The Entertainment System on this vehicle is configured with either a base or an uplevel system.

The uplevel system differs from the base level system by providing the customer with enhanced audio system features. Some of those features may include the radio data system (RDS), extended range speakers, an audio amplifier (or an uplevel amplifier), rear seat audio (RSA), video entertainment system and a remote playback device.

The following list shows the base and uplevel radios available for this vehicle:

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 mi).

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 40 km (25 mi). 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 audio amplifier is standard on some vehicle lines but is optional on most. The radio supplies low level audio signals to the audio amplifier in order to boost the signal sent to the speakers. The amplifier present signal circuit allows the radio to recognize that an amplifier is present. Once the radio detects an audio amplifier, it will output low level audio signals. The audio amplifier on this vehicle is turned on when it receives battery voltage from the radio (when the radio is turned on) via the amplifier control circuit.

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 either installed at the factory or in some instances it is dealer installed. There are three types of remote playback devices, a multi disc remote CD changer, a single disc CD player and a cassette player. All three devices have a wiring harness which plugs into the back of the radio. The radio controls and communicates with the remote playback device through a Entertainment and Comfort (E&C) or Class 2 communication circuit.

Remote CD Changer (CDX)

The remote CD changer allows for multiple compact disks to be played continuously without having to manually change compact discs. Normal size discs may be played using the slots supplied in the magazine. The magazine must first be loaded with discs before it can played. To load CD's, insert the CD's from bottom to top, placing the discs in the magazine label side up. If a disc is loaded label side down, the disc will not play and an error will occur. Care should be used to align and insert the disc into one disc tray only. Repeat this procedure for loading all of the discs in the magazine. Once the discs are loaded into the magazine, push the magazine into the changer in the direction of the arrow marked on the magazine. When the CD magazine is loaded, the changer will begin checking for discs in the magazine. This will continue for up to one and a half minutes, depending on the number of discs loaded. To eject the magazine from the player, push the CD changer door. The door will open. Then press the eject button. NOTICE: If the CD magazine fails to eject after the EJECT button has been pressed, do not attempt to pry the magazine from the CD changer. 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 uplevel 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 performing the following:

Viewing and Selecting RDS Information for Display

Press the "TUNE SELECT PUSH RCL" knob once for less than 2 seconds when the radio displays the program service name and the frequency of the station will be displayed. Press the knob again, and the program type (P-Type) will be displayed. Pressed again, and 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. Should you decide that frequency, P-Type or program type name is more desirable to display when tuned to an RDS station than the program service name, press the "TUNE SELECT PUSH RCL" knob until the desired information is displayed, then press and hold for more than 2 seconds. A beep should be heard and the radio will now display the selected information whenever tuned to an RDS broadcaster. The radio will display frequency for all non-RDS broadcast stations.

Using the RDS Traffic Feature

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".

Alternate Frequency (AF) Switching

RDS permits broadcasters 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:

The wteering wheel controls consist of multiple momentary contact switches that connect a series of resistors so that each switch selection corresponds to a fixed resistance value. These fixed resistance values allow the radio to identify which switch has been pressed . The radio supplies voltage to the switches via the remote radio control supply voltage circuit. The signal from the switches is returned to the radio by the remote radio control signal circuit.

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

(UM7)

(Except UM7)

(UM7)

(Except UM7)