Help guide
Why does my satellite radio keep cutting out?
Satellite radio needs a view of the sky, so some dropouts are simply how it works. The real question is whether what you're seeing is normal, a setting or a faulty part. We help you narrow it down.
What we can help with
- Radios showing “acquiring signal”, “no signal” or something similar
- Sound that stops under bridges, in garages and tunnels or between tall buildings
- Reception that changed after a new windscreen, roof work or a new accessory
- Judging whether the antenna or installation might be at fault
- Putting together 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
Try it in the open
Drive somewhere with a wide-open sky and leave the radio on for a few minutes. If it plays there, the place was the problem, not the radio.
- 2
Think about what changed
Tinted glass, roof racks, aftermarket antennas and recent repairs can all affect reception. Tell us anything that changed around when it started.
- 3
Give it a fresh start
Switch the car off, open and close the driver's door, wait a minute and start again. It's a safe first step for many one-off glitches.
What happens next
- Tell us your vehicle, what the radio shows and where it happens.
- We reply with a few focused checks and what each result would mean.
- If hardware 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 from a distance.
- We can't see your car, so we can point to likely causes but not confirm a fault.
- Any physical repair is done by a dealer or installer.
FAQ
Signal & reception: common questions
Is it normal for satellite radio to drop out now and then?
Yes. Tunnels, covered car parks, thick trees and tall buildings can all block the signal. Some areas also have ground repeaters that help, but coverage varies.
My radio says “acquiring signal” everywhere I go.
Try an open area first. If it still won't connect, restart the car and think about whether anything near the antenna has changed. If nothing helps, ask an installer to look at the antenna and its cable.
Can you fix my antenna?
No, we give guidance only. If the checks point to a hardware problem, we tell you what to ask a dealer or installer to look at.
Still not sure where to start? Just tell us what the radio is doing.
Send a short note or call. We'll reply with practical next steps, and tell you honestly what we can and can't help with.