Radio Reception

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2022 Cadillac CT4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

AM/FM 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:

The power output (wattage) of the broadcasting station
The location of the vehicle (or receiver) relative to the broadcast tower.
Height of the broadcast antenna
Height of the receiving antenna
Obstacles between the tower and the receiver
Atmospheric conditions
What band (AM or FM) the station is broadcasting
Type of antenna and the ground plane

Sirius XM (SXM) Digital Radio Receiver (If equipped)

A service fee is required in order to receive the XM service.

The XM satellite receiver is integrated into the radio. XM satellite radio provides digital radio reception. The XM signal is broadcast from two 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 areas. 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. Even with repeaters the signal can be compromised resulting in loss of XM.

SiriusXM 360L

SiriusXM with 360L interface has enhanced in-vehicle listening experience for subscribers. The experience now offers more categories and system learned recommendations toward discovering more personalized content.

To use the full SiriusXM 360L program, including streaming content and listening recommendations, OnStar Connected Access is required. Connected vehicle services vary by model and require a complete working electrical system, cell reception, and GPS signal. An active OnStar connected plan is required, if the customer declines OnStar Terms and Conditions the following message can be displayed: Connection Unavailable, Please call OnStar Agent.

Reference the SiriusXM user guide for use and subscription information.

SiriusXM Tune Start

SiriusXM Tune Start is a feature that begins playing the current song from the beginning when you tune to a SiriusXM music channel in the stored Favorites. This feature can be enabled/disabled through the radio Settings menu.

When equipped, Tune Start works with most SiriusXM music channels when the channel has been saved as a Favorite in the radio. The SiriusXM app in the radio also has a list of Favorites. Saving a SiriusXM music channel as a Favorite automatically saves it in the hidden SiriusXM Favorites list. If a SiriusXM music channel is not working in Tune Start ensure the channel exists in the SiriusXM Favorites list. SiriusXM Favorites can be found in the SiriusXM Settings menu under Listener Options. Note that SiriusXM channels stored by default in new vehicles are not stored in the SiriusXM Favorites list. These channels would need to be stored as Favorites by the user for them to appear in the Sirius XM Favorites list. The radio may require a sleep cycle before Tune Start will begin to function on newly saved Favorites. Tune Start will only begin to record SiriusXM Favorites with the Ignition On, so some buffering time is required before Tune Start can function after the vehicle is started.

Tune Start is a SiriusXM feature. Reference the SiriusXM user guide, or contact SiriusXM for use and subscription information.

High Definition (HD) Radio (If equipped)

HD Radio delivers subscription free local broadcasting in a digital format which may include song title, artist name, album art, weather, traffic data, etc., on AM/FM bands. Up to four stations could be available on a single frequency for e.g. if radio station is 96.9 FM, the HD enabled radio would have additional broadcasts on 96.9 HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4. The digital technology allows for clear reception quality and additional information.