How to Refresh your XM radio signal

by Justin Cupler

In 2008, the U.S. Justice Department approved the merger of Sirius and XM -- two competing satellite radio companies -- creating SiriusXM. SiriusXM provides standalone radios and also comes as optional features on 11 car manufacturers, including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Audi and Volkswagen. When your signal become intermittent or fails completely, you may need to refresh the link between your radio receiver and SiriusXM's satellites. This is a straightforward process that is identical to the process used to activate your radio.

Step 1

Turn your XM radio on. Position the antenna -- if a standalone receiver -- facing skyward. If you are refreshing an in-car unit and you park the vehicle in a garage, pull the vehicle out of the garage.

Step 2

Tune your XM radio receiver to station "0" and observe as an eight-digit, alphanumeric code appears on the screen -- this is the XM radio's ID. Notate this ID. Please note that SiriusXM does not use the letters "I," "O," "S" or "F" in radio IDs.

Step 3

Tune your XM radio to channel "1."

Step 4

Log onto the internet and direct your browser to the SiriusXM website.

Step 5

Place the pointer over the "Help & Support" link on the top, right of SiriusXM's website, and click "Refresh My Radio."

Step 6

Type your XM radio's ID in the text box labeled "Radio ID (ESN or SID)," and click "Send Activation Request."

Step 7

Wait approximately five minutes as your radio's signal refreshes. A message on the display alerts you when the refresh is complete -- the exact message varies, depending on the style of receiver.

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