Service guide
Signal and reception troubleshooting for car satellite radio
Satellite signals need a line of sight to the sky, so some dropouts are normal. The harder question is whether what you're seeing is normal, a settings issue or a hardware fault. We help you narrow it down.
What we can help with
- Radios that show “acquiring signal”, “no signal” or similar messages
- Audio that cuts out under bridges, in garages, in tunnels or between tall buildings
- Reception that has changed after a windscreen replacement, roof work or new accessories
- Deciding whether an antenna or installation fault is likely
- Preparing a clear description for an installer or dealer
Before you get in touch
Three quick things that often make the next step much easier.
- 1
Test in the open
Drive to an open area with a wide sky view and leave the radio on for a few minutes. If it plays there, the issue is likely the location, not the equipment.
- 2
Check what has changed
Glass tinting, roof racks, aftermarket antennas or recent repairs can all affect reception. Tell us anything that changed around the time the problem began.
- 3
Power-cycle the radio
Turn the vehicle off, open and close the driver's door, wait a minute and start again. This is a safe first step for many temporary glitches.
What happens next
- Tell us the vehicle, the message or symptom and where it happens.
- We reply with focused checks to run and what each result would mean.
- If a hardware fault looks likely, we explain what to ask a dealer or installer to inspect.
What we can't do
So there are no surprises.
- We can't repair an antenna or receiver remotely.
- We can't see your vehicle, so we can point to likely causes but not diagnose a fault with certainty.
- Dealers and installers carry out any physical repair.
FAQ
Signal & reception: common questions
Is it normal for satellite radio to cut out sometimes?
Yes. Tunnels, covered car parks, dense tree cover and tall buildings can all block the signal. Many providers supplement satellites with ground repeaters in some areas, but coverage still varies.
My radio says “acquiring signal” everywhere. What now?
Test in an open area first. If it still won't connect, power-cycle the radio and check whether anything about the antenna or installation has changed. If nothing helps, an installer should inspect the antenna and cabling.
Can you fix my antenna?
No. We provide guidance only. If the checks point to a hardware issue, we explain what to ask a dealer or installer to look at.
Related guides
Not sure where to start? Tell us what the radio is doing.
Send a short enquiry or call. We'll reply with practical next steps and tell you honestly what we can and can't help with.