The Entertainment System on this vehicle is configured with either a base or an uplevel system. Both the base and uplevel systems contain a radio, antenna, speakers, and on some vehicles an optional audio amplifier and/or remote CD changer. Radio data system (RDS) is standard on all radios.

The following list shows the radios available for this vehicle:

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

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 40km (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:

The diversity antenna system uses both front and back windows with an integral antenna built between the glass layers of the windshield and as an applique to the rear glass. Any damage to the antenna requires replacing the glass.

A diversity antenna 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 an enable signal is sent to the antenna module. Superimposed on this enable signal is the strength of the signal being received by the radio tuner. The antenna module now performs two functions. It switches between the front and rear antennas, monitoring the radio signal strength and combines both signals and phase aligns them to create one strong signal.

The "Theftlock" theft deterrent system is a feature on all base and uplevel radios. There is no need to program a security code into the radio as in past model years. The theft deterrent system now utilizes class 2 serial data to determine if the radio is in the appropriate vehicle. Each time the radio receives the "run" power mode message, it compares the VIN information it has stored to the VIN information received from a module on the class 2 serial data circuit responsible for transmitting that information. If a mis-match occurs, the radio display will indicate to the user the radio is locked. Once this takes place, a DTC will set, the radio will not respond to any button presses and become inoperative. The two scenarios able to cause this condition are:

1. A radio is installed from another vehicle
2. A module which communicates on the class 2 serial data circuit which supplies VIN information to the radio is replaced and not properly setup with the correct VIN information for that vehicle

The only way to unlock the radio is by using a scan tool. Always refer to the table in this section to diagnose the "Theftlock" DTC for further information.

The remote playback device is 12 disc remote CD changer. The radio controls and communicates with the remote playback device through Class 2 communication.

The remote CD changer allows for up to 12 compact discs to be played continuously. Normal size discs may be played using the trays supplied in the magazine. The magazine must first be loaded with discs before it can played. Press the button on the back of the magazine and pull gently on one of the trays. Load the trays from top to bottom, placing a disc on the tray label side up. If a disc is loaded label side down, the disc will not play and an error will occur. Gently push the tray back into the magazine. Repeat this procedure for loading up to 12 discs in the magazine. Once the discs are loaded into the magazine, slide open the door of the compact disc changer. Push the magazine into the changer in the direction of the arrow marked on the magazine. Close the door by sliding it all the way to the right. If the door is left partially open, the changer will not operate. When the door is closed, the changer will begin checking for discs in the magazine. This will continue for up to two minutes, depending on the number of discs loaded. To eject the magazine from the player, slide the CD changer door all the way open. The magazine will automatically eject. Whenever a CD magazine with discs is loaded in the changer, the CD changer symbol will appear on the radio display. If the CD changer is checking the magazine for CD's, the CD symbol will flash on the display until the changer is ready to play.

All audio systems are equipped with technology known as the Radio Data System (RDS). RDS is a system that sends data along with the audio of the FM station you are currently tuned to. RDS is a standard that defines how a FM broadcast station may send digital data along with the audio program. Think of it as a one way wireless modem, allowing the broadcaster to send information about his program to your receiver.

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 or other audio programs that are not audible in the main audio program. RDS information can be used to display program information and to control the radio.

To receive the RDS signal, all that is needed is an FM receiver with a RDS circuit. A special integrated circuit capable of dealing with the RDS signal is in the RDS circuit and passes it along to the receiver's microprocessor where it is decoded and acted upon.

RDS Basic Information

RDS basic information:

In some cases, a radio station broadcasting incorrect information may cause the RDS features of the radio to appear to work improperly.

Broadcast RDS information can be used in a variety of ways by the receiver and listener, but basically falls into two categories: Display and Control.

Displaying Program Information

RDS displays textual information such as:

RDS is always on. When tuned to a non-RDS station, your radio will display frequency information as you would normally expect. When tuned to a RDS station, your radio will change from displaying the frequency of the FM station to displaying the call letters of the station or display the nickname of the station. This feature is known as the Program Service Name.

Controlling the Radio

RDS can control the radio when data the receiver can use responds to timely information and performs the following:

Viewing and Selecting RDS Program Type Information (without UM8)

The Program Type feature is activated by pressing the program type button (labeled PROG TYPE). The program type name will be displayed (if the broadcaster is broadcasting one). The program type name is an eight-character name that the broadcaster may use to further identify the type of programming currently being broadcast. Turn the TUNE knob to select the desired program type. Press the SEEK SCAN arrows to find radio stations of the selected program type. If both program type and traffic are on the radio will search for stations with traffic announcements and the selected program type. If a station with the selected program type is not found, the radio displays "NOT FOUND".

Using the RDS Traffic Feature (without UM8)

Some RDS broadcasters may carry traffic information programming to inform you of current traffic conditions in your listening area and is indicated by the icon in the radio display. RDS enables the broadcaster to get this information to you even when you are listening to a tape or compact disc. This feature can be enabled or disabled by the listener. Press the TRAF button to find a station that claims to carry traffic information. You may do this even when playing a cassette tape or compact disc. This action will operate in the background without interrupting the current playback. If the radio is not currently tuned to an RDS traffic station, the radio will immediately SEEK an RDS traffic station. If the radio finds an RDS traffic station, the TRAF icon will appear in the radio display as will brackets around the [TRAF] icon. If the radio cannot find an RDS traffic station after searching through the entire FM band, the radio will display "NO TRAFFIC".

Viewing and Selecting RDS Program Type Information (with UM8)

The Program Type feature is activated by pushing the tune knob, then turning the tune knob to highlight RDS Criteria and pushing the knob to select. The program type name is an eight-character name that the broadcaster may use to further identify the type of programming currently being broadcast. Turn the tune knob to select the desired program type. Push the knob to select. Press the Back soft key to return to the BAND menu, turn the knob to highlight RDS Seek. Push the knob to put an X in the box next to RDS Seek. Press the SEEK up or down arrows to find radio stations of the selected program type. If both program type and traffic are on the radio will search for stations with traffic announcements and the selected program type. If a station with the selected program type is not found, the radio displays "NOT FOUND".

Using the RDS Traffic Feature (with UM8)

Some RDS broadcasters may carry traffic information programming to inform you of current traffic conditions in your listening area and is indicated by the icon in the radio display. RDS enables the broadcaster to get this information to you even when you are listening to a tape or compact disc. This feature can be enabled or disabled by the listener. Push the tune knob, then turn the tune knob to highlight Traffic. Push the tune knob to put an X in the box next to Traffic. This action will operate in the background without interrupting the current playback. If the radio is not currently tuned to an RDS traffic station, the radio will immediately SEEK an RDS traffic station. If the radio finds an RDS traffic station, the TRAF icon will appear in the radio display as will brackets around the [TRAF] icon. If the radio cannot find an RDS traffic station after searching through the entire FM band, the radio will display "NO TRAFFIC".

Alternate Frequency (AF) Switching

RDS permits broadcaster's to send information to the radio that allows the radio to automatically switch frequency to the best quality station in that broadcaster's network.

Since the radio is displaying the broadcaster call letters or nickname, the listener will not see the frequency during an AF switch unless you have changed the default display to be frequency instead of Program Service name.

To enable or disable AF switching, perform the following:

When AF is enabled and you recall a RDS station stored on preset, the radio determines if the station stored is of acceptable quality. If not, the radio checks all available AF's for your station. If the radio fails to locate your program, "AF SEARCH" will be displayed as the radio scans across the band looking for your program or an affiliated network. If the radio cannot find the original station or an acceptable alternate frequency "NOT FOUND" will be displayed and the radio returns to the original frequency for the preset.

RDS Clock Time

Broadcasters can choose to send clock time information in the RDS data. This information can be used to update the clock time on the radio. RDS clock time is broadcasted once a minute. To set the clock using RDS clock data perform the following:

Some audio functions are available using the steering wheel controls. The steering wheel controls consist of multiple momentary contact switches that connect a series of resistors. When a steering wheel control button is pressed, a specific resistance value is noted by the DIM. This results in a generated voltage, unique to the particular button. The DIM alerts the radio that the button has been pressed, and the radio responds, just as if the corresponding radio front panel button had been pressed.

The radio displays an error when any of the following occurs.