Yea right, another hole in the trunk!

I went to the dealer and told them that from a start, on acceleration and when the radio is on AM I can hear poping sounds until I get up to speed. Upon the Cadillac dealer servicing it they informed me there was a technical bulletin on that problem and the solution is to order an antenna from GM and drill a hole in my trunk and place it there. I think there solution is they can't or won't fix it so they offer a solution no one is going to do. Yea another hole in my trunk. I'll look like a trooper car. Most do not even want an XM antenna on there trunk much less another one. I find it hard to believe this is GM's solution. Anyone heard of this before?

That doesn't make sense at all.

Now wait a minute, you've had another XLR before this one and I'm sure you didn't have that popping noise in that one. If your new one is under warranty, I would tell them to fix their am antenna and no holes in the trunk. I would like to say that they have holes in their heads, but we are not allowed to slander anymore...........Darn.
BoboI went to the dealer and told them that from a start, on acceleration and when the radio is on AM I can hear poping sounds until I get up to speed. Upon the Cadillac dealer servicing it they informed me there was a technical bulletin on that problem and the solution is to order an antenna from GM and drill a hole in my trunk and place it there. I think there solution is they can't or won't fix it so they offer a solution no one is going to do. Yea another hole in my trunk. I'll look like a trooper car. Most do not even want an XM antenna on there trunk much less another one. I find it hard to believe this is GM's solution. Anyone heard of this before?

This sounds a lot like a filtering problem though the receiver input --especially since you cite AM reception. Before I'd let the dealer bore another hole in your vehicle for a fix that may or may not work, I'd stop by a reputable car audio shop and take one of their techs for a test drive. Besides making his day a lot more memorable, he might be able to offer a solution in the form of a filter cap--if that's the root cause.

CC

Here is the antenna bulletin.


Document ID: 2091836
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#08-08-44-009: Poor Reception of Radio Stations on AM Band, Static/Popping Noise (Install Antenna Service Kit) - (Apr 3, 2008)


Subject: Poor Reception of Radio Stations on AM Band, Static/Popping Noise (Install Antenna Service Kit)


Models: 2004-2008 Cadillac XLR, XLR-V




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Condition
Some customers may comment about poor radio reception for stations on the AM band. Others may comment of static and popping noise on the AM band in some areas.

Cause
This condition may be caused by the lack of a separate antenna mast for the AM band.

Correction

Verify the antenna coax connections. If no concerns are found, install the Antenna Service Kit.
Do not replace the navigation radio to improve AM reception.


Use the following procedure to correct this condition:

Verify that all antenna coax connections between the existing antenna in the deck lid and the navigation radio are fully seated. Follow the diagnostic procedures in SI to correct any concerns that are found.



Important: Please show your customer the picture above of the installed service antenna prior to ordering and installing the Service Antenna Kit. The installation requires that the deck lid will have to be modified to facilitate the antenna mounting and coax pass-through. Once these modifications are performed, they are permanent. If the customer does not approve the installation, no other known antenna enhancements are available.

If the customer approves the antenna installation, install the Antenna Service Kit, P/N 25821144. Detailed installation instructions are included in the kit.
On 2004-2005 model year vehicles equipped with XM Satellite Radio (RPO U2K), the Digital Radio Receiver (XM Module), P/N 15837420, must also be replaced.
Once installation of the Antenna Service Kit is complete, verify proper operation of the radio.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty

25821144
Antenna Kit-Radio
1

15837420
Receiver Assembly - Digital Radio (2004-2005 model year with XM Radio [RPO U2K only])
1



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.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION


© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

I never did see the picture of the "fix" antenna. I assumed the hole needed was on the top of the deck lid and would sit like the XM antenna does. If it is a hole drilled on the underside and does not show outside that would be ok. Maybe an antenna mounted on the underside of the deck lid between the deck lid and the trunk liner?? A picture would be worth 1,000 words. Funny how we have XX number of members here, none have the problem or the fix. Why would one car have the problem and 99% not? If that is the case I would say it isn't the design but rather a bad componet. If it was the design more people would have the problem.

Bruce,
Did you read my post under Transmissions. It seems this shouldn't have been the fix for my slippage in my tranny according to some folks. What's your take on this.
Also I still have the bumpy bump when going over small bumps in the road. Never fixed the problem.
BoboHere is the antenna bulletin.


Document ID: 2091836
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#08-08-44-009: Poor Reception of Radio Stations on AM Band, Static/Popping Noise (Install Antenna Service Kit) - (Apr 3, 2008)


Subject: Poor Reception of Radio Stations on AM Band, Static/Popping Noise (Install Antenna Service Kit)


Models: 2004-2008 Cadillac XLR, XLR-V




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Condition
Some customers may comment about poor radio reception for stations on the AM band. Others may comment of static and popping noise on the AM band in some areas.

Cause
This condition may be caused by the lack of a separate antenna mast for the AM band.

Correction

Verify the antenna coax connections. If no concerns are found, install the Antenna Service Kit.
Do not replace the navigation radio to improve AM reception.


Use the following procedure to correct this condition:

Verify that all antenna coax connections between the existing antenna in the deck lid and the navigation radio are fully seated. Follow the diagnostic procedures in SI to correct any concerns that are found.



Important: Please show your customer the picture above of the installed service antenna prior to ordering and installing the Service Antenna Kit. The installation requires that the deck lid will have to be modified to facilitate the antenna mounting and coax pass-through. Once these modifications are performed, they are permanent. If the customer does not approve the installation, no other known antenna enhancements are available.

If the customer approves the antenna installation, install the Antenna Service Kit, P/N 25821144. Detailed installation instructions are included in the kit.
On 2004-2005 model year vehicles equipped with XM Satellite Radio (RPO U2K), the Digital Radio Receiver (XM Module), P/N 15837420, must also be replaced.
Once installation of the Antenna Service Kit is complete, verify proper operation of the radio.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty

25821144
Antenna Kit-Radio
1

15837420
Receiver Assembly - Digital Radio (2004-2005 model year with XM Radio [RPO U2K only])
1



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.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION


© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

Why not forget AM (do people still listen to AM???) and listen to XM, FM, CDs or iPod or equivalent. Far too many other choices to be concerned with AM reception.

I know, I know, it's nice to have everything working correctly, but. . . holes drilled??? I don't think so!!!

Floyd

That was going to be my question. Who still listens to AM radio anyway?

Why not forget AM (do people still listen to AM???) and listen to XM, FM, CDs or iPod or equivalent. Far too many other choices to be concerned with AM reception.

I know, I know, it's nice to have everything working correctly, but. . . holes drilled??? I don't think so!!!

Floyd

My luck this XLR does not have XM unlike my first XLR. So FM/AM or CD are my only choices. I actually like talk radio because of the business I'm in and that is on AM.

Rather than ask who still listens to AM; I'd rather wonder why Cadillac didn't address the issue when they designed the car. I still listen to AM news/talk, the only source of real-time traffic reports in this area.

Same here .... when I worked, I always listened to AM for up-to-the-minute traffic reports .... and LOCAL talk show hosts.

I wasn't Lola's first owner.... but on her work history, I see that they have replaced the radio twice ... :eek I wonder if that was the first "fix"?

RA :angel