How to Refresh your XM radio signal
by Justin CuplerIn 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.
References
Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Internet access
Writer Bio
Justin Cupler is a professional writer who has been published on several websites including CarsDirect and Autos.com. Cupler has worked in the professional automotive repair field as a technician and a manager since 2000. He has a certificate in broadcast journalism from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Cupler is currently studying mechanical engineering at Saint Petersburg College.