are sending me a new replacement XM box..... For FREE !! ( inc. free shipping ! )...

I'm impressed..... I'll up-date when it arrives.... And if the signal is improved, and the antenna was not the problem?

Those jerks wanted to charge us $170 for six months so we cancelled. They sent us an offer, 5 years for $149 for the Sierra and wouldn't honor it for both trucks. Last week they sent an offer for the Yukon, it was still too much and my wife threw it in the trash. I kinda miss it but am enjoying some old CDs that were on the bottom of my console.

Looking forward to see what they send you!

 

[mountie]

hmm, can't imagine them having 16 year old hardware sitting around, I wonder what they are actually sending you....

They said I will be getting a new " updated" box.... One of my complaints was ....Whenever I entered a 'traffic light' controlled intersection, I would loose the signal. I think, that was one of the reasons they believe its the box, not the antenna. ( Again, we'll see)

 

[mountie]

To add to this thread...... Within the next 2 weeks, I will be FINALLY installing my dash cam Guardian dual-camera with it hard-wired, and the OnStar replacement box that makes the factory phone system work, without OnStar subscription..... I found a auto audio guy installer ( who is semi-retired & comes to your home), to assist me in a clean install.

 

[mountie]

Update..... ( SiriusXM customer service sent me " the replacement box"... that was supposed to replace the factory box behind the glovebox... It was free).....
Again, due to the awful language issues, this is what they sent, as per photo.

I responded via e-mail, that the communication is a PROBLEM..... They answered back to call them again.... THIS TIME I talked to an agent in Canada....... We had an intelligent conversation finally)..

We determined, my signal loss was due to THE INTERNAL FILTER CHIP. The original filter chip was too sensitive. So they are sending me a "weaker filter" to stop the signal losses. Also included is an "Install Card", that I bring to an authorized Sirius installer, so the installer gets paid to access the XM box, and replace the filter chip inside the box...... at no cost to me.

They said to "just keep the wrong item"....

So,,,,, any of you complaining you have a bad antenna....... Call XM & request the free filter replacement & install card.... free.

 

[MCAT069]

Do you have a picture or part number of this filter chip they sent? My signal in my 04 is crap and I want to try this as well.

 

[DougAMiller]

Update..... ( SiriusXM customer service sent me " the replacement box"... that was supposed to replace the factory box behind the glovebox... It was free).....
Again, due to the awful language issues, this is what they sent, as per photo.

I responded via e-mail, that the communication is a PROBLEM..... They answered back to call them again.... THIS TIME I talked to an agent in Canada....... We had an intelligent conversation finally)..

We determined, my signal loss was due to THE INTERNAL FILTER CHIP. The original filter chip was too sensitive. So they are sending me a "weaker filter" to stop the signal losses. Also included is an "Install Card", that I bring to an authorized Sirius installer, so the installer gets paid to access the XM box, and replace the filter chip inside the box...... at no cost to me.

They said to "just keep the wrong item"....

So,,,,, any of you complaining you have a bad antenna....... Call XM & request the free filter replacement & install card.... free.

It's true that it is the filter in the XM receiver, but the issue is that it doesn't reject signals near the XM frequencies as well as other receivers. The problems started a few years ago when the FCC opened up some new frequencies for cellular that are adjacent to the XM bands and assigned them to TMobile. So, when you are close to a TMobile tower their signal interferes with the XM signal and the receiver can't pick it up. There has been a lawsuit going on for years over this, but at this point it is unlikely that anything useful will come of it.

What XM has, if you can find someone to talk to that knows about this, is an in-line filter that connects between the antenna and the receiver and attenuates these cellular signals so that the receiver can pick out the XM signal. My understanding is that the filter will do the job, and if you have the skills to get to the receiver behind the glovebox, you don't need to have an installer do it. I have wanted to get the filter for my Tahoe ever since I tracked down the issue, but getting someone on the phone at XM that knows about this is difficult.

 

[mountie]

I want to " use" the install card at the audio place for any warranty / future issues.
Here's the part... pn# WCSF1..... And yes, it attaches to the antenna line at the box.
When I get it installed next week, I may also have them switch out the OnStar box with the 'CoStar' box, since they are next to each other.
So, call XM ( ASK FOR AN AGENT IN THE US OR CANADA), and request the part. ( free when you complain about the signal loss)

 

[mountie]

Install card.

 

[DougAMiller]

Where did you find a Costar? I just found out that our OnStar will not work after next year, as the cellular carriers are switching everything over to 4G and 5G, and OnStar units in GMT800s and GMT900s won't be able to connect. I use the OnStar in my Tahoe mainly for hands-free calling and would like to convert it with the Costar, but they have discontinued them. I was looking around for one yesterday, but nobody seems to have them in stock any longer.

 

[mountie]

I was in contact recently with <[email protected]>..... e-mail..
Re: the "BlueSTAR" box..... ( I asked if the pc - usb mini was still needed for the latest BlueSTAR box. Chris said all the latest updates are installed, so no updates required.
As of January1st 2020, no more boxes were manufactured.
( I was LUCKY to buy one of the last boxes made when hey made some more, so I got one last year, but no more left.....
Having said that, since the ONStar is going to be obsolete, maybe you can convince them to re-start a limited production again??

 

[DougAMiller]

That's not a bad idea. Since you just shared his email, I'll send him the link from GM warning OnStar users in pre-2015 vehicles that they will be losing the ability to connect to the cellular network next year.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Update..... ( SiriusXM customer service sent me " the replacement box"... that was supposed to replace the factory box behind the glovebox... It was free).....
Again, due to the awful language issues, this is what they sent, as per photo.

I responded via e-mail, that the communication is a PROBLEM..... They answered back to call them again.... THIS TIME I talked to an agent in Canada....... We had an intelligent conversation finally)..

We determined, my signal loss was due to THE INTERNAL FILTER CHIP. The original filter chip was too sensitive. So they are sending me a "weaker filter" to stop the signal losses. Also included is an "Install Card", that I bring to an authorized Sirius installer, so the installer gets paid to access the XM box, and replace the filter chip inside the box...... at no cost to me.

They said to "just keep the wrong item"....

So,,,,, any of you complaining you have a bad antenna....... Call XM & request the free filter replacement & install card.... free.

I get emails from them all the time saying that I can get this radio FREE, but it needs a new subscription to use it, lol

 

[mountie]

I learned a bit more today about SiriusXM..... I got my bill for 2 vehicles......
( WHAT THE FU*K ??)

Called them..... The " amount due" is a "retail price".... After a long talk, and the agent allowing the 'specials', The prices went to the same price we paid every year. $232.02. ( including the invoice charge of $2.10 ).... Those crooks....
The problem is there is no competition. Since Sirius & XM combined themselves to 'control prices'.
I promised them... If the rate goes up one penny next year, I am canceling !!

 

[gooffeyguy]

I received an email from them yesterday stating that starting Nov. 2nd the rates were going up.....

"Important Notice: Effective November 2, 2021, the standard rate for the Music & Entertainment Plan (formerly Select) and the Platinum Plan (formerly All Access) including the Family Friendly versions will increase by $1 per month. Audio packages which include music channels are subject to the U.S. Music Royalty Fee. The U.S. Music Royalty Fee is calculated based upon the price of your subscription package and will change accordingly. If you have any questions visit siriusxm.com/nov2021rates for more information. See our Customer Agreement for more information about our services, how to cancel and ways to contact us."

And that music royalties fee isn't shown/included in the plan pricing when you look at their plans online. For example, a plan might have a monthly price of $16, but that doesn't include the $4 royalties fee, so actually the plan price is like $20 per month, plus taxes

 

[mountie]

They treat the royalty fee like a 'tax'... It comes up after the amount of music channels your plan has.
Ask them what the specials are for discounts. ( They have to tell you )

 

[mountie]

UPDATE : The SiriusXM filter ( in-line to antenna cable at box)......
It works. No more signal loss!! Whoopee ....
I had the installer put in the CoStar 'BlueStar' replacement box for my OnStar. ( It was easy , next to the XM at glovebox / I gave him $20 for the favor)......
I think my cell phone is 'connected', but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[swathdiver]

I learned a bit more today about SiriusXM..... I got my bill for 2 vehicles......
( WHAT THE FU*K ??)

Called them..... The " amount due" is a "retail price".... After a long talk, and the agent allowing the 'specials', The prices went to the same price we paid every year. $232.02. ( including the invoice charge of $2.10 ).... Those crooks....
The problem is there is no competition. Since Sirius & XM combined themselves to 'control prices'.
I promised them... If the rate goes up one penny next year, I am canceling !!

They tried to trick me by charging the same as last year (about $160) in my renewal but the fine print said for six months and not a year! Then they send a card for $99 for three years or $150 for 5 for the Sierra and would not let me use it for the Yukon. A few months later they send a coupon in the mail for one year for $99. Better than I was paying before but not as good as the deal for the Sierra! Still listening to CDs! LOL