Help w/ Audiovox Express XM Radio in 07 Nitro

[CLTDbg]

Hello All,
I own a 2007 Dodge Nitro. I recently re-activated my XM Radio Subscription and am trying to get a clear signal in the Nitro.
I have an XM Radio Audiovox Express w/ Car Kit.
Tech support @ XM told me just to place the Magnetic type Antenna that is w/ the XM Radio approx. 3 inches away from the Rubber FM Roof Antenna and the XM Radio should work fine --- It Doesn't. I have tried 12-15 different FM Stations and although it appears I get a good XM Signal on the XM Radio it is all Scratchy and basically unreadable.
The XM Radio works well in my 05 Dakota however in this Vehicle I have the Additional XM Antenna attachment clipped onto the Metal FM Radio Antenna on the Fender - of which we do not have on our Nitro's.
I callled XM Radio Tech Support back and the person I talked to told me that he could not help me - he had no suggestions for me. Alot of Help.

Anyhow - anyone out there that could possibly help with any suggestions, etc. Othewise I guess I will need to take it to a Radio Shop and have them "fix it".

Thanks in Advance for any Assistance
Love the Nitro in PA

[rickaren]

Welcome, sorry no help from me. Strange no help from XM radio either? Have you tried Audiovox? Had an add-on unit on an Explorer and the satellite antenna was placed near front windshield post and unit had to be programmed on correct Local Channel to work correctly, with factory radio. If you find out how to solve your issue please post the resolve to help others, in the future. Enjoy your NITRO, I sure do mine! Check us out, many other issues addressed here. Hope someone else has an answer for you. Good Luck!

[CLTDbg]

UPDATE: Audiovox finally got back to me. Audiovox is telling me that I need a XM/FM Adapter (splitter). This device is like the old style "splitter" that connected to your FM Radio Antenna Cable.
Best Buy has them on their web site so I am hoping to get to Best Buy and purchase one tomorrow and hopefully install it this weekend.

Does anyone know how or how difficult it is to remove the faceplate of the Radio to get to the back of the Radio in order to access the FM Antenna Cable ??? Any help would be appreciated.

I will let everyone know if this works.

Thanks,
CLTDbg in PA

[rickaren]

Sorry CLTDbg I could not find an illustration on how to remove the radio bezel from my CD Service Manual. You might search "On-Line" how to install an aftermarket radio in your Nitro and see if there is not a picture guide available on how to do it. I suspect you just pry it straight out and that it just has mounting pins, but that is just an educated guess. I went ahead and printed out the below that may not be of any help.




DESCRIPTION
NOTE: The USB protective door can be serviced separately and does not require the replacement of the entire radio assembly.


RADIO
Available radios include:
• AM/FM Stereo Radio w/CD/MP3 Audio player and AUX jack with and without Satellite Radio (RES).
• AM/FM Stereo Radio w/6-CD/DVD player and AUX jack with and without Satellite Radio (REQ).
• 6.5" Integrated Touch Screen AM/FM Stereo Radio, Satellite Radio, Single Disc CD/DVD player. (CD/DVD/MP3/WMA Audio, DVD Video) w/ Full Map Navigation with GPS Antenna and Real Time Traffic (RER).
All radio receivers can communicate on the Controlled Area Network (CAN).


REMOVAL
NOTE: The USB protective door can be serviced separately and does not require the replacement of the entire radio assembly.
NOTE: REQ and RET radios only must be put into "Transportation Mode" before removal. With Ignition in RUN or ACCESSORY, press SET and SCAN simultaneously until the radio displays "TRANSPORTATION" on the display or for 5 seconds.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the instrument panel center trim panel.
3. Remove the radio mounting fasteners.
CAUTION: Pulling the antenna cable straight out of the radio without pulling on the locking antenna connector could damage the cable or radio.

4. Disconnect the antenna cable by pulling the locking antenna connector away from the radio.
5. Disconnect the electrical harness connector(s).
6. Remove radio from instrument panel.


INSTALLATION

1. Connect the wire harness connector(s).
2. Connect the antenna cable.
3. Install the radio to the instrument panel.
4. Install and tighten the radio mounting fasteners.
5. Install the instrument panel center trim panel.
6. Connect the battery negative cable.

[CLTDbg]

UPDATE/ISSUE RESOLVED: Went to Best Buy to purchase the XM/FM Adapter that the Audiovox Rep. told me I needed.
Had one in my hand and then spoke to a member of the Best Buy "Geek Squad". He told me that I did not need the XM/FM Adapter- I only needed an Auxilliary Connection Adapter which plugs into the Aux. Port on the front of the in-dash Radio and into the "Aux. Out" Port on the XM Radio Cradle. He also said that I would no longer play the XM Radio through the FM Radio - it would be direct. Purchased this item.
Installed in just a minute or two, adjusted the XM Radio FM Tuner to "Off" and Powered everything up and it works Great.
The Geek Squad saved me about $15. So, in the future if you have any Satellite Radio problems I suggest talking to a member of the Geek Squad @ Best Buy.
Hope this info. helps others out there.

Stay Safe & Enjoy your Nitro
Thanks, CLTDbg in PA

[rickaren]

Originally Posted by CLTDbg

UPDATE/ISSUE RESOLVED: Went to Best Buy to purchase the XM/FM Adapter that the Audiovox Rep. told me I needed.
Had one in my hand and then spoke to a member of the Best Buy "Geek Squad". He told me that I did not need the XM/FM Adapter- I only needed an Auxilliary Connection Adapter which plugs into the Aux. Port on the front of the in-dash Radio and into the "Aux. Out" Port on the XM Radio Cradle. He also said that I would no longer play the XM Radio through the FM Radio - it would be direct. Purchased this item.
Installed in just a minute or two, adjusted the XM Radio FM Tuner to "Off" and Powered everything up and it works Great.
The Geek Squad saved me about $15. So, in the future if you have any Satellite Radio problems I suggest talking to a member of the Geek Squad @ Best Buy.
Hope this info. helps others out there.

Stay Safe & Enjoy your Nitro
Thanks, CLTDbg in PA

Thanks for this great info CLTDbg! This will really help someone in the future that finds themselves with the same issue. Too bad you had to be the first here! Enjoy your XM Radio Subscription, we sure do. Checking into purchasing "Lifetime" subscriptions on both of our vehicles. Octane (20) is usually on in both and we also have it in-house with DISH & DirecTV in every room, too.