GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Radio with CD (Base)


Object Number: 1546915  Size: B3

Radio with CD (MP3) shown, Radio with Six-Disc CD (MP3) similar


Object Number: 1546891  Size: B3

Radio Data System (RDS)

Your radio may have a Radio Data System (RDS). The RDS feature is available for use only on FM stations that broadcast RDS information. This system relies upon receiving specific information from these stations and only works when the information is available. While the radio is tuned to an FM-RDS station, the station name or call letters display. In rare cases, a radio station can broadcast incorrect information that causes the radio features to work improperly. If this happens, contact the radio station.

Playing the Radio

(Power/Volume): Press this knob to turn the system on and off. Turn this knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the volume.

Speed Compensated Volume (SCV): Radios with the Speed Compensated Volume (SCV) feature will automatically adjust the radio volume to compensate for road and wind noise as the vehicle's speed changes while driving, so that the volume level is consistent. To activate SCV:

  1. Set the radio volume to the desired level.
  2. Press the MENU button to display the radio setup menu.
  3. Press the pushbutton under the AUTO VOLUM (automatic volume) label on the radio display.
  4. Press the pushbutton under the desired Speed Compensated Volume setting (OFF, Low, Med, or High) to select the level of radio volume compensation. The display times out after approximately 10 seconds. Each higher setting allows for more radio volume compensation at faster vehicle speeds.

Finding a Station

BAND: Press this button to switch between FM1 and FM2, AM, or XM™ (if equipped). The selection displays.

(Tune): Turn to select radio stations.

SEEK : Press the arrows to go to the previous or to the next station and stay there. To scan stations, press and hold either arrow for a few seconds until a beep sounds. The radio goes to a station, plays for a few seconds, then goes on to the next station. Press either arrow again to stop scanning. The radio only seeks and scans stations with a strong signal that are in the selected band.

(Information) (Radio with CD (Base)): Press to switch the display between the radio station frequency and the time. While the ignition is off, press this button to display the time.

(Information) (XM™ Satellite Radio Service, MP3, and RDS Features): Press to display additional text information related to the current FM-RDS or XM™ station, or MP3 song. A choice of additional information such as: Channel, Song, Artist, and CAT (category) can display. Continue pressing to highlight the desired label, or press the pushbutton positioned under any one of the labels and the information about that label displays. While information is not available, No Info displays.

Setting Preset Stations (Radio with CD (Base Only))

Up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM), can be programmed on the six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the following steps:

  1. Turn the radio on.
  2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
  3. Tune in the desired station.
  4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons for three seconds until a beep sounds. When that pushbutton is pressed and released, the station that was set, returns.
  5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for each pushbutton.

Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite

Drivers are encouraged to set up their radio station favorites while the vehicle is parked. Tune to your favorite stations using the presets, favorites button, and steering wheel controls if the vehicle has this feature. See Defensive Driving .

FAV (Favorites): A maximum of 36 stations can be programmed as favorites using the six pushbuttons positioned below the radio station frequency labels and by using the radio favorites page button (FAV button). Press the FAV button to go through up to six pages of favorites, each having six favorite stations available per page. Each page of favorites can contain any combination of AM, FM, or XM™ (if equipped) stations. To store a station as a favorite, perform the following steps:

  1. Tune to the desired radio station.
  2. Press the FAV button to display the page where you want the station stored.
  3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttons until a beep sounds. When that pushbutton is pressed and released, the station that was set, returns.
  4. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton radio station you want stored as a favorite.

The number of favorites pages can be setup using the MENU button. To setup the number of favorites pages, perform the following steps:

  1. Press the MENU button to display the radio setup menu.
  2. Press the pushbutton located below the FAV 1 through 6 label.
  3. Select the desired number of favorites pages by pressing the pushbutton located below the displayed page numbers.
  4. Press the FAV button, or let the menu time out, to return to the original main radio screen showing the radio station frequency labels and to begin the process of programming your favorites for the chosen amount of numbered pages.

Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) (Radio with CD (Base Only))

BASS/TREB (Bass/Treble): To adjust the bass or treble, press the knob until the desired tone control label displays. Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the setting. The current bass or treble level displays. If a station's frequency is weak, or has static, decrease the treble.

EQ (Equalization): Press to adjust BASS and TREBLE Settings.

Setting the Tone (Bass/Midrange/Treble)

BASS/MID/TREB (Bass, Midrange, or Treble): To adjust bass, midrange, or treble, press the knob until the tone control labels display. Continue pressing to highlight the desired label, or press the pushbutton positioned under the desired label. Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the highlighted setting. The highlighted setting can be adjusted by pressing either SEEK arrow, FWD (forward), or REV (reverse) button until the desired levels are obtained. If a station's frequency is weak, or has static, decrease the treble. To quickly adjust bass, midrange, or treble to the middle position, press the pushbutton positioned under the BASS, MID, or TREB label for more than two seconds. A beep sounds and the level adjusts to the middle position. To quickly adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle position, press the knob for more than two seconds until a beep sounds.

EQ (Equalization): Press to select preset equalization settings. To return to the manual mode, press until Manual displays or start to manually adjust the bass, midrange, or treble by pressing the knob.

Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) (Radio with CD (Base Only))

BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade): To adjust the balance or fade, press this button or the knob until the desired speaker control label displays. Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the setting.

Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)

BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade): To adjust balance or fade, press the knob until the speaker control labels display. Continue pressing to highlight the desired label, or press the pushbutton positioned under the desired label. Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the highlighted setting. The highlighted setting can be adjusted by pressing either SEEK arrow, FWD, or REV button until the desired levels are obtained. To quickly adjust balance or fade to the middle position, press the pushbutton positioned under the BAL or FADE label for more than two seconds. A beep sounds and the level adjusts to the middle position. To quickly adjust all speaker and tone controls to the middle position, press the knob for more than two seconds until a beep sounds.

Finding a Category (CAT) Station

CAT (Category): The CAT button is used to find XM™ stations while the radio is in the XM™ mode. To find XM™ channels within a desired category, perform the following:

  1. Press the BAND button until the XM™ frequency is displayed. Press the CAT button to display the category labels on the radio display. Continue pressing the CAT button until the desired category name displays.
  2. Press either of the two buttons below the desired category label to immediately tune to the first XM™ station associated with that category.
  3. Turn the tune knob, press the buttons below the right or left arrows displayed, or press the SEEK arrows to go to the previous or to the next XM™ station within the selected category.
  4. To exit the category search mode, press the FAV button or BAND button to display your favorites again.

Undesired XM™ categories can be removed through the setup menu. To remove an undesired category, perform the following:

  1. Press the MENU button to display the radio setup menu.
  2. Press the pushbutton located below the XM CAT label.
  3. Turn the knob to display the category you want removed.
  4. Press the pushbutton located under the Remove label until the category name along with the word Removed displays.
  5. Repeat the steps to remove more categories.

Removed categories can be restored by pressing the pushbutton under the Add label when a removed category displays or by pressing the pushbutton under the Restore All label.

Categories cannot be removed or added while the vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h).

Radio Messages

Calibration Error: The audio system has been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory. If Calibration Error displays, it means that the radio has not been configured properly for your vehicle and it must be returned to your dealer/retailer for service.

Loc or Locked: This message displays when the THEFTLOCK® system has locked up the radio. Take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer for service. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be corrected, contact your dealer/retailer.

XM™ Satellite Radio Service

XM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in the 48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian provinces. XM™ Satellite Radio has a wide variety of programming and commercial-free music, coast-to-coast, and in digital-quality sound. During your trial or when you subscribe, you will get unlimited access to XM™ Radio Online for when you are not in your vehicle. A service fee is required to receive the XM™ service. For more information, contact XM™ at www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-929-2100 in the U.S. and www.xmradio.ca or call 1-877-438-9677 in Canada.

Radio Messages for XM Only

See XM Radio Messages later in this section for further detail.

Playing a CD (Single CD Player)

Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up. The player pulls it in and the CD should begin playing.

Playing a CD(s) (Six-Disc CD Player)

LOAD : Press this button to load CDs into the CD player. This CD player holds up to six CDs.

To insert one CD, do the following:

  1. Press and release the button.
  2. Wait for the message to insert the disc.
  3. Load a CD. Insert the CD partway into the slot, label side up. The player pulls the CD in.

To insert multiple CDs, do the following:

  1. Press and hold the button for two seconds. A beep sounds and Load All Discs displays.
  2. Follow the displayed instruction on when to insert the discs. The CD player takes up to six CDs.
  3. Press the button again to cancel loading more CDs.

If the ignition or radio is turned off, with a CD in the player, it stays in the player. When the ignition or radio is turned on, the CD starts playing where it stopped, if it was the last selected audio source.

When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol displays on the CD. As each new track starts to play, the track number displays.

The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs and the smaller CDs are loaded in the same manner.

Care of Your CDs

If playing a CD-R, the sound quality can be reduced due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality of the music that has been recorded, and the way the CD-R has been handled. Handle them carefully. Store CD-R(s) in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. The CD player scans the bottom surface of the disc. If the surface of a CD is damaged, such as cracked, broken, or scratched, the CD does not play properly or not at all. Do not touch the bottom side of a CD while handling it; this could damage the surface. Pick up CDs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.

If the surface of a CD is soiled, take a soft, lint free cloth or dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution mixed with water, and clean it. Make sure the wiping process starts from the center to the edge.

If there is no apparent damage, try a known good CD.

Care of Your CD Player

Do not add any label to a CD, it could get caught in the CD player. If a CD is recorded on a personal computer and a description label is needed, try labeling the top of the recorded CD with a marking pen instead.

The use of CD lens cleaners for CDs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD player mechanism.

Notice: If a label is added to a CD, or more than one CD is inserted into the slot at a time, or an attempt is made to play scratched or damaged CDs, the CD player could be damaged. While using the CD player, use only CDs in good condition without any label, load one CD at a time, and keep the CD player and the loading slot free of foreign materials, liquids, and debris.

If an error displays, see "CD Messages" later in this section.

EJECT: Press to eject CD(s). To eject the CD that is currently playing, press and release this button. A beep sounds and Ejecting Disc displays. Once the disc is ejected, Remove Disc displays. The CD can be removed. If the CD is not removed after several seconds, the CD automatically pulls back into the player and begins playing. For the Six-Disc CD player, press and hold this button for two seconds to eject all discs.

(Tune): Turn to select tracks on the CD currently playing.

SEEK : Press the left arrow to go to the start of the current track, if more than ten seconds have played. Press the right arrow to go to the next track. If either arrow is held, or pressed multiple times, the player continues moving backward or forward through the tracks on the CD.

REV (Reverse): Press and hold to reverse playback quickly. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. Release to resume playing the track. The elapsed time of the track displays.

FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold to advance playback quickly. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. Release to resume playing the track. The elapsed time of the track displays.

RDM (Random): With the random setting, you can listen to the tracks in random, rather than sequential order, on one CD or all CDs in a six-disc CD player. To use random on the Radio with CD (Base), do one of the following:

  1. Press to play tracks from the CD you are listening to in random order. The random icon displays.
  2. Press again to turn off random play. The random icon disappears from the display.

To use random on the Radio with CD (MP3) or the Radio with Six-Disc player, do one of the following:

    • Press the CD/AUX button, or for a single CD player, insert a disc partway into the slot of the CD player. A RDM label displays.
        To play the tracks from the single CD in random order, press the pushbutton positioned under the RDM label until Random Current Disc displays. Press the pushbutton again to turn off random play.
    • Press the CD/AUX button, or for a six-disc CD player, press and hold the LOAD button. A beep sounds and Load All Discs displays. Insert one or more discs partway into the slot of the CD player.
        To play tracks from all CDs loaded in a six-disc CD player in random order, press the pushbutton positioned under the RDM label until Randomize All Discs displays. Press the same pushbutton again to turn off random play.
RPT (Repeat): For Radios with CD (Base), one track can be repeated by using the repeat setting. To repeat the track you are listening to, press and release the RPT button. An arrow symbol displays. Press RPT again to turn off repeat play.

(Information) (Radio with CD (Base)): Press to switch the display between the track number, elapsed time of the track, and the time. When the ignition is off, press this button to display the time.

BAND: Press to listen to the radio while a CD is playing. The CD remains inside the radio for future listening.

CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press to play a CD while listening to the radio. The CD icon and a message showing disc and/or track number displays when a CD is in the player. Press again and the system automatically searches for an auxiliary input device, such as a portable audio player. If a portable audio player is not connected, "No Aux Input Device" displays.

Playing an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW Disc

Radios with the MP3 feature are capable of playing an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW disc. For more information on how to play an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW disc, see Using an MP3 later in this section.

CD Messages

CHECK DISC: If an error message displays and/or the CD comes out, it could be for one of the following reasons:

    • It is very hot. When the temperature returns to normal, the CD should play.
    • You are driving on a very rough road. When the road becomes smoother, the CD should play.
    • The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down.
    • The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and try again.
    • There could have been a problem while burning the CD.
    • The label could be caught in the CD player.

If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason, try a known good CD.

If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be corrected, contact your dealer/retailer. If the radio displays an error message, write it down and provide it to your dealer/retailer while reporting the problem.

Using the Auxiliary Input Jack

Your radio system has an auxiliary input jack located on the lower right side of the faceplate. This is not an audio output; do not plug the headphone set into the front auxiliary input jack. You can however, connect an external audio device such as an iPod, laptop computer, MP3 player, CD changer, or cassette tape player, etc. to the auxiliary input jack for use as another source for audio listening.

Drivers are encouraged to set up any auxiliary device while the vehicle is in PARK (P). See Defensive Driving for more information on driver distraction.

To use a portable audio player, connect a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) cable to the radio's front auxiliary input jack. When a device is connected, press the radio CD/AUX button to begin playing audio from the device over the vehicle speakers.

(Power/Volume): Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the volume of the portable player. Additional volume adjustments might need to be made from the portable device.

BAND: Press to listen to the radio while a portable audio device is playing. The portable audio device continues to play, so you might want to stop it or turn it off.

CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press to play a CD while a portable audio device is playing. Press again and the system begins to play audio from the connected portable audio player. If a portable audio player is not connected, "No Aux Input Device" displays.