2008 XM Radio Reception Problems

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by bgreens, Jul 2, 2009.

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  1. bgreens

    bgreens Barry

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    I have had poor reception with my XM radio when traveling North and East but no problem when traveling West and South. The problem is the XM antenna is placed inside the car at the right side of the windshield. Since the signal comes from the south west, going north and east blocks the signal. If you read the XM guide it tells you NOT to place the antenna inside the car. I wrote to Toyota and they told me their technicians thought this was the best place for the antenna and they would not make any concessions. I would like to know if anyone else is having this problem. If so we could have a class action against Toyota to find a fix for this problem or refund the price of the XM option.
     
    #1 bgreens, Jul 2, 2009
  2. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    I thought the satellite antenna is in the antenna assembly on the roof. Where did you hear about that location?

    That aside, I've had random reception problems, where when I leave my house, the reception goes in and out every second or so. I called XM, and they were no help.

    Once the 90 day trial is up, I don't plan on renewing.
     
    #2 stream, Jul 2, 2009
  3. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    the antenna is on the back hatch. if you really want sucky reception, park somewhere and open the hatch with the Sat radio on, it will drop that signal like a hot potato
     
    #3 DaveinOlyWA, Jul 2, 2009
  4. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Where on the back hatch? As I said above, I thought it was part of the antenna assembly on the roof.
     
    #4 stream, Jul 2, 2009
  5. nascrlvr

    nascrlvr nascrlvr

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    bgreens.....my antenna is like yours....mounted inside on the right side of the car. I have had my car back once about that and they moved the antenna about an inch or so close to the center....not a big help. She's going on for an oil change soon and I will have them address the problem again. I had an aftermarket XM in my previous car and had an antenna on the trunk. I didn't have as many problems with that one. So I don't understand...............
     
    #5 nascrlvr, Jul 3, 2009
  6. bgreens

    bgreens Barry

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    On your 2010 it is on the roof with the other antenna. You should not have the same problem (I hope).

     
    #6 bgreens, Jul 3, 2009
  7. uwnow

    uwnow New Member

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    I'm having the same problem on my 2008. My antenna is mounted inside on the right-side. XM says the antenna should be mounted outside. As far as the 2010 antenna placement, the pictures I saw on the Toyota/Prius/2010 site shows the antenna inside.
     
    #7 uwnow, Jul 7, 2009
  8. math13

    math13 math13

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    I had the antenna on the dash inside (right) as well. I had the dealer move it to the outside yesterday. It's a different car. I hated xm, now I love it.
     
    #8 math13, Jul 7, 2009
  9. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    hmmm ok. well "i thought" the antenna was mounted to the front windshield. isnt is a flat wire kind?
     
    #9 DaveinOlyWA, Jul 7, 2009
  10. nascrlvr

    nascrlvr nascrlvr

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    math....where in Louisiana are you? I am in Baton Rouge and bought my car from AllStar Toyota. Did your dealer give you any problem putting it on the outside? Where exactly outside is it? Does it affect the warranty in any way? Thanks for answering my questions......
     
    #10 nascrlvr, Jul 8, 2009
  11. math13

    math13 math13

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    :)
     
    #11 math13, Jul 8, 2009
  12. math13

    math13 math13

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    I am in West Monroe. I bought the car in Dallas, but the local dealer (Van Trow) has been very kind to me. He told me moving the antenna was not covered under warranty, but he moved it anyway. XM recommends that the antenna be on the outside. He placed it under the other antenna (back middle of roof). It does not hurt warranty.
     
    #12 math13, Jul 8, 2009
  13. nascrlvr

    nascrlvr nascrlvr

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    math....thanks for the reply. Do you have anything official from XM about antenna placement? I would love to be able to take that to the dealer. Let me know either way. Again, thanks for the information...much appreciated.
     
    #13 nascrlvr, Jul 8, 2009
  14. math13

    math13 math13

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    Sorry, I don't. I called Pro Tech Concepts, they install xm aftermarket, they told me they always put the antenna outside as recommended by xm. Maybe they have something in writing. I don't understand why all antennas aren't put outside if it makes this big of a difference. It's worth the money the dealer will charge you to move it!
     
    #14 math13, Jul 9, 2009
  15. nascrlvr

    nascrlvr nascrlvr

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    math....thanks for the information. I am still pursuing the shark fin issue with the dealer. they seem befuddled by the whole concept!! that is my preference at this point, but I still have the external antenna and wiring from my previous car and could install the external antenna myself if need be. just want an answer from the dealer on this and what my options through them are. will keep you informed....thanks again..
     
    #15 nascrlvr, Jul 11, 2009
  16. rkskeet

    rkskeet New Member

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    Hey bgreens; I had the same problem.. My 2008 originally had the XM sat antenna placed inside the car in the area of the right side dash... After experienceing poor reception, I checked around my local area with car radio technicians who do installs and was told that the antenna should be on the outside of the car.. I went back to my dealer and they mounted it right behind the standard antenna at no charge and all has worked fine since.. I got this done back in Mar of 08 when I had purchased the car... You may want to have the antenna mounted on the outside of the car and I will bet that you will see a vast improvement.. Good Luck
     
    #16 rkskeet, Jul 11, 2009
  17. bgreens

    bgreens Barry

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    I bought an XM radio for my son and the instructions were to put it on the outside of the car. You can find this stated on any XM radio. I wrote Toyota a letter and ask them why it was placed on the inside and ask if they would correct the problem by putting it on the outside and they told me in a nice way to drop dead! I have owned
    Toyotas since the mid 1970's. A great way to treat good customer!

     
    #17 bgreens, Jul 13, 2009
  18. bgreens

    bgreens Barry

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    I know it would be better. My last car was a Solara and the antenna was mounted on the upper trunk. No problems at all. I would like to meet the idiot that put it on the inside.

     
    #18 bgreens, Jul 13, 2009
  19. nascrlvr

    nascrlvr nascrlvr

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    bgreens....

    My dealer has contacted Gulf States Toyota over this issue of poor reception with the interior antenna. It seems as though there are some bad receivers out there. This is not an uncommon problem.....no duh!! :rockon: They are going to test the receiver and if it is bad, replace it. If not, then I am getting an exterior antenna.

    Will continue to post as things transpire.....


     
    #19 nascrlvr, Jul 14, 2009
  20. bubbalieb

    bubbalieb New Member

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    have 2007. signal goes in and out. would go with class action keep me updated jack
     
    #20 bubbalieb, Aug 22, 2009
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