XM radio tunes to random station when turned on

How do I refresh my XM signal?
The refresh signal will be sent from a satellite, so make sure your vehicle is outside and your antenna has a clear view of the sky. Turn your radio on and tune to Channel 184 for Sirius radios or Channel 1 for XM and SiriusXM radios. Simply tune to Channel 4 to verify your signal. http://siriusxmca.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/252/~/resending-your-radio-signal

when tuned to desired station press and hold the selected button eg 1,2,3,or 4 for about 2 sec you will hear a beep sound and it should be saved

XM radio broadcasts exceeds the duration of free transmition requiring subscription to acquire broadcasts. Contact an auto electrical stereo installation facility to acquire the plans available to reestablish the malfucntion. Usually, auto stereo stores provide the experiece of exploring to acquire the most appriopaite devices compartible with vehilce making installation achievable. The auto retail provides the inspection of whats already installed in the vehicle to determine the most appropiate kit to achieve XM broadcats expereices.

If you're using XM Direct to input channels, press the select key after tuning to the channel. If you're not, perform a factory reset. The squealing noise is because of interference with your speakers, it's normal (unless you don't hear any music).

First of all find a clear fm stn. on your car radio.Go to xm radio and push menu until fm freq. shows up.Push sel and use up or down arrows until the freq. matches that on car radio. push select again to set it.

I have had this problem at least a half-dozen times, and the simplest solution is to pull the 2 fuses labeled 'audio 1' and 'audio 2.' It resets the radio, but it will work for a while after that (until I have to do it again). Had the xm unit replaced 3 times, new antenna installed, replaced the antenna connection wire - it always dies within a month.

to reset the radio - it must be removed from the dash and unplugged.
Be sure to write down any anti-theft codes if your radio requires them.

However - since your radio is getting the 2 channels - it is working properly. The problem lies in XM turning on your account.

Be sure to get the correct # off the radio... sometimes there is a transposition error with paperwork.
The number can be gotten by setting your radio to channel 0. This is your radio ID# required to activate the radio.

Your Radio is working fine - call XM and stay on the line until they activate your account.

I have a suspicion the number was written down improperly.

Be sure when you call that the car is on, and that it is tuned to station #1... also - it can take 15-20 minutes to activate - and must be left on for the duration to catch the activation signal that is sent out.

Here are the steps from XM to activate manually-

Get Your XM Radio Activated Online

Step1 Turn on your XM radio and tune it to channel 0. The display will read your XM radio's identification number. This number will include both letters and numbers. Write this number down and head to your computer.

Step2 Log onto the Internet and go to the XM radio website. A high speed connection to the Internet will make this go faster, but you can activate your XM radio online with dial up.

Step3 Click on the tab that says to activate a new XM radio. This will take you to a screen where you will enter your XM radio's identification number. Type this in.

Step4 Choose a screen name and password to make an account on the XM web site. The screen name should be something that you will easily remember. The password needs to be at least 7 characters long and include 1 capital letter, 1 lowercase letter, and 1 number.

Step5 Enter your personal information for the activation of your XM radio. This information will include your name, address, and email address. You will also need to choose which service plan you will want to purchase for your XM radio. Enter your credit card payment to finish purchasing your activation of your XM radio online.

Step6 Turn on your XM radio and tune it to channel 1. XM will send a signal out to your XM radio to activate it. You will need to leave the radio tuned to channel 1 for 15 to 20 minutes to activate it.


If you have additional questions or concerns - please ask me first before moving on to another expert.
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Hi it is the Sirius and Xm merger. The channel's being changed are normal. My XM radio did the same thing a month ago.

From the XM user's manual, page 14.

1. Make sure your SKYFi2 is turned off. Unplug any accessory from SKYFi2’s audio jack.
2. Turn on an FM radio and place it close to your SKYFi2.
3. Tune the FM radio to each of the following FM frequencies: 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7, 88.9, 106.7, 106.9, 107.1, 107.3, 107.5, 107.7, and 107.9.
4. Note the frequency that has no FM station or the least amount of interference.
5. Turn on your SKYFi2.
6. Press the “menu” button.
7. Use the scroll wheel to select “FM Frequency.” Press the “XM” button to confirm.
8. Use the scroll wheel to select the frequency noted in step 4. Press the “XM” button to confirm.
9. Press the “menu” button to return to the main menu and then again to return to the play screen.
10. You should now hear XM programming over your FM radio. If the sound is not clear or you hear
interference or static, try another frequency by repeating the process above.

Does the radio have a full subscription? Next, check the "Preset/Direct" button and push it until "direct" is lit up. Then you can directly enter the channel number. Also, you can go into the MENU and set what channels to skip and jump to. My guess is that you bumped the "Preset/Direct" button and your radio is in "PRESET A or B or C" - you need direct. Try that first, than get back to me - okay? BTW, I'm assuming you're talking about an XM satellite radio like the one in the photo?