Audio - Popping and/or Reduced Audio on AM Radio
INFORMATIONBulletin No.: 10-08-44-002
Date: March 26, 2010
Subject: Popping and/or Reduced Audio on AM Radio Stations When Radio is Powered Up or Turned On (Verify Condition/Replace and Reprogram Radio Using SPS)
Models:
2007-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
2007-2008 Pontiac G5, Solstice
2007-2008 Saturn AURA, SKY
Equipped with RPO US8 or US9 Only
Condition
Important
The popping, station interference and/or reduced audio conditions as described ONLY occur when listening to AM radio stations.
Some customers may comment on the following conditions:
- When listening to a very strong AM station (50kW or greater) and operating their vehicle within 1.6-3.2 km (1-2 mi) of the transmitting tower of that AM station, they will begin to hear a popping noise and/or experience reduced audio. The closer the distance to the tower, the greater the noise and an accompanying increase in the signal distortion.
- When listening to a moderate to strong AM station, another AM station will cause interference.
Cause
This condition may be caused by an AM frequency overload.
Correction
1. Verify the customer concern by operating the vehicle with the radio on an AM band within a 1.6-3.2 km (1-2 mi) distance of a strong AM radio station.
• If the conditions as described above are present, remove and replace the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement in SI.
Refer to the Parts Information below for the updated replacement radio part number.
2. You must call TCSC to obtain a VCI for programming the new radio.
In order to calibrate the radio properly you will need the radio RPO, speaker system RPO and indicate if the vehicle is equipped with XM (RPO U2K).
Parts Information
DO NOT OBTAIN PARTS FROM GMSPO.
Contact an authorized Electronic Service Center (ESC) for replacement parts.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty use the table.
Disclaimer