xm radio wont upload stations

I picked up this 2004 avalanch and it has the XM radio option (i think.) The antenna has an XM logo on it and the stero has the XM options. I've tried to refresh 6 times and I can't get the damn stations uploaded. Al I get is the preview stations and a couple odd ball stations that never play anything. Is my XM fried or is there anything I can do. XM is out to lunch on this issue. Any help would be sweet.

-------------
bs

Unless the subscription has been activated, it will only play preview channels. Once activated it can take up to about an hour to actually fully activate all the stations, etc.

As long as the unit is playing the preview channels, etc. there is nothing wrong with the XM equipment.

Ok, just so I understand. Does the deck need to be left on without interuption for up to an hour? I've only left it on for like 20 min max?

-------------
bs

I mean does it upload all at once? or would some of them be uploaded. Cause it hasn't uploaded doodiee.

-------------
bs

it needs to be on while the refresh signal is being sent, and yes you may need to keep the unit on for at least an hour. I have had some take a minute, and others that have gone over the hour.

Without sounding dumb can you tell me if Im doing this right? I log the refresh into XM radio. I then go out to my car turn it on and turn to preview channel.

-------------
bs

     You need to call and subscribe to the XM radio service, and give them a credit card number so they can get their money every month. 1-800-XMRADIO is their phone number. They will help you through the process. Yes you will have to leave the radio on for a while, usually will happen within 5 minutes but it could take up to an hour.

I already signed up 5 days ago.. Im just having a hard time getting it to upload. Once on im on the preview channel how will i know if it is complete? The XM tech line is horrible!

-------------
bs

Does it have to be done in one shot meaning once I turn the car off I have to try all over again? Or can I just keep it on 1 until i see some channels?

-------------
bs

The radio will need to be turned on so it can read the XM signal until your subscription is completely activated. You can randomly try to change the channel to other stations to see if the service is ready, but as stated, you need to leave the radio on until the full service begins.

Hopefully you didn't somehow give them the wrong ID for your system, and activate someone else's radio :-)

Nah, ive rechecked it 10 or more times hoping that's what it was. Im not sure the frequency of the preview channel is on the same as as XM1 regual stuff. I guess I just need to go for an hour drive

-------------
bs

If I turn the car off before the stations are uploaded do i need to go back and refresh or just keep tuning back to preview 1 until they load?

-------------
bs

you need to call them back, they will resend the signal to your unit. They think you got it the first time they sent it. When you call them back make sure you are in a position to leave the radio on for an hour.

Well, I went out for an hour drive. No dice. The radio's first channel other than preview is 45. There are about 10 channels but none of them have any sound coming out of them. Is it possible that the deck is ruined?

-------------
bs

Well, FINALLY after countless attempts I got it to work. I called XM radio refreshed it and left it out in the parkinglot while I worked. I went out and checked and it didn't seem to work, then when I turned on the car, BINGO they were all there. Ahhhhh what a reliefe. I was just about to take it to the Chevy dealer. Who knows what that would have cost.

-------------
bs