Are you currently dealing with some Ford Sirius radio problems?
It is never fun to deal with a radio problem. After all, the last thing you want is to listen to your favorite music and then suddenly have the audio cut out a lot. So, if this is what you are currently experiencing then you have come to the right place.
Today, we will discuss the common reasons why you are experiencing some problems with your Ford Sirius radio and what to do about these. Let’s get started.
Causes And Fixes – Ford Sirius Radio Problems
Is your radio cutting out? Let’s take a look at these common problems with the radio and how to get these issues sorted out.
1. Obstruction
The most usual reason behind these radio problems is an obstruction. For instance, there are some obstructions that prevent your radio from getting contact via the satellite. Among these obstructions are a tunnel, the mountains, tall buildings and a dense canopy of trees.
However, there is not a whole lot that you can do if this is the cause of the radio issue. When there is a major obstruction such as a tree or a tunnel, then the only thing left for you to do is to simply move your vehicle elsewhere. Otherwise, you cannot fix the problem too easily.
Once you move away and have a clearer spot between your radio and the satellite, then you should finally have your radio working fine once again. But then, obstruction may not be the actual reason why your radio is acting up, so it is best to test out if this is really the case with you.
2. Tuner is failing
Perhaps you are not getting any luck at all with listening to your favorite music no matter how many times you adjust the tuner. Do keep in mind that your tuner allows you to receive a signal coming from satellites. So, if the tuner is already broken or faulty, then it will not easily pick up any signal at all.
Furthermore, it cannot easily decode data or convert the data received into various channels. Hence, if you see the message “channel not available” or that your “channel is not subscribed”, then you may want to check if the other channels work.
You will have to first try to eliminate other possible issues before you can fully identify what exactly is wrong with your radio – whether it is indeed the tuner or something else. Now, if your wires, antenna and other critical components of your radio appear to be working perfectly fine, then it is highly likely that your tuner is the culprit.
3. Faulty wiring
It is also a possibility that there may be some loose connections or a weak point in your wiring between the tuner and the antenna. Or, there may be some other concerns with the wiring on your stereo and tuner. Thus, this can negatively impact the performance of your radio, which is why it tends to cut out frequently.
In case this is the issue with your radio, you may want to inspect the wires that run between your tuner and antenna, including your stereo and tuner. But if you notice a message telling you to check the tuner, you need to ensure the proper connection of the tuner into your head unit.
Then, wiggle your connectors and try to flex your wiring close to the connectors. Check for any disruptions in your audio. But do not worry since these wires are all low-voltage, which means it is perfectly safe if you flex them.
Also, you need to understand that weather, as well as traffic channels have a different sound than other channels that you receive via the Sirius radio. These use various audio technology, which is why if you find yourself to be concerned about having an odd connection due to a unique tone or sound, it is possible that this is a concern with the channel.
4. Interference with your FM adapter
Next up, you may want to look into another possibility that your adapter gets an interference from other FM radio transmitters. It usually happens as you travel to other areas or cities. So, if you have your FM modulator and a compromised audio quality, it is highly likely that your FM adapter interference is to blame.
Begin by checking your Sirius radio menu and look for the setting showing you the frequency used by your FM adapter. Afterwards, inspect the stereo to determine the setting it currently has, and that it is in the right frequency. It is possible that your tuner button or knob may get bumped a little to produce bad audio.
After checking and you notice that the settings are right, you may then tune the stereo down or up from your FM adapter frequency. It may be that there is an FM station that is broadcasting close to the frequency used by your adapter, which is causing such interference.
This is why it may be best to select a different frequency for your adapter.
5. Antenna problems
Additionally, you may want to check your antenna and see if it is broken or bent. It may also be loosely plugged into its cradle, or lastly, you may have a faulty antenna. This is why you may be receiving a message that says “antenna not detected.”
The quickest fix to this is by turning the Sirius radio head unit first. Wait for about 10 to 30 seconds before you turn it back on. This should restart your antenna and may even fix the issue. But if you still see an error message, you may have to purchase a new antenna to replace your broken one.
You should also inspect for some other signs of damage. However, if the antenna looks fine, you may want to check if it is plugged snugly into the cradle. Unplug and reinstall to check if this solves your problem.
Summary
Ford Sirius radio problems come in different types and can be caused by a wide range of reasons. This is why it is best to diagnose the source of the problem and troubleshoot accordingly to get your radio working well again.