Help! 2005 XLR Radio

[redsoxdad2]

I went to the dealer to have my radio checked. When I try the voice commands the radio it does not recognize the words that it is supposed to. I was also told that the GAP on the cruise control works through the radio. My dealer diagnosed the problem and told me that at some point there was a new radio installed in my car. When the dealer installed it they programed the module they did it wrong and that I would have to buy a new module. It could not be re programed. This doesn't sound right to me. Has anyone every had this problem?

 

[ccclarke]

Let's start at the beginning. Your post is drifting around a bit.

What symptom(s) did your XLR exhibit that encouraged you to make a dealership appointment?

Does your Adaptive Cruise Control system operate correctly?

Does your Infotainment system (Radio/CD player/DVD/Navigation) operate correctly?

Does your dealership have a Certified (this means they attended a special XLR-specific course, not the standard ASE rating) technician? Are you seeking help from a Cadillac dealership?

The Adaptive Cruise Control Gap switch is wired directly to the Body Control Module, not the radio.

What "module" is being identified as faulty? There are many modules in this car, so the technician should be specific and identify it by part number on the repair invoice. Any DTCs (trouble codes) should be identified in writing.

When a new radio is installed, it must be paired to the VIN of the car using a Tech 2 (or TIS) or it won't work at all. If it was working, that had to happen.

If your only problem is a loss of Voice Command operation, there are a few other areas to verify, but the Infotainment system does process some switch commands from the steering wheel.

Voice Commands use the steering wheel-mounted switch to activate the function while spoken audio is routed from the microphone (shared with OnStar) to the Navigation System. Voice commands are processed, performed, and confirmed by the Navigation System.

CC

 

[redsoxdad2]

Let's start at the beginning. Your post is drifting around a bit.

What symptom(s) did your XLR exhibit that encouraged you to make a dealership appointment?

Does your Adaptive Cruise Control system operate correctly?

Does your Infotainment system (Radio/CD player/DVD/Navigation) operate correctly?

Does your dealership have a Certified (this means they attended a special XLR-specific course, not the standard ASE rating) technician? Are you seeking help from a Cadillac dealership?

The Adaptive Cruise Control Gap switch is wired directly to the Body Control Module, not the radio.

What "module" is being identified as faulty? There are many modules in this car, so the technician should be specific and identify it by part number on the repair invoice. Any DTCs (trouble codes) should be identified in writing.

When a new radio is installed, it must be paired to the VIN of the car using a Tech 2 (or TIS) or it won't work at all. If it was working, that had to happen.

If your only problem is a loss of Voice Command operation, there are a few other areas to verify, but the Infotainment system does process some switch commands from the steering wheel.

Voice Commands use the steering wheel-mounted switch to activate the function while spoken audio is routed from the microphone (shared with OnStar) to the Navigation System. Voice commands are processed, performed, and confirmed by the Navigation System.

CC

Thank you for the response ccclark.
Yes the dealer is a Cadillac dealer, but certified for the XLR I don't think so. The radio does work and navigation system also. They both just don't work on voice command. The dealer is saying the radio module is not programmed properly and once you program it that you can't re program it you need to buy another one, doesn't sound right to me. The cruse control works but not the part that you set for the GAP. When you press the Gap button on the steering wheel the radio station will change stations. Also they couldn't get the Onstar to work. They said that the module for that was not working also and that they couldn't even buy or find a module for it. Sounds strange to me.

 

[BusaMan]

Thank you for the response ccclark.
Yes the dealer is a Cadillac dealer, but certified for the XLR I don't think so. The radio does work and navigation system also. They both just don't work on voice command. The dealer is saying the radio module is not programmed properly and once you program it that you can't re program it you need to buy another one, doesn't sound right to me. The cruse control works but not the part that you set for the GAP. When you press the Gap button on the steering wheel the radio station will change stations. Also they couldn't get the Onstar to work. They said that the module for that was not working also and that they couldn't even buy or find a module for it. Sounds strange to me.

FWIW, I'd look at the steering wheel wiring. It sounds like it might be shorting out in the wiring or the connector. I like to start out looking at the easiest and the cheapest.

If this doesn't work, I'd get a second opinion from a certified XLR (!) tech at a different dealer.

Tim

 

[redsoxdad2]

FWIW, I'd look at the steering wheel wiring. It sounds like it might be shorting out in the wiring or the connector. I like to start out looking at the easiest and the cheapest.

If this doesn't work, I'd get a second opinion from a certified XLR (!) tech at a different dealer.

Tim

Thanks Tim

 

[cubby558]

The 2004 & 2005 XLR had an analog module for the onstar system. There was an update available years ago to a digital module. If yours didn't get changed, that could be your problem. You may have to try a salvage yard for the part you need.

?."...."................. They said that the module for that was not working also and that they couldn't even buy or find a module for it. Sounds strange to me.

 

[redsoxdad2]

The 2004 & 2005 XLR had an analog module for the onstar system. There was an update available years ago to a digital module. If yours didn't get changed, that could be your problem. You may have to try a salvage yard for the part you need.

Thanks Cubby558 I will check it out.

 

[onalaska]

I never had much luck with the voice commands for the Denso radios in my XLR or STS. Voice recognition technology in these radios just wasn't there yet.

 

[XLRATING]

I never had much luck with the voice commands for the Denso radios in my XLR or STS. Voice recognition technology in these radios just wasn't there yet.

Same here. "System defrost on" is the verbal & mechanical response I got no matter what command I gave my STS. Haven't ever tried it in my XLR - had enough amusement arguing with the STS.

That said, someone recommended cleaning the Nav disk. I never tried that but maybe it will help you, redsoxdad2.

 

[redsoxdad2]

Same here. "System defrost on" is the verbal & mechanical response I got no matter what command I gave my STS. Haven't ever tried it in my XLR - had enough amusement arguing with the STS.

That said, someone recommended cleaning the Nav disk. I never tried that but maybe it will help you, redsoxdad2.

Thanks I will try that.

 

[SJP]

I have only had my X for a couple of months now, and it being winter most of the time its in the gararge. I didnt realize it has voice control Other than OnStar. So today I looked it up in the manual and tried to use it. I used the button on the wheel but that only activated the OnStar dialing or phone book. How do I get to radio or nav control, what am I doing wrong.....Thanks for Help

 

[redsoxdad2]

I have only had my X for a couple of months now, and it being winter most of the time its in the gararge. I didnt realize it has voice control Other than OnStar. So today I looked it up in the manual and tried to use it. I used the button on the wheel but that only activated the OnStar dialing or phone book. How do I get to radio or nav control, what am I doing wrong.....Thanks for Help

If you look in your owners manual it gives you certain words to use after pressing the button on the far left. It will beep once and you say XM1 or FM1 and so on. If it is working properly the radio will go to where you tell it. There are preselected words to use.

 

[SJP]

Redsox I have an 09, From what I understood I was using button on the far right of the wheel. Buttons on left are for turning the cruise control off, adjusting the gap, SACE which changes the radio source and wheel heater lower part of button...Thanks

 

[redsoxdad2]

Redsox I have an 09, From what I understood I was using button on the far right of the wheel. Buttons on left are for turning the cruise control off, adjusting the gap, SACE which changes the radio source and wheel heater lower part of button...Thanks

I guess mine is a little different. The button on the far left has what looks like a mouth speaking on it and that's what the owners manual says is the one you press to activate the voice commands. When I press it it beeps and then you are supposed to speak but it just says that it doesn't recognize the command.

 

[SJP]

The operating procedure is the same, just different button location. It beeps, maybe I have to try different voice commands..

 

[XLRATING]

The steering wheel button design & layout changed for all Cadillac models with the '08 model year (my '08 STS had a different layout than '06/'07 XLR's). But as you have discussed, if you follow the manual instructions the function (or lack thereof!) should be the same.

The "Gallery" on here has pictures of both steering wheels ('05 is first then '09):
2005 Cadillac XLR - Crimson Pearl - Cadillac XLR Net Photo Gallery - Cadillac XLR | XLR-V Photos | Pics
2009 Cadillac XLR - Radiant Silver - Cadillac XLR Net Photo Gallery - Cadillac XLR | XLR-V Photos | Pics

 

[SJP]

Thanks for the info. When I try a command for radio mode it takes me to OnStar or to a phone book I never set up. If I keep saying more commands I cant get to a Navigation mode which is not set up either, I guess I have to play around with it more, like with most things there is a learning curve...

 

[redsoxdad2]

The operating procedure is the same, just different button location. It beeps, maybe I have to try different voice commands..

Yes, mine beeps but doesn't recognize any commands. I suspect that because the Onstar doesn't work that's why.

 

[ccclarke]

With the Infotainment system off, the Voice command function should still be operable, ie: "Screen Off" should shut off the Cadillac logo screen. With an inoperable OnStar module, that would be the first thing to replace (from a junkyard, since they aren't stocked new anymore) to regain the function if you really want it. Some people have little luck with it, but I've always been able to get mine to work, and use it often.

CC

 

[redsoxdad2]

With the Infotainment system off, the Voice command function should still be operable, ie: "Screen Off" should shut off the Cadillac logo screen. With an inoperable OnStar module, that would be the first thing to replace (from a junkyard, since they aren't stocked new anymore) to regain the function if you really want it. Some people have little luck with it, but I've always been able to get mine to work, and use it often.

CC

Thanks, the thing that I really would like to have working is the Onstar.