Radio does not resume on startup!

nguyendot · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-09, 03:22 PM

I HATE that my radio will randomly (about 1/3 of the time) just not have any sound output when I start my car. Every car I have ever owned started with the radio in the same status as when the car was shut down. When I start my STS, sometimes it will resume, sometimes it will resume with ZERO sound. As anyone would normally react, I reach over to the radio to turn the volume up, only I get no response whatsoever. The time still ticks, the nav still goes, but no sound.

Hit any button to change station, and the radio BLASTS you in the face at about full volume. Gotta love hearing damage. It's not muted, changing volume usually defeats mute.

I've brought this in to the dealer since the 3rd month I've owned it (July 2007) to no avail. They have taken it about 10 times with no success in resolving the issue. They've replaced the head unit (whole nav) and the integrated amp. Still same issue. They simply tell me now that they will "close your case as dissatisfied".

This is a $60,000 car (well, new)...and I have the warranty from new. This is not what I expect out of this level of car. What can I do? I can't keep bringing it to them. I can tell they're getting tired of me bringing it in twice a month for this stupid issue.

Redxped1 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-09, 09:14 PM

mine does the same thing but i have to turn the radio on and off a few times

carter's_sts · #3 (**permalink**) 07-12-09, 12:42 PM

Probably way off, but are you guys using a Bluetooth phone? The only time my radio / CD has a problem with the volume is when someone calls me (I know that's not your situation, but maybe related??) on the phone.

Sometimes it mutes the radio and works fine. But about every 4 times, it mutes the radio for a short time, I answer the call on hands free, then the radio comes back on very loud, and I can't control anything. The controls are locked up until I hang the call up.

Pretty annoying. I think they have some firmware issues.

bbshriver · #4 (**permalink**) 07-13-09, 10:29 AM

My car always starts back at track 1 of the current CD which is really annoying, plus sometimes randomly the clock stops. but if I turn the radio off and back on it will update to the current time, but still not continue to update. very strange.

EChas3 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-09, 11:12 PM

My wife like the random shuffle for her CD's but complains about the tune starting over after each stop.

nguyendot · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-09, 08:00 PM

No bluetooth phone. The bluetooth feature, like the gps, is subpar at best. I haven't even paired my car since they replaced my entire head unit and amplifier.

This is ridiculous. I've had it in service yet again (yesterday) and they could not duplicate it. Saturday it happened three times within two hours and my girlfriend was making fun of me for the $60,000 car that can't even get the radio right. Seriously? That's so embarassing. The service won't do anything about it anymore, they've pretty much said to deal with it.

EChas3 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-09, 12:02 AM

Escalate to to Zone Representative. Does your state have a lemon law?

If changing the head-end hasn't helped, you need a smarter tech. Where's the next closest major city?

nguyendot · #8 (**permalink**) 07-22-09, 01:09 PM

I have escalated to the regional "escalation" specialist. The highest they say I can go. They've given me some free maintenance, but no resolution. In the end they told me they were going to "close my case as dissatisfied".

What now? I can't go any higher. And yes they have a lemon law! I've had every tech at my dealer look at it, and every manager has talked to me. This is ridiculous, I've had it in like 20 times for the same issue for over a year. What else does it take? This is a stupid issue that I just want resolved, or my money back. It's not too much to ask.

nixonride · #9 (**permalink**) 07-22-09, 04:40 PM

I have this same problem with my 07 STS....It has only happened a handfull of times in the year and a half (20K miles) but it has occurred....Some times shutting the car off and turning it back on works and other times you just drive and when it comes on it is loud as Sheit! I mean full volume all the way....I always thought that it was because of the Lockpick I had installed because it never happened before I installled it and I know the Lockpicks are known for causing wierd little things. I would continue to press the issue with GM and take it to another dealership. Obviously the one you are working with is not willing to help you....tell them you will leave it and have them give you a loaner....they can then have a tech drive it to and from work until they duplicate the issue.

EChas3 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-22-09, 05:21 PM

If your state has the Lemon Law:

1. File your documentation with the Attorney General (or as specified for your state.)
2. Start shopping for a replacement.

You'll either hear from your dealer or not. You shouldn't need a lawyer but you may want to make sure of your rights so that you don't agree to let the dealer off too easy. Did you lease or buy?

There are some great threads from a dissatisfied STS owner archived in this site. He got a buyback.

WillySTS · #11 (**permalink**) 07-22-09, 09:00 PM

All of you should make sure this has been done:

#05-08-126-001B: Voice Recognition System Performs Poorly, Memory Seat Function Operation Complicated, Navigation Radio Screen Locks Up, Map DVD Message Displayed, Telephone Number Not Dialed via Bluetooth - (Mar 28, 2007)