[elbastardson]

I have a 2008 Dodge Nitro and I'm having a weird issue with my radio. AM/FM, CD Player, and AUX works fine. But when I push the Satellite button for SiriusXM it shows on the screen for a few seconds and then goes right back to AM/FM radio.

This is a video of what I'm talking about.

Really don't want to deal with replacing the radio if possible. Any help or ideas of how to fix this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rickaren]

Like most electrical issues with a Nitro I would first reset the vehicle computer by disconnecting the battery then for 5 minutes to reset. I would have the radio ON when doing it. Could also need to reset your radio from SiriusXM from their Web Site or using your phone to use it. Good Luck!

 

[elbastardson]

I tried that, but still no change? Could be it be a faulty Sirius antenna? Logically thinking about it I don't think it could be, I'd think it would just say searching for signal or something, but could it not be getting a signal and kicking it out of Satellite mode?

 

[rickaren]

You do have a paid SiriusXM account that is current, right? You can check it "Online". It has been working in the past, right? If so I think the issue is with them and they will work with you. Doubt that radio or antenna is the issue. Let us know.

 

[elbastardson]

Yeah it was working up until a few weeks ago. My subscription is paid through June. I will give them a call and see what they say. Thank you.

 

[elbastardson]

So yesterday I called Sirius and they tried a few different things but none of them worked. They think it's the stereo. So looks like I'm getting a new stereo, which sucks because I'm pretty sure I gotta buy the $70 tuner even if the radio is SiriusXM ready.

 

[rickaren]

Troubleshooting Your SiriusXM Radio


SiriusXM radios have been designed to provide you with trouble-free performance without the need for servicing. If your radio does not appear to be functioning properly, please try these helpful troubleshooting tips.
Please note, messages displayed on your SiriusXM radio screen may vary slightly from what's noted below. Additional troubleshooting tips specific to your SiriusXM radio can be found in your SiriusXM radio's user manual.
Helpful tips and procedures to improve performance of your SiriusXM Radio can be found at Installation Help.

IF YOU SEE THIS ON THE DISPLAY:	TRY THIS:
No Signal or Acquiring Signal	Make sure the SiriusXM antenna is mounted on the outside of the vehicle and that there are no obstructions blocking its view. If you are parked in an underground garage, you should receive a signal after leaving the garage.
Antenna or Antenna Not Detected	Make sure the SiriusXM antenna cable is firmly and securely plugged into the cradle. Make sure the SiriusXM antenna cable is not bent or broken. Turn your SiriusXM radio off, then on, to reset this message. If using a Dock & Play or Portable Radio, remove the Radio from its docking cradle and then reinstall to attempt to reset this message.
Off Air	The channel you've selected is not currently broadcasting. Tune to another channel.
Loading	Your SiriusXM radio is acquiring audio or program information from the satellite. This message usually goes away in a few seconds.
Updating	SiriusXM is updating your Radio with the latest encryption code. Wait until the update is complete. This message may also display when you are trying to tune to a channel that is unavailable or blocked.
---	No program information, such as artist name or song title, exists.

IF THIS HAPPENS:	TRY THIS:
No audio when listening through an FM radio	Check to make sure your XM radio and your car radio are tuned to the same FM frequency.
No Audio using Aux Cable	Make sure all of the cables between your SiriusXM radio and your stereo system are connected firmly and securely. Make sure the FM mode in the SiriusXM Radio is turned Off. Make sure host radio is on auxiliary input mode.
Audio fades or has static when listening	Check to make sure all cables are connected firmly and securely. If the problem persists, it may be interference from another FM channel. Refer to the "Find an FM Frequency" section in your SiriusXM radio's user guide. Find the best FM channel for your area here: www.siriusxm.com/fmchannel.
Audio sounds too soft	Raise or lower the FM audio level until the sound quality improves. Refer to the "Setting the Line Out Level" section in your SiriusXM radio's user guide.
XM Instant Traffic and Weather channels sound different from other XM channels	These channels use a different audio technology than the other XM channels so they often sound different than other XM channels.
No song title or artist name is displayed	The information may not be available or updates may be in progress.
Your SiriusXM radio turns off unexpectedly	If your radio has a sleep timer, and it is set, your SiriusXM radio will turn off after the selected length of time. Turn off the Sleep Timer feature.

 

[rickaren]

I guess you have already seen about everything but posting anyway. Just hard for me to think the radio is bad!

How do I reset my SiriusXM radio in my car?
Make sure the antenna of your radio is facing skyward, your radio is turned on and tuned to channel 184 and your vehicle is NOT in the garage. Then go to www.siriusxm.com using your smartphone or other mobile device, click the “Refresh My Radio” button, which is located right on the home screen.Aug 4, 2016

Why is my SiriusXM radio not working?
Make sure the SiriusXM antenna cable is firmly and securely plugged into the cradle. Make sure the SiriusXM antenna cable is not bent or broken. Turn your SiriusXM radio off, then on, to reset this message. ... This message may also display when you are trying to tune to a channel that is unavailable or blocked.

How do I set my car radio to satellite?
Just turn your radio on with the antenna facing skyward and tune to channel 184 on a Sirius radio or channel 1 on an XM radio. (If your radio is in your vehicle, please make sure it isn't in the garage.) Once you're ready, press the button below and service should be activated within 15 minutes.

How do I reactivate my Sirius radio?

1. Call 866-635-8634.
2. At the prompt, speak your Radio ID (also called an ESN or SID)
3. Say "Yes" to confirm that you are ready to receive your activation signal now.
4. Listen to the instructions for receiving your activation signal. If you have any further questions, say "Listener Care" to speak to an agent.

Why does my XM radio cut out?
Bad Wiring. There may be a break, weak point, or loose connection in the wiring between the SiriusXM antenna and the tuner. Or there could be the same issues in the wiring between the tuner and your stereo. This can affect the sound quality and it may cause the radio to cut out often.

I would pull the radio out and check the connections to it.
Also drop the rear of the headliner and check the connections to the antenna. I know that my Dealership has done this to replace the complete antenna on a Nitro'
The antenna base itself from the top side. Sat antenna is in the base.

 

[elbastardson]

I tried all of those steps and it's still doing the same thing. I ordered an oem radio off of ebay, same model as the one I have now. So I'll see if it was just the radio. Question though I saw something online about having to get a dealer to program the radio. Is that true?

 

[rickaren]

Yes I saw that too. Some must have bought stolen radios and they never have gotten them to work completely. Hopefully this purchase will solve all your issues. Good Luck.

 

[SuperVillan]

I have a 2008 Dodge Nitro and I'm having a weird issue with my radio. AM/FM, CD Player, and AUX works fine. But when I push the Satellite button for SiriusXM it shows on the screen for a few seconds and then goes right back to AM/FM radio.

This is a video of what I'm talking about.

Really don't want to deal with replacing the radio if possible. Any help or ideas of how to fix this would be greatly appreciated.

The antennas for the satellite maybe unplugged or the wire maybe damage that is not receiving a signal

 

[elbastardson]

It was the radio. I bought several off of ebay but they kept on sending the wrong one like four times. But I finally got the right one and all my problems are resolved. Thank you guys.