The entertainment system on this vehicle may have several different configurations available to it. To determine the specific configuration of the vehicle, please see the Service Parts ID Label, and refer to RPO Code List.

The entertainment system on this vehicle is configured with either a base or an uplevel system. The base and uplevel systems each contain a radio, antenna, speakers, and on some systems an audio amplifier. The uplevel system differs from the base system by providing the customer with enhanced audio system features. Some of those features may include the radio data system (RDS), an audio amplifier, programmable equalizer (EQ), and digital satellite radio (U2K).

Each item in the list below represents topics covered in detail below.

Radio Power

The radio is supplied power by a fused B+ circuit. The radio does not use a discrete ignition feed circuit for power moding. The power mode master (PMM) provides the system power mode to the radio via serial data messages. The PMM determines the system power mode by processing power mode information from ignition switch inputs. Serial data power modes supported by the radio are OFF, ACCESSORY, RUN, and CRANK REQUEST.

Radio Grounds

The vehicle harness provides a ground for the radio circuits. The radio may also be case grounded.

Radio Data Link Communication

The radio communicates with other modules via serial data.

Radio Outputs

At minimum volume, the plus (+) and minus (-) speaker outputs are approximately half battery voltage, measured to vehicle ground. As the volume increases, the plus and minus change to create a voltage difference between each other either driving the voice coil of the speaker, or being fed to an amplifier.

Radio Head Dimming

Dimming and backlighting levels are determined by the serial data messages the radio receives.

Important: Radio systems with the antenna(s) in the glass are subject to possible interference when an aftermarket window tint is applied.

Diversity Antenna

The diversity antenna system may use both front and back windows with an integral antenna built between the glass layers of the windshield and as an appliqué to the rear glass. Any damage to the antenna requires replacing the glass. This system is designed to deliver the best radio signal reception possible. Two antennas are used to form a diversity system. The primary antenna is part of the rear window and looks similar to the defogger grid. This antenna receives both AM and FM signals. The secondary antenna is part of the front windshield and receives only FM signals.

The antenna reception signals are sorted out by the radio antenna module. The radio antenna module is enabled when the radio is turned on. When the AM or FM band is selected on the radio, the antenna module connects the rear window antenna directly to the radio. In addition, when the FM band is selected the antenna module switches between the front and rear antennas, monitoring the radio signal strength and combines the signals and phase aligns them to create one strong signal.

Backglass Antenna

The AM-FM antenna is on the backglass with the rear window defogger, at the top of the rear window.

Antenna Module

The radio antenna is connected to the antenna module. The antenna module is powered by a battery voltage circuit supplied by the radio. The antenna module boosts the received signal and transmits the signal to the radio via a coaxial cable.

Multi-Band Antenna

The multi-band antenna is located on the roof of the vehicle. This type of antenna may be used with the AM/FM radio, but is primarily for OnStar® and the XM™ Satellite Radio Service System, if the vehicle has these features. Keep this antenna clear of snow and ice build up for clear reception. If the vehicle has a sunroof, the performance of the system may be affected if the sunroof is open. Loading items onto the roof of the vehicle can interfere with the performance of the system, ensure the multi-band antenna is not obstructed.

Radio Signal

The radio signal is sent from a broadcast station and is then received by an antenna. The strength of the signal received depends on the following:

AM Reception

The AM band has a lower frequency range than the FM band. These longer wavelengths:

The AM frequencies have longer range due to the ground wave. The ground wave follows the curvature of the earth and is effected by its conductivity. Greater conductivity equates to less signal loss thus transmission over water is better than over land. The AM band has a range of 80-320 km (50-200 miles).

FM Reception

The shorter wavelengths of the higher frequency FM band:

Broadcasts in the FM band are limited to line of sight reception which is typically 40 km (25 miles). Even when out of a direct line of sight, the signal may be reflected into areas that would be in a shadow otherwise. Factors which affect the line of sight include:

XM satellite radio provides digital radio reception. The XM signal is broadcast from two satellites and, where necessary, terrestrial repeaters. The high power satellites allow the antenna to receive the XM signal even when foliage and other partial obstructions block the antennas view of the satellite. Terrestrial repeaters are used in dense urban areas. These repeaters will receive the satellite signal and re-broadcast them at much higher power levels in order to ensure reception in areas with densely packed tall buildings. A service fee is required in order to receive the XM service.

The radio communicates with the digital radio receiver (DRR) via serial data. During XM operation the audio signals are sent over the left and right audio signal circuits from the DRR to the radio.

Speakers turn electrical energy into mechanical energy to move air, using a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The electromagnet is energized when the radio or amplifier (if equipped) delivers current to the voice coil on the speaker. The voice coil will form a north and south pole that will cause the voice coil and the speaker cone to move in relation to the permanent magnet. The current delivered to the speaker is rapidly changing alternating current (A/C). This causes the speaker cone to move in two directions producing sound. When the speaker is at rest, such as when the volume at a minimum value, the voltage applied to each side of the speaker is ½ ignition system voltage. This way, the speaker cone can be moved in either direction.

Amplifier Interface with UQA

The amplifier is supplied battery voltage from a dedicated fuse in the rear fuse block. The amplifier communicates with the vehicle via serial data, which controls the power state of the amplifier and allows the amplifier to set DTCs. Balance/fade and muting functions are all performed by the amplifier based on serial data messages.

Amplifier Interface with UQ3

A fused battery voltage circuit provides the main amplifier power. A switched 12-volt output from the radio is used to control the power - state of the amplifier. To respond quickly to audio input and control signals, the amplifier is ON in all vehicle power modes except OFF and CRANK Request. The internal amplifier bridges are fully powered and unmuted when the amplifier receives the switched 12-volt input. This type of amplifier does not have serial data communication capability, and can not set DTCs.

Amplifier Operation

The purpose of the amplifier is to increase the power of a voltage or current signal. The output signal of an amplifier may consist of the same frequencies as the input signal or it may consist of only a portion of the frequencies as in the case of a subwoofer or midrange speaker. The radio creates a low level stereo audio output signal, which is sent at the user-defined volume level to the audio amplifier. The audio amplifier amplifies the signal and sends it to the appropriate speakers.

The radio may be equipped with the Radio Data System (RDS). The RDS feature is available only on FM stations that broadcast RDS information. This system relies upon receiving specific information from these stations and only works when the information is available. While the radio is tuned to an FM-RDS station, the station name or call letters display.

RDS data is carried in what is known as a "subcarrier". A subcarrier is a frequency that the FM broadcaster is authorized to use to send data that is not audible in the main audio program.

With RDS, the radio can do the following:

RDS may display text information such as:

The MP3/CD equipped radios will play standard audio CDs, and MP3/WMA files that were recorded on a CD-R or CD-RW disc. Customers who record their own music CDs should be aware of the following:

The integral multi disc CD changer has the capability of storing and playing up to six (6) compact discs. The integral multi disc CD changer has a shock-absorbing system. Only under extreme operating temperatures or severe shock or vibration should the compact disc player skip or mute. If the customer travels an abnormally rough road, a skip condition may be normal. Test drive the vehicle on a normal road with a known good CD. If the condition is still present, replace the radio. The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.

The CD mechanism within the ICDX radio will begin an initialization routine after a battery connect (e.g., connecting radio connector X1). The initialization process takes approximately 25 seconds to complete. It is very critical that the initialization is completed before removing battery power from the radio, in order for the complex moving parts of the CD mechanism to be positioned properly before shipping and/or handling purposes. Damage may result to the moving parts of the CD mechanism if battery power is removed during the initialization routine. The damage occurs to the CD mechanism during subsequent shipping or handling operations. The extent of the damage causes the CD mechanism not to recover and the mechanism becomes inoperative.

The radio theft deterrent system is intended to disable or limit radio functionality if incorrect vehicle information is received by the radio. The radio disables functionality if the VIN information received by the radio does not match the VIN information that has been learned by the radio. A VIN sequence is the last 6 digits of the VIN. The radio receives this information via serial data. A possible cause of incorrect VIN info could be the radio was originally installed in another vehicle.

The radio has the following theft operating modes as part of the theft deterrent system:

The Radio may display the following Error Messages (Not all messages may be applicable):

If an error message is displayed, perform the appropriate diagnostics.

When OnStar is activated, a serial data message is sent to the radio that activates a software program. When the software begins its process, the fade goes to the front, Bass and Treble are set to the mid range, the outputs are mono, and the audio source is OnStar. OnStar takes priority over any other audio source. All of these actions are preset values stored in the radio.

For additional OnStar information, refer to OnStar Description and Operation.

Some audio functions are available using the steering wheel controls. The steering wheel controls duplicate the function of the primary controls available on the radio.

For additional information on steering wheel controls, refer to Steering Wheel Controls Description and Operation.

The radio system may have a 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack located on the faceplate. An external audio device such as an MP3 player, CD changer, laptop computer, cassette tape player, etc. can be connected to the auxiliary input jack for use as another source for audio listening. This is not an audio output; do not plug a headphone set into the front auxiliary input jack.

To use a portable audio player, connect a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) cable to the radio's front auxiliary input jack. While a device is connected, press the radio CD/AUX button to begin playing audio from the device over the vehicle speakers. If there is a CD in the player, pressing the button once will play the CD, pressing again will switch it to the AUX feature.

A microphone mounted in the vehicle passenger compartment monitors background noise (such as wind noise from a window being opened) and digitally modifies the system’s volume and equalization to ensure optimal sound and performance.