The Entertainment System on this vehicle is configured with either a base or an uplevel system. Both the base and uplevel systems contain a radio, antenna, speakers, and an audio amplifier.

The uplevel system differs from the base level system by providing the customer with enhanced audio system features. Some of those features include the extended range speakers, an uplevel amplifier, and digital signal processing . Satellite digital radio (U2K) is also available.

The following list shows the radios available for this vehicle:

Each item in the list below represents topics covered in detail below.

Radio Signal

The radio signal is sent from a broadcast station and is then received by an antenna. The strength of the signal received depends on the following:

AM Reception

The AM band has a lower frequency range than the FM band. These longer wavelengths:

The AM frequencies have longer range due to the ground wave. The ground wave follows the curvature of the earth and is effected by its conductivity. Greater conductivity equates to less signal loss thus transmission over water is better than over land. The AM band has a range of 80-320 km (50-200 miles).

FM Reception

The shorter wavelengths of the higher frequency FM band:

Broadcasts in the FM band are limited to "line of sight" reception which is typically 40 km (25 miles). Even when out of a direct line of sight, the signal may be reflected into areas that would be in a "shadow" otherwise. Factors which affect the line of sight include:

XM Satellite Radio

XM satellite radio provides digital radio reception. The XM signal is broadcast from 2 satellites and, where necessary, terrestrial repeaters. The high power satellites allow the antenna to receive the XM signal even when foliage and other partial obstructions block the antennas view of the satellite. Terrestrial repeaters are used in dense urban ares. These repeaters will receive the satellite signal and re-broadcast them at much higher power levels in order to ensure reception in areas with densely packed tall buildings.

A Diversity Antenna System is designed to deliver the best radio signal reception possible. Two antennas are used to form a diversity system. The primary antenna receives both AM and FM signals. The second antenna receives only FM signals.

The Diversity Antenna System consists of 2 separate antennas, and 2 radio antenna modules. The antennas on this vehicle consist of 20 gage stranded wire. These wires are termed elements, and are routed in the body to capture signals.

The antenna reception signals are sorted out by the radio antenna module. When the radio is turned on it sends the antenna enable signal to the left radio antenna module. When the AM band is selected on the radio, the antenna module connects the AM antenna element directly to the radio. When the FM band is selected the FM composite signal is sent to the antenna module. Superimposed on this FM composite signal is the strength of the signal being received by the radio tuner. The antenna module combines both FM signals, phase aligning them, to create one strong signal.

Important: While operating the power folding top, the amplifier will mute momentarily to adjust the equalization settings.

The radio, digital radio receiver, or the CD changer supplies low level audio signals to the audio amplifier in order to boost the signal sent to the speakers.

The radio creates a stereo audio output signal, which is sent at the user-defined volume level to the audio amplifier. The audio amplifier amplifies the signal and sends it to the appropriate speakers. Tone, balance and fade information done by the radio. Additional output processing is provided by the noise-compensation microphone, located in drivers side A-pillar. The microphone monitors interior ambient noise allowing the audio amplifier to modify the audio output. This maintains the sound at an enjoyable level.

For convertibles, the radio receives a class 2 message for top up or down and the radio adjusts the audio output level accordingly.

Radio

The "Theftlock" theft deterrent system is a feature on all base and uplevel radios. There is no need to program a security code into the radio as in past model years. The theft deterrent system now utilizes class 2 serial data to determine if the radio is in the appropriate vehicle. Each time the radio receives the "run" power mode message, it compares the VIN information it has stored to the VIN information received from the body control module (BCM) on the class 2 serial data circuit. If a mis-match occurs, the radio display will indicate to the user the radio is locked. Once this takes place, a DTC will set, the radio will not respond to any button presses and become inoperative. The 2 scenarios able to cause this condition are:

The only way to unlock the radio is by using a scan tool. Always refer to the table in this section to diagnose the "Theftlock" DTC for further information.

Digital Radio Receiver

The digital radio receiver utilizes class 2 serial data to determine if it is in the appropriate vehicle. Each time the digital radio receiver receives the "run" power mode message, it compares the VIN information received from the dash integration module (DIM) on the class 2 serial data circuit. If a mis-match occurs, the radio display will indicate to the user the digital radio receiver is locked. This will occur if a digital radio receiver is installed from another vehicle. The digital radio receiver cannot be unlocked, it must be replaced.

This feature allows 2 different drivers to store and recall specific radio settings. The settings recalled by the radio are determined by which remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter (1 or 2) is used to enter the vehicle. The number on the back of the RKE transmitter corresponds to driver 1 or driver 2. The radio settings automatically adjust to where they were last set by the identified driver. The settings can also be recalled by briefly pressing the MEMORY seat button 1 or button 2 located on the driver's door.

The radio can store home and away presets. Home and away presets allow you to use one set of preset radio settings in the area where you live, and another set when you go out of town. That way, you do not need to reprogram your presets every time you travel.

When battery power is removed and later applied, you do not have to reset your home radio presets because the radio remembers the presets. However, you do have to reset the away radio presets.

All uplevel audio systems are equipped with technology known as the Radio Data System (RDS). RDS is a system that sends data along with the audio of the FM station you are currently tuned to. RDS is a standard that defines how a FM broadcast station may send digital data along with the audio program. Think of it as a one way wireless modem, allowing the broadcaster to send information about his program to your receiver.

RDS data is carried in what is known as a "subcarrier". A subcarrier is a frequency that the FM broadcaster is authorized to use to send data or other audio programs that are not audible in the main audio program. RDS information can be used to display program information and to control the radio.

To receive the RDS signal, all that is needed is an FM receiver with a RDS circuit. A special integrated circuit capable of dealing with the RDS signal is in the RDS circuit and passes it along to the receiver's microprocessor where it is decoded and acted upon.

RDS Basic Information

RDS basic information:

In some cases, a radio station broadcasting incorrect information may cause the RDS features of the radio to appear to work improperly.

Broadcast RDS information can be used in a variety of ways by the receiver and listener, but basically falls into 2 categories: Display and Control.

Displaying Program Information

RDS displays textual information such as:

Some audio functions are available using the steering wheel controls. The steering wheel controls consist of multiple momentary contact switches that connect a series of resistors. When a steering wheel control button is pressed, a specific resistance value is noted by the dash integration module (DIM). This results in a generated voltage, unique to the particular button. The DIM alerts the radio that the button has been pressed, and the radio responds, just as if the corresponding radio front panel button had been pressed.

XM is a national satellite radio service that offers up to 100 coast to coast channels including music, news, sports, talk and childrens programming. XM provides digital quality audio and text information, including song title and artist name. A service fee is required in order to receive the XM service. For more information, contact XM at www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-852-9696.

Digital Radio Receiver

The radio controls communicate with the digital radio receiver via the class 2 communication circuit. The digital radio receiver sends low level audio signals to the audio amplifier.

Viewing Messages

Press the MSG button while in XM mode to view various pieces of information related to the current song or channel. By pressing and releasing the MSG button, you may view 4 different categories of information, Artist Name/Feature, Song/Program Title, Channel Category, and other Additional Information that may be broadcast on that channel. Additional Information messages may not always be available. If an Additional Information message is being broadcast on the tuned channel, MSG will appear on the display. Each of the 4 information types may have multiple pages of text. To reach a category, press and release the MSG button consecutively until the desired type is displayed. If there are multiple pages of text for the selected information type, the radio will automatically display all the pages for that type at a rate of approximately one page every 3 seconds before timing out and returning to the default display. You may override this feature by pressing the MSG button to review all of the pages at your own pace.

Selecting a PTY

The LEVEL + or - buttons can be used to scroll through the list of available program types (PTY). Press the PTY button, followed by the LEVEL + or - buttons to scroll through the available program types. When the desired PTY is shown on the display, press the TUNE/SEEK or SCAN button twice. The radio will seek the next station of that type.