Right time to complain about G3 Prius's Radio bad reception?

I completely agree that the radio reception is not good. I don't, however, believe this merits any type of complaint to Toyota. Like you said, it's not a safety issue. Also, I know that many people say their radio reception is just fine. Like you, I listen to the radio all the time when I drive. And I drive a lot (I'm a sales rep.) So now I just use my iPod.

 

I only listen to XM/Serius Radio, and reception is fine in the Baltimore-Washington Metro area. Once in a blue moon I will have a drop-out for a second or two, but that's to be expected with satellite radio.

The few times I've listened to FM/AM, I did not notice any reception problems.

 

I have to say all of my GM cars and trucks had better reception.

 

Hockeydad

You have both XM and Sirius in your 2010? I currently have a Sirius subscription and will be getting my 2010 in 10 days. Would love to have a Sirius Sat connection then reception would be moot

 

I don't think they care about our bad radio reception. :faint:

 

My FM reception is fine but the sat. sucks. I would never pay for such a poor product.

 

Why such a negative approach?

Rather than labeling it as a problem and complain, why not just ask? Take advantage of this new tool we have, the internet.

People need to get over the old-school mindset that the only way you'll get an automaker to provide something is by forcing them with a recall. Computers routinely get their software updated. How come that isn't a common practice for vehicles?

When the Classic Prius was first offered, it lacked cruise-control. Many found that a big shortcoming. But rather than complain or do anything threatening, WE JUST ASKED! Within a few months, Toyota offered a upgrade kit.

The hysteria that resulted from the brake update clearly shows that it would be wise to try different approach. After all, you can attract more with honey.
.

 

Don't know if the IV radio is the same as my V radio,
But it's the best sounding radio I have ever had.I think its JBL?? use my ipod touch with the bluetooth,NICE!!

 

People are complaining about poor radio reception, not the actual sound. Seems to be very prone to static/interference.

 

Try reading this thread in case you missed it! You are not alone.....

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...07-weak-fm-radio-reception-in-2010-prius.html

 

Sorry, Maybe I didn't use the right words?? How is this??

Don't know if the IV radio is the same as my V radio,
But it's the best sounding radio I have ever had.I think its JBL?? use my ipod touch with the bluetooth,NICE!!

Scott

 

I believe Sirius and XM merged...or Sirius bought XM. In either case, what is available is XM radio. That said, you do have the option in one of their packages to get the "best of sirius" programming.

As far as the FM reception is concerned, a LOT depends upon where you live/drive with respect to the FM radio towers. I would not expect the receiver sensitivity on the FM/AM radio to be significantly better/worse than what you find STANDARD in most cars. Most use the same supplier. The antenna is roof mounted, so it's positioned to get good reception. Typically those cars where the antenna is built into the back window, or hidden someplace else in the car...are the cars that usually have the worst reception.

Besides programming content, a major difference between XM and Sirius is in the "delivery" mechanism. XM is PRIMARILY satellite based, while Sirius was (they may have changed) had far fewer satellites than did/does XM, but they augmented by putting in X number of ground-based transmitters. My experience is - XM provides better coverage/reception outside of major cities (ie, in rural and suburban areas), while Sirius has better coverage/reception, and is more imune to signal degradation, in a city/urban environment.

XM radio is based here in the Washington area, and at one time when I was looking at both XM and sirius, XM had about a factor of 100X more subscribers than did Sirius. Early converts to satellite radio were truckers and those who spent a lot of time on the road...and as i mentioned, XM provides (or did provide) better reception/coverage in rural areas, than did/does Sirius...so XM took off the fastest. For the yuppie urbanite, Sirius may be a better option? Don't know. XM has all the music and sports that I could possibly want...so it works for me.

Oh, and I absolutely HATE FM radio in the metro-Washington_baltimore region. All they do during the comute hours is yak, yak, and yak some more....and commercials...and maybe once every 20 minutes, they'll play a song. Just doesn't work for me.

 

I get several BBC stations on my XM. Decent, but still too much talk for my taste. The music is fresh, so I like that. By the way. XM (or Sirius) has almost 200 high quality channels...that's why there is a huge diversity in programming material: jazz, classical, folk, rock (20 stations), news, sports, business, comedy, etc, etc...just about any station to fit your listening preferences.

You have HIDs on your G3? Not available here in the US unless you do after-market install. HIDs can definitiley introduce inteference if not properly shielded, or isolated from your electrical system. LEDs are low voltage. HIDs are high voltage.

Digital receivers have several advantages over prior analog receivers...but one of their shortcomings, IMO, is if the signal level is reduced (degradation from inteference) below a minimum acceptable level for the digital receiver...you get no signal at all. It cuts out completely. With analog, you simply hear more degradation in the signal, but it's not all or nothing.

 

My 2010 is my third Prius. The first two were 2004 and 2006 models. The first two had excellent FM radio reception and no static. The 2010 has horrible reception with a lot of static. The XM radio reception was so bad I would not consider ever paying for it.

I'm driving in the same area now as I did with the two prior Prius and try to listen to the same station. Because of the reception I listen to more books on tape through the Bluetooth system but would like to have a functional FM radio for the price of the car.

I think both the radio and the CD changer are downgrades from the earlier Prius and don't get me started on the GPS map or delays with the phone.

 

I, too, experience a lot of FM static, and this is not the case with other cars, when driving in the same area (metro Atlanta). I wish that could be fixed, along with the phone delay and the failure of the nav to provide turn-by-turn guidance in certain areas that my Garmin has no trouble with. I love the car, but these particular issues are bothersome to me.