Personal Audio Link

[rbeaslin]

Originally Posted by damo5422 Hi everyone I think this might be my first post. I have one question. I had my PAL installed and now I have static when the ipod plays did anyone else have this problem? Thank you.

I have this same problem. I installed the PAL myself, reprogrammed with the Tech2 to make XM work again, and i have not had other problems, like XM skipping, etc. The static only exists when you are on the PAL. The noise does not exist if you plug from Ipod to the Aux input on the front of the radio.

I've had the dealer exchange the PAL, reinstalled, checked programming, and even spend time chasing other sources, but not a fix. There is a GM Bulletin (#06-08-44-015A: Information on Eliminating Noise in Audio System When Using Portable Playback Device - (Feb 1, 2008)) regarding 12-volt issues that can be resolved via a Ground Loop Isolator from Radio Shack. I had my tech work down this path, but so far, it hasnt fixed the problem.

Bothers me greatly that GM seems to be aware of this problem and cant find a better fix that Radio Shack parts. Bigger problem is that the bulletin doesnt even show or describe how to install this to make the Isolator work! Had our GM Accessories folks even check on this but they only refered my parts manager to PartTech. Shame on GM for this.

If anyone else has found this problem, or has a fix, I'd definately want to know how!

[foxflier]

Haven't experienced any static on mine but I have now experienced the skip to XM0. I have XM in two of my other cars and the skip to XM0 in my Sol seems to be very similar to a degraded signal in my other vehicles. This morning was heavy overcast and when driving under trees and overhang obstructions I noticed the XM would blank out as if a degraded signal but was skipping momentarily to XM0. It cleared up after I got out on the open road.

If the firmware prob manifests itself as a skip during degraded signal reception, I'm not too worried about that. My other two XM receivers blank out whenever receive conditions are sub-optimum so that's not a big deal.

Has anyone else tied their 'skip' to low signal conditions?

Regards,

Ted

[Small Dealer]

Originally Posted by rbeaslin There is a GM Bulletin (#06-08-44-015A: Information on Eliminating Noise in Audio System When Using Portable Playback Device - (Feb 1, 2008)) regarding 12-volt issues that can be resolved via a Ground Loop Isolator from Radio Shack. I had my tech work down this path, but so far, it hasn't fixed the problem. Bothers me greatly that GM seems to be aware of this problem and can't find a better fix that Radio Shack parts. Bigger problem is that the bulletin doesnt even show or describe how to install this to make the Isolator work! Had our GM Accessories folks even check on this but they only refered my parts manager to PartTech. Shame on GM for this.

I think there is a misreading of the TSB.

The TSB number, #06-08-44-015A, indicates that it was first issued in 2006, before the introduction of the PAL system. PAL is not mentioned and it includes vehicles that PAL has not been released for.

Some portable audio equipment may be susceptible to certain types of electronic noise present in the vehicle's 12V power outlet.

Other similar products are available through other electronics or car stereo retailers defined as Ground Loop Isolators.

This device should be installed between the audio player and the AUX input of the vehicle radio.

This is not an uncommon problem with audio systems of all types and possible unclean power sources. Read some of the 47 customer feedback comments on the part at the Radio Shack site:
RadioShack.com - Car: Accessories: Car A/V accessories: Ground Loop Isolator

#06-08-44-015A: Information on Eliminating Noise in Audio System When Using Portable Playback Device - (Feb 1, 2008) Models: 2008 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Trucks (Including Saturn) 2008 and Prior HUMMER H2, H3 2005-2008 Saab 9-7X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This bulletin is being revised to add model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-08-44-015 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some portable audio equipment may be susceptible to certain types of electronic noise present in the vehicle's 12V power outlet. Here are two ways to eliminate this type of interference: • If the audio device is capable of being self-powered (battery), use it that way instead of plugging it into the vehicle's power outlet. • Have the customer purchase a Ground Loop Isolator, such as *Radio Shack Catalog #270-054. This device plugs in between the radio and the customer's audio device. It is packed with one included Y-Adapter. If purchasing the *Radio Shack product, you will require an additional Y-Adapter (Catalog #274-369). This device should be installed between the audio player and the AUX input of the vehicle radio. These catalog numbers are stocked nationally at *Radio Shack Retail Stores in the U.S. and are currently available. Other similar products are available through other electronics or car stereo retailers defined as Ground Loop Isolators. Parts Information Parts are currently available nationally in the U.S. through *Radio Shack retail locations or through the mail at Radio Shack direct ordering 1-800-843-7422. In Canada, parts are available nationally through *The Source By Circuit City retail locations or at The Source By Circuit City / La Source Par Circuit City. Part Number-Description-Qty 270-054-Ground Loop Isolator-1 274-369 (U.S.)-2740883 (Canada)-Y-Adapter-1 *We believe these sources and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products/materials. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products or material from these firms or for any such items that may be available from other sources. GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

[rbeaslin]

Yes, I agree it was issued in advance of the PAL, but its the Only thing remotely close to indicating a problem with the power system for accessories, thus including the PAL. In talking to our ADI, they had never heard of this problem, but it seems to be noticeable to others who are using the PAL. I'll be someone, somewhere in the design team knows whats happening.. I'm still fighting up the food chain with GM...

[jeffgtx]

are there any updates on teh functionality? I mean, can i actually press backward and go to the beginning of a song yet?

also, does anybody notice that in shuffle mode, it really only ever starts off with about 6 different songs each time you turn the car on? i am actually getting to the point where i can predict which of the 6 (out of 350 songs in the playlist) the car will play when i start it. yes, i am that good!

i have not gotten the tech 2 programming done yet, as my dealer didn;t know what i was talking about (so i didnt risk it) and i dont have XM.

[foxflier]

Originally Posted by wanderso I've had the PAL installed in '08 GXP about 4 months ago. Same problem others reported with XM going out and flipping to XM0 with or without an iPOD. Maybe once out of three times, you can get the iPOD to work. GM support acknowledged it was a firmware problem with the PAL and I have an open "incident number" with their engineering group. Last week GM released new code for the PAL; the new code is an improvement - XM is only unavailable if you have an iPOD plugged in. Once you remove the iPOD, everything works just fine (oh, the iPOD doesn't work at all). They've sent the information back to GM for more "guidance." I was just read about the wire cut that differs from the instructions - next time I'm at the dealership I'll talk to them about it.

Hey Wanderso, how did you get your incident logged with GM? Was that done by your dealer or did you do it directly with GM? Just wondering if we need to start having incidents logged so they'll get on with a fix for the XM skip problem?

I've now come to the conclusion it's not related to XM signal strength as I first expected. It seems to be somewhat random and related to other system conditions. I love my XM so I want the PAL and XM to coexist...

Thanks

[foxflier]

So I finally went ahead and called Pontiac Customer Assistance and had my PAL issue noted and recd. an incident number.

If you're having the PAL induced intermittent XM flip to XM0 problem then call 800-762-2737 and explain that you have the PAL installed and need to be notified when a fix for the PAL is identified. They'll get your VIN and all the other info.

Hopefully we can get enough calls in to get GM on the ball with a fix...

[kdasilva]

Anyone have pics of this item installed?

[foxflier]

Originally Posted by kdasilva Anyone have pics of this item installed?

There's not much to see once it's installed! Only the cable in the glove box basically...

[kdasilva]

I wasnt sure if this was the case, as I have seen more than one type of kit like this...

I'm more looking for something that has the wiring hidden, but allows the actually device to be mounted on the dash...

[JewJenk]

This may have been answered already, but, does this work with the new I-Phone 3G.

[Small Dealer]

Started a new thread with a couple PAL updates.

Look here: 9/5/08 PAL Issues Updates

[Squirrel Boy]

Just had my PAL switched out. Everything seems to work like it should. I just noticed that they finally updated the install instructions.(ref. Personal Audio Link )new page below