Satellite radio antenna flashing

[gfmcl]

I have a 2006 LX 470, which I’ve owned for about six months. It has what appears to be the factory satellite radio, and I’m having intermittent issues with it. It seems occasionaly I’ll get no signal, then then Antenna starts flashing. After trolling through various forums, including this one, it seems to be either the antenna or the module. Before I go down the diagnosis rabbit hole, I was wondering if any one else who’s had this issue was able to narrow down this issue. It sure seems like an antenna shorting out.

in the meantime, I‘m looking at either the BT45-Toy or the Grom VL2 as options. The VL2 is quite pricey, but with some upcoming road trips, I like all the features, but the BT45 would be a viable option too.

Decisons, decisions……..

This is my first LC/LX, and I‘m hooked. Long time Jeep owner, and haven’t looked back. After a long search, I picked up a 2006 back in Jan, 200k miles, and very clean.

Thanks in advance……

 

[DBULL]

I don’t think the 06 is satellite ready. I also have an 06 and also interested in an upgrade…

 

[SoCal_80]

Amazon sells an aftermarket antenna and adapter. Works like a charm and not very expensive. Might want to give it a try

 

[SoCal_80]

I have an 06 with factory sat radio

 

[gfmcl]

Not a lot of response, so I’m guessing no one else had this issue, or cares. Regardless, and based on a reply, it seems like it’s the antenna. In the meantime, I’ve picked up a FM transmitter that will get me by until I can tear into the dash. Not sure what adapter is needed, but I guess I’ll figure that out when I open it up.

 

[SoCal_80]

In my 06 the sat radio module is in the very back 0passenger side cargo area. Just need to remove the panel.

 

[SoCal_80]

You want the FRA3M antenna adapter and whatever antenna you want to use.

 

[gfmcl]

Thanks for the reply- as soon as I get a chance, I’ll see if mine is in the same location. If so, it should be an easy fix.

Cheers.

 

[Gr3G]

I have a 2007 Land Cruiser that has intermittent satellite radio issues. Most notably it will decide to quit picking up stations and I will have to turn off the truck, then turn it back on and the issue is usually fixed. Recently it's decided that it doesn't want to even be available, if I press the AM/SAT by button I only get AM stations. So far turning the truck off and back on has sorted that when it happens. I'm guessing the module is starting to go out. I will also have to do more digging.

 

[gfmcl]

I have a 2007 Land Cruiser that has intermittent satellite radio issues. Most notably it will decide to quit picking up stations and I will have to turn off the truck, then turn it back on and the issue is usually fixed. Recently it's decided that it doesn't want to even be available, if I press the AM/SAT by button I only get AM stations. So far turning the truck off and back on has sorted that when it happens. I'm guessing the module is starting to go out. I will also have to do more digging.

Same problem here as well. I also get 'NO SIGNAL' occasionally and a start/stop of the car sometimes fixes the issue. SoCal_80 says the antenna is an easy swap, but I'm not interested in taking things apart. I talked to a local car audio shop, and they also indicated it's probably the antenna. I have an appointment this week, so we'll see what they find. Yeah, I now, just put the bluetooth module and be done, but I like the convenience of the built in radio. In the meantime, my backup is a FM transmitter, which seems to work. I picked up a cheap one at Wally World. If the shop says it's not the antenna, then I'm probably going with the USA Spec or Grom or VAIS bluetooth module.

More to come.......

 

[lugnut1960]

I have a 2007 Land Cruiser that has intermittent satellite radio issues. Most notably it will decide to quit picking up stations and I will have to turn off the truck, then turn it back on and the issue is usually fixed. Recently it's decided that it doesn't want to even be available, if I press the AM/SAT by button I only get AM stations. So far turning the truck off and back on has sorted that when it happens. I'm guessing the module is starting to go out. I will also have to do more digging.

having the same issues of AM only and not recognizing the satellite feature. What was your fix? mine worked perfect until i did some work on the car and disconnected and reconnected the battery a couple of times

 

[gfmcl]

i never got it resolved… it was intermittent, would work for days, then stop, then start back working. But now I’m having your issue- only AM works, and doesn’t cycle to the SAT module. I haven’t tried disconnecting the battery to see if that resets anything.

My interim solution was to get a FM transmitter, which works ok. I was thinking about adding one of the Bluetooth modules, but now not sure since the recent issue. And I don’t need phone call streaming. FM transmitters are a cheap solution, and with my bad heating, the audio quality doesn’t bother me too much.

Good luck, interested to hear what you end up doing…..

 

[jerryb]

if you disconnect the battery a few times and then something changed maybe I'd check all the fuses. Even in the desert some of those originals can have a bit of corrosion.


I'm mostly positive all the SAT antennas were port installed, and they were/are on the very rear passenger side roof corner.
I'm tending to think they all went down through the seam in the hatch to under the truck and traveled to a penetrator and up to the unit In front of, to the bow, of the rear AC evaporator.
None of that will interfere with AM FM reception. On that there are two antennas. Passenger fender and rear passenger quarter window. One or both working will work fine for AM/FM. They both do not have to be plugged in.
So if there is an issue either both are wonky, or it's the stereo unit possibly or more likely the screen/buttons.

To narrow it down to the screen I'd check the mode button on the steering wheel to make sure it switches the headunit to all inputs.



Disconnect the 10 connectors on the back of the radio/screen assembly, spray them down with contact cleaner, inspect the wires and try again.
All bets are off if you the have rear seat entertainment package- you know, the one with the screens or drop down screen in the roof console. Those are all port hack jobs and from what I've seen just an utter hack that should be deleted on all.

 

[gfmcl]

if you disconnect the battery a few times and then something changed maybe I'd check all the fuses. Even in the desert some of those originals can have a bit of corrosion.


I'm mostly positive all the SAT antennas were port installed, and they were/are on the very rear passenger side roof corner.
I'm tending to think they all went down through the seam in the hatch to under the truck and traveled to a penetrator and up to the unit In front of, to the bow, of the rear AC evaporator.
None of that will interfere with AM FM reception. On that there are two antennas. Passenger fender and rear passenger quarter window. One or both working will work fine for AM/FM. They both do not have to be plugged in.
So if there is an issue either both are wonky, or it's the stereo unit possibly or more likely the screen/buttons.

To narrow it down to the screen I'd check the mode button on the steering wheel to make sure it switches the headunit to all inputs.



Disconnect the 10 connectors on the back of the radio/screen assembly, spray them down with contact cleaner, inspect the wires and try again.
All bets are off if you the have rear seat entertainment package- you know, the one with the screens or drop down screen in the roof console. Those are all port hack jobs and from what I've seen just an utter hack that should be deleted on all.

Mode button cycles to all, except SAT, so I'm guessing the module has gone out.

 

[jerryb]

and if hitting the AM/SAT button does nothing I would inspect that on the back of the stereo and work backwards to the sat receiver.
I'm just sort of guessing here. Mine never worked and it was removed within a few weeks of ownership. Back then, non nav parts were less than 1000.

edit, normally I have stock stereos sitting here. right now I only have a 2003. (no sat)
I'd probably check power and ground on the sat receiver and continuity on everything else from that receiver.
After that, and fuse replacing, I'd probably say O well.
SAT has never sounded well in any new car I've bought.