CobaltBlack

XM cannot get my radio to activate, and while I'm pretty sure the issue is on their end, as I'm getting a feed for Ch 1, they're now saying that I have to take it to a dealership to do a "hard reset". I don't want to pay a dealership for this.

I've disconnected the battery cables and am letting the car sit for a few hours before reconnecting and getting them to resend the activation signal. Any other suggestions? Does anyone know what a dealership "hard reset" entails, and what the next troubleshooting steps should be on my end?

Edit: It's an 09 SS/TC Coupe 5spd, if that matters.

brycerice13

Its easier than that, you have to go online and log into your account, then request a activation code sent to your radio. I did this all while driving on a 4 hour drive. Got it done in about 30 minutes.

CobaltBlack

Been there, done that, no go. XM has sent the activation signal repeatedly, every day, for about a week now. They've done a "master reset" on their end. They've escalated to tier 2 tech support. I've done the activation signal online. I've done it through their automated system. Nothing. That's why they're saying that I have to take it to the dealership.

2009CobaltLT

iTrader: (4)

I have an XM box laying around if you need one

CobaltBlack

Where is the box installed in the car? And I might take you up on that, if nothing else works.

mufinman007

the box is in the quarter panel of the rear deck i had the same issue and the dealership replaced the box and the radio for free

2009CobaltLT

iTrader: (4)

Yea, its under the carpeting on the back deck. Not too hard to get to.

CobaltBlack

Was your car under warranty? Mine was purchased used and only has an extended warranty that we purchased.

mufinman007

yeah the dealership had my car before because of my gm1 i had a issue with it and they had my car for about a week . they finally got it fixed and about a week later the xm went out so i too k it back the same tech had to work on it so he didnt want to mess with it he just replaced the radio and box same day job

CobaltBlack

Yeah, that doesn't help me much. I'll cancel the XM before I pay the dealership to replace the box.

CobaltBlack

Well, plugged the battery cables back in, cranked it up, still just channels 0 and 1. Everything else still works fine. I looked at the back deck but didn't see how to get under there without possibly breaking plastic. After my 94 Grand Am's interior literally crumbled every time I did anything to it, I'm pretty skittish about GM plastic.

The radio presets didn't reset, though the clock did, which is unusual to me. Is that normal? Should I leave the cables off longer to get a better reset, or does the OE radio have some sort of battery backup that won't affect the XM box?

mufinman007

if u still have warranty it should be covered have them call xm when your there so they can speak with them and see the issue isnt on there end its on GMs

CobaltBlack

Even if it is, my warranty has a $100 deductible. Not willing to pay that for XM.

YelloEye

iTrader: (3)

CobaltBlack

I bought the car used, it's an extended warranty.

BlueStang

Any chance your bumper to bumper warrenty is still valid, if so it should be covered.

BlueStang

Have you tried this. Go to the menu section and find restore to factory default. That should do it.

CobaltBlack

I looked under menu and didn't see a "restore to factory default".

BlueStang

Interesting and strange I have had XM radios where that option was there. try the good old google how to hard reset your radio. and good luck.

2009CobaltLT

iTrader: (4)

If you want I can get some pics of how to get it apart, it's pretty easy

CobaltBlack

From what I read while googling, GMs in general don't seem to have that option.

That would definitely be helpful and appreciated. Even some clues as to where it's safe to tug on plastic, or what bolts need to come off, would be great.

EmperorJJ1

iTrader: (5)

FYI the tuner box is what gets the activation so if u replace that they will have to activat the different tuner box

2009CobaltLT

iTrader: (4)

Yep, but I'm sure if you just let XM know what is going on they can do the switch for you

EmperorJJ1

iTrader: (5)

they could yes but it depends on your subscription on how much of a hassle they may give you

esox07

I know it is an old post, but wondering if the OP ever got this solved. I have a 2009 Cobalt that I cannot get activated. I have been on the phone with XM three different times for over an hour each time. The radio shows the XM commerical channel and plays fine and it shows the activation serial number/XM phone number channel just fine. But when they try to activate it, it never works. They have tried multiple fixes on their end and have walked me through possible solutions on my end, but nothing works. Funny thing is, I had the radio activated several years ago and whenever they have the Free Listening events, it picks up all the stations just fine. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.