A few weeks ago, I noted how awful our FJ Cruiser's XM Satellite Radio quality was. It sounded extremely tinny, like a really old cassette tape. Having been thrown the keys to the FJ last night, I figured this would be a good test for my new Samsung Helix portable XM Radio and MP3 player (I simply can't live without baseball games and such glorious channels as Lucy and Ethel). I planned on checking to see if the FJ's XM had gotten better by comparing it simultaneously with my nifty new player. It was a short-lived experiment.
I'm sorry to report that there is now no sound emanating from the FJ Cruiser's built-in XM radio. It seems to be receiving the signal (channel and song info still appear), but there is no sound whatsoever. All other radio modes are working. We'll have to add this to the list of things to check out, like the high-pitched wheez coming from the air conditioner or the compass that doesn't work. All that money for those silly gauges atop the dash, and the compass doesn't work. As I drove east last night, the compass was pointing towards N. This morning, it said I was going dead W, but a quick look at a map showed the I-10 is actually more southwest. What would have happened had I been FJ Cruising through the desert or something and relied on the wonky compass? I could have been eaten by wolves or ended up in Utah. Thank god the inclinometer is working correctly, though.
On the bright side, my Helix is working perfectly. It doesn't require it's dock to work and pick up signals, but it was running low on juice, so I utilized the cigarette lighter charger and attached the portable antenna for increased signal strength. Since the FJ has an AUX port, I used that to connect the Helix to the stereo (it also has a built-in FM modulator and I bought a cassette adapter for those times when I'm in Hyundais and Kias). I also discovered that the FJ has a tiny cubby south of the gear selector that perfectly fits the Helix remote. I have no clue what else would be put in this recess that's smaller than a business card, but it certainly looks like it was designed specifically for the little remote.
James Riswick, Associate Editor @ 24,894 miles
fannibal says:
10:43 AM, 05/ 3/07
I am suprised you didn't read your owner's manual. Is this the first time you've used a compass? You need to adjust your magnetic declination in order for the compass to be accurate for your geographic location.
Go here to understand what I mean:
http://www.thecompassstore.com/whatisdec.html
I personally had to readjust the compass in my Hyundai Azera when I bought it. It was also inaccurate. Since then, I have noticed a family friend's Nissan Murano whose compass was not accurate either because the declination was not adjusted for. This seems to be a very common problem but the answer is unfortunately hidden inside your owners manual. =)
jriz says:
10:52 AM, 05/ 3/07
Owner's manual? You mean that thing in the vinyl cover stuffed in the glove box? I thought that was just some suggested reading provided by Toyota, a sort of journalist literacy program akin to Oprah's book club. Who knew?
-James
boxermike says:
03:43 PM, 05/ 3/07
I never understood Sat. radio until I was away from my home city and needed to catch baseball games.
2002blksle says:
06:23 AM, 05/ 4/07
There is a TSB on the sateline radio on the FJ regarding sound quality and reception. Have them look @ it on your next service.
jerrywimer says:
08:34 AM, 05/ 7/07
Most people probably ignore the compass readings in the first place, and just look at the feature as a gee-whiz item. Much like the external temperature readout (hey, it's not hard to tell when it's HOT or COLD!). Those who read the manual when they first get their vehicle and those who actually use the compass for something (and so at least cracked the manual to look it up, including how to calibrate it) are the ones most likely to have it working properly.
That rear cubby that's so small is most likely intended for change and other small items that get stored in the car by the average driver. Looks like it's a perfect fit for that controller though.