[diamondjim]

I have been having issues with the "lock" of my GPS system. While the initerial system works very well and covers many of the gaps - the GPS seems to have very poor lock/hold of the satellites. I took it in for service and they replaced some "antenna system" that was noted in their database.
Now while it seems to lock on faster - it still seems that the least little obstruction causes a loss of lock - like being under a small tree. I compare this to a couple of aftermarket units I have in other vehicles which do not have this type of response to small obstructions.

So question is does anyone else have this experience? :confused

NOTE: If you don't know if your system is "locked" in the upper left corner next to the "compass indicator" you will see a globe with a circle around it. This is the Not-Locked indicator.

Thanks

 

[Jetboyphx]

I've only seen the little globe a couple of times in the last year and neither time did it appear to be obstruction related.

 

[Eyedoc]

Not here

The only issue I have ever had with either the GPS satellites or XM is when you travel is very hilly or wooded areas (XM is also a problem the further north you are located). Large buildings in a downtown area can also block signals.

There is an ocassional "dead zone" with GPS, but not sure whether this is a satellite issue or database issue (not knowing the road is there).

I would not think that any of these apply to you in Florida.

 

[jlmartin99]

Greetings,

Yes I had a simular problem and I took it in for service and it appears to be much better now. Not sure what was performed on the car, but connects more often and stays connected longer but it still seems disconnected more than my STS V8.

JLM

 

[alibond]

I had a similar issue. GPS would show me way off course after going under an obstruction. The physical movement measurements took over from the GPS antenna, and the antenna would only reset itself on restart of the vehicle.

Eventually, it never reset itself, showed me somewhere in Mexico, so the dealer was able to "replicate" the problem.

First step is replacing the GPS antenna. This is in the rectangular black box behind your rear-view mirror.

Second step is replacing the GPS unit itself.


My dealer's service manager was told that the GPS antenna was the same for OnStar and GPS. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Since I had been calling OnStar and getting a correct location from their operators, but the GPS showed me in Mexico... it was decided to replace the GPS unit with a 3-week backorder time. This did not fix the issue. Then we replaced the GPS antenna, which was in fact seperate from OnStar's GPS antenna, and everything worked out fine.

On an off note, the technician told me that the no-GPS icon will appear and disappear randomly, but as long as you're staying on track, it's ok. The service manual actually says the no-GPS icon will appear within the first few mins of starting the vehicle, and that is apparently normal.

 

[diamondjim]

GPS Update

Well another trip to the dealer and it is not any better. But after digging through the manual I found that the GPS antenna for the Nav system is actually under the dash pad - to the right of the "grill" area in the center (the box behind the mirror is the rain-sensor - and the large brick is the On-Star system).

Well given the location - it does not have a very clear view of the sky - I am considering getting an aftermarket unit with a higher gain amplifier and mounting it next to the "brick". It would have a better gain and clearer view of the sky. Of course I need to match the impedance and not overload the power avaiable - but heck it could be fun

 

[alibond]

There are four steps to fix this:

Step 1: Replace GPS Antenna
Step 2: Replace GPS Unit in Dash
Step 3: Take it back in for service a 3rd or 4th time
Step 4: Call Lemon Law attorney

I have a great lemon law attorney if you need a referral.

Well another trip to the dealer and it is not any better. But after digging through the manual I found that the GPS antenna for the Nav system is actually under the dash pad - to the right of the "grill" area in the center (the box behind the mirror is the rain-sensor - and the large brick is the On-Star system).

Well given the location - it does not have a very clear view of the sky - I am considering getting an aftermarket unit with a higher gain amplifier and mounting it next to the "brick". It would have a better gain and clearer view of the sky. Of course I need to match the impedance and not overload the power avaiable - but heck it could be fun

 

[Guest]

Jim, their has been only one person that has had trouble with the nav system and he seems to have it fixed by changing out the antenna. As for my nav system, it works great, so I'm thinking that you probably can get it fixed rather than go for the expense.
Bob

Well another trip to the dealer and it is not any better. But after digging through the manual I found that the GPS antenna for the Nav system is actually under the dash pad - to the right of the "grill" area in the center (the box behind the mirror is the rain-sensor - and the large brick is the On-Star system).

Well given the location - it does not have a very clear view of the sky - I am considering getting an aftermarket unit with a higher gain amplifier and mounting it next to the "brick". It would have a better gain and clearer view of the sky. Of course I need to match the impedance and not overload the power avaiable - but heck it could be fun

 

[Guest]

Al,
Your attorney isn't from San Diego is he? I have refused to give my attorney any publicity because he mishandled the case so poorly.

There are four steps to fix this:

Step 1: Replace GPS Antenna
Step 2: Replace GPS Unit in Dash
Step 3: Take it back in for service a 3rd or 4th time
Step 4: Call Lemon Law attorney

I have a great lemon law attorney if you need a referral.

 

[XLRAT]

The only time mine has a problem seeing the satellites is in the garage on startup. I do find it funny when I am on a newer road that the nav disk doesn't know and it shows me running through the countryside like a 4 wheeler!

I did have one problem with the system not showing street names one day. Shutting the car off and restarting loaded them again properly with no problems since.

Paul

 

[alibond]

No, Orange County. I'll post his name and contact info depending on how this case is handled. Should be settled in 15 days or less. It's already been around 30.

Al,
Your attorney isn't from San Diego is he? I have refused to give my attorney any publicity because he mishandled the case so poorly.

 

[Guest]

Unless I don't know from experience...........you had better dig yourself a deep fox hole, cause your in for a long haul.
Don't get me wrong here, I hope your right.
When you get a lawyer, all bets are off with GM and they will get their lawyers in LA and duke it out for a year, unless you take their ridiculous offer.
Bob

No, Orange County. I'll post his name and contact info depending on how this case is handled. Should be settled in 15 days or less. It's already been around 30.