The entertainment system on this vehicle may have several different configurations available to it. To determine the specific configuration of the vehicle, please see the Service Parts ID Label, and refer to RPO Code List.

Each item in the list below represents topics covered in detail below.

• Radio Circuit Operation
• Information Display and Controls
• Antenna System
• Radio Reception
• Speaker Operation
• Audio Amplifier (If equipped)
• WiFi
• Valet Mode
• Teen Driver
• Theft Deterrent
• Bluetooth ® (if equipped)
• Voice Recognition
• USB and Auxiliary port
• OnStar ®
• Locations Services
• Steering Wheel Controls (If equipped)
• Auto Volume
• FOTA (Firmware Over The Air)
• Active Noise Cancellation (if equipped)

The radio is supplied power by a fused B+ circuit. The radio does not use a discrete ignition feed circuit for power moding. The power mode master provides the system power mode to the radio via serial data messages. The power mode master determines the system power mode by processing power mode information from ignition switch inputs. Serial data power modes supported by the radio are OFF, ACCESSORY, RUN, and CRANK REQUEST.

If the radio is turned off during an active ignition cycle, then the ignition is cycled OFF and the radio is allowed to go into a sleep cycle, upon the next ignition cycle the radio will revert to an ON state. This is considered a normal characteristic of this radio.

The radio can be turned ON with the ignition OFF. After 10 minutes of inactivity the radio will power down. If any setting (e.g. changing the station) or volume has been changed or if the radio has been powered OFF than back ON the 10 minute timer will reset from that point.

The radio can stay on after RAP has timed out if an OTA update is pending.

The radio retained accessory power system is controlled by serial data. The activation/termination is the same as relay operation (see Retained Accessory Power Description and Operation) with a few exceptions; the only door switch that will turn off the radio during retained accessory power is the driver door open switch. If the supplier of the radio is Denso Ten America Limited the power/mute button will not function in RAP mode, all other functions of the radio will operate normally. This is a normal characteristic of this radio. To get the power/mute button functional disable RAP mode by opening and closing the drivers door.

The vehicle harness provides a ground for the radio circuits. The radio may also be case grounded.

The radio communicates with other modules via serial data.

Each of the audio output channel circuits (+) and (-), at the radio have a DC bias voltage that is approximately one half of battery voltage. The audio being played on the system is produced by a varying AC voltage that is centered around the DC bias voltage on the same circuit. The AC voltage is what causes the speaker cone to move and produce sound. The frequency (Hz) of the AC voltage signal is directly related to the frequency of the input (audio source playing) to the audio system. Both the DC bias voltage and the AC voltage signals are needed for the audio system to properly produce sound.

The info display module and radio controls can be separate components from the radio or combined with the radio into one assembly.

When the info display module and radio controls are separate the radio controls communicate radio control inputs directly to the radio through discrete circuits for volume up, volume down and power ON button. It also uses a series of resistors through a single signal circuit when the home, seek up, seek down and phone buttons are pressed. After receiving the message the radio will perform the requested function. The info display module receives digital video data from the radio for on-screen display information through the LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signal) cable. The radio communicates with the info display module over the radio display touch interrupt request signal for touch screen inputs.

The radio displays the last 3 sources used for the radio like AM, FM, XM, Bluetooth device streaming music or USB drive. The sources are highlighted/actively listed even after the source is removed from the system. To delete the name of the device from the radio display, push the more button on the display and select another radio source like AM, FM, XM until the disconnected device falls off of the Recents list.

The multi-band antenna is located on the roof of the vehicle. This type of antenna may be used with the AM/FM radio, but is primarily for cellular and GPS signals, if the vehicle has these features. Keep this antenna clear of snow and ice build up for clear reception. If the vehicle has a sunroof, the performance of the system may be affected if the sunroof is open. Loading items onto the roof of the vehicle can interfere with the performance of the system, ensure the multi-band antenna is not obstructed.

The active antenna system uses an integral antenna applied as an appliqué to the rear glass or is integral to the rear spoiler in conjunction with an antenna amplifier. The antenna amplifier receives both AM and FM signals from the antenna. When the antenna is part of the rear window it looks similar to the defogger grid. One grid receives AM signals while the other grid receives FM signals. Any damage to the antenna requires replacing the glass. When integral to the rear spoiler in combines AM and FM signals.

The radio antenna module is enabled when the radio is turned on. The radio provides battery voltage to the antenna module using the center conductor of the antenna coaxial cable. When a 12 V signal is seen by the module on the center conductor of the antenna coax, both AM and FM signals are amplified.

Some vehicles may be equipped with a standard mast antenna for AM/FM radio.

The radio signal is sent from a broadcast station and is then received by an antenna. The strength of the signal received depends on the following:

• The power output (wattage) of the broadcasting station
• The location of the vehicle (or receiver) relative to the broadcast tower.
• Height of the broadcast antenna
• Height of the receiving antenna
• Obstacles between the tower and the receiver
• Atmospheric conditions
• What band (AM or FM) the station is broadcasting
• Type of antenna and the ground plane

The RDS feature is available only on FM stations that broadcast RDS information. This system relies upon receiving specific information from these stations and only works when the information is available. While the radio is tuned to an FM-RDS station, the station name or call letters display. RDS data is carried in what is known as a "subcarrier". A subcarrier is a frequency that the FM broadcaster is authorized to use to send data that is not audible in the main audio program.

RDS functions will only work with FM broadcast stations that are broadcasting RDS data. Not all FM Broadcast stations broadcast RDS data or offer all of the RDS services.

The information displayed is dependent upon the information broadcast by the particular station. The information may vary greatly between stations. RDS functions may not work properly when reception is weak, reception is of poor quality, or RDS is not implemented properly by the FM Broadcaster. In some cases, a radio station broadcasting incorrect information may cause the RDS features of the radio to appear to work improperly.

With RDS, the radio can do the following:

• Display text information such as: station identification, type of programming, and general information (artist and song title, station messages, call in phone numbers, etc.).
• Seek to stations broadcasting the selected type of programming
• Receive announcements concerning local and national emergencies
• Receive alert warnings of local or national emergencies. When an alert announcement comes on the current radio station, ALERT! displays. You will hear the announcement, even if the volume is low or if an auxiliary device is playing. If an auxiliary device is playing, play stops during the announcement. Alert announcements cannot be turned off. ALERT! is not affected by tests of the emergency broadcast system. This feature is not supported by all RDS stations.

The vehicle may have one of two digital radio options, satellite transmitted (XM-Sirius) or terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) depending on geographical area.

The XM satellite receiver is integrated into the radio. XM satellite radio provides digital radio reception. The XM signal is broadcast from two satellites and, where necessary, terrestrial repeaters. The high power satellites allow the antenna to receive the XM signal even when foliage and other partial obstructions block the antennas view of the satellite. Terrestrial repeaters are used in dense urban areas. These repeaters will receive the satellite signal and re-broadcast them at much higher power levels in order to ensure reception in areas with densely packed tall buildings. A service fee is required in order to receive the XM service.

The DAB receiver is integrated into the radio. DAB radio provides digital radio reception. The DAB signal is broadcast from terrestrial transmitters. Services available can include: main radio stations, additional stations (news, sports, etc..) and data services (digital images, video and other data). The availability of services is dependent upon broadcasters in the area. The strength of the DAB signal depends on the following:

• The power output (wattage) of the broadcasting station
• Location of the vehicle (or receiver) relative to the broadcast tower
• Height of the broadcast antenna
• Height of the receiving antenna
• Obstacles between the tower and the receiver
• Type of antenna and the ground plane

Speakers turn electrical energy into mechanical energy to move air, using a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The electromagnet is energized when the radio or amplifier (if equipped) delivers current to the voice coil on the speaker. The voice coil will form a north and south pole that will cause the voice coil and the speaker cone to move in relation to the permanent magnet. The current delivered to the speaker is rapidly changing alternating current (A/C). This causes the speaker cone to move in two directions producing sound.

A fused battery voltage circuit provides the main amplifier power. A switched 12 V output from the radio is used to control the power - state of the amplifier. To respond quickly to audio input and control signals, the amplifier is ON in all vehicle power modes except OFF and CRANK Request. The internal amplifier bridges are fully powered and unmuted when the amplifier receives the switched 12 V input.

The purpose of the amplifier is to increase the power of a voltage or current signal. The output signal of an amplifier may consist of the same frequencies as the input signal or it may consist of only a portion of the frequencies as in the case of a subwoofer or midrange speaker. The radio creates a low level stereo audio output signal, which is sent at the user-defined volume level to the audio amplifier. The audio amplifier amplifies the signal and sends it to the appropriate speakers. Each of the audio output channel circuits (+) and (-), from the amplifier have a DC bias voltage that is approximately one half of battery voltage. The audio being played on the system is produced by a varying AC voltage that is centered around the DC bias voltage on the same circuit. The AC voltage is what causes the speaker cone to move and produce sound. The frequency (Hz) of the AC voltage signal is directly related to the frequency of the input (audio source playing) to the audio system. Both the DC bias voltage and the AC voltage signals are needed for the audio system to properly produce sound.

The WiFi hardware is internal to the Remote Radio Reveiver and is combined with Bluetooth antenna. Wifi expands the abilities of the vehicle as descried below:

• Connect to home WiFi to update software
• When used with OnStar 4G LTE HotSpot service, it provides internet access to devices in the vehicle when connected to the HotSpot
• Enables in-vehicle networking between passengers’ devices, like a home WiFi network
• Allows remote access to external connected device application data for vehicle internet application use

Valet Mode is a customer enabled feature of the infotainment system, found in the settings menu, if equipped. The customer creates and inputs a four digit code using the infotainment controls. Confirming the code and selecting LOCK will lock the infotainment system, steering wheel controls and other vehicle features, dependent on vehicle equipment. The vehicle will remain in valet mode until the same four digit code is reentered.

In the event that the four digit code is forgotten, it can be sent via Bluetooth to the currently paired phone or the scan tool under Radio>Configuration/Reset Functions>Erase Valet Mode Code can be used to Clear the Valet Mode code..

The teen driver feature puts the vehicle into a mode that can only be unlocked with a valid PIN. It allows various restrictive features for safer driving. Some of the features include Speed Limiter, Speed Warning, Register Key, Report Card, etc. For additional information refer to owners manual.

In the event that the four digit code is forgotten, it can be sent via Bluetooth to the currently paired phone or the scan tool under BCM can be used to reset the Teen Driver PIN.

The radio theft deterrent system is intended to disable or limit radio functionality if incorrect vehicle information is received by the radio. The radio disables functionality if the VIN information received by the radio does not match the VIN information that has been learned by the radio. The radio receives this information via serial data. A possible cause of incorrect VIN info could be the radio was originally installed in another vehicle.

The radio has the following theft operating modes as part of the theft deterrent system:

• Normal Mode: The radio has learned a correct VIN sequence and the VIN information received via serial data matches the learned VIN sequence. In this mode the radio has full functionality.
• No VIN Mode: The radio has not received or learned a correct VIN sequence. In this mode the radio has limited functionality.
• Theft Detected Mode: The radio has learned a correct VIN sequence and the VIN information received via serial data does NOT match the learned VIN sequence. In this mode the radio may be disabled or have limited functionality. The radio display will indicate that theft protection is active.

Bluetooth® wireless technology is a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. Only vehicles with steering wheel controls will have Bluetooth® functionality. In order to utilize the vehicle’s Bluetooth® system, a Bluetooth® equipped cellular phone is required.

The Bluetooth® antenna is internal to the radio and is used to send and receive signals from a Bluetooth® enabled cellular phone. The available features and functions are determined by the software within the device being used and the radio. The operating range of the signal from the vehicle is approximately 30 feet. Note that the operating range is dependent upon the cellular phone being used and battery level of the phone.

With Bluetooth® technology customers can experience hands-free calling as their Bluetooth® capable cellular phones are wirelessly connected to the vehicle. It will allow customers to place and receive calls using the steering wheel controls and voice recognition. The vehicle audio system will allow you to listen to your call through the vehicle speakers and adjust volume through steering wheel or radio controls.

Not all Bluetooth® cellular phones are guaranteed to work with the vehicle’s Bluetooth® system. Based on the cellular phone’s service provider and the manufacturer’s implementation of Bluetooth®, not all phones support all available Bluetooth® functionality. Bluetooth® enabled cellular phones will be tested for vehicle compatibility and a feature compatibility list will be provided via the GM Bluetooth® website: http://www.gm.com/vc/bluetooth/

The following is a list of features supported by the Bluetooth® system. Note that not all devices will support all of the listed functions.

• Automatic reconnection – highest priority phone will automatically be connected to vehicle when vehicle ignition is on
• Hands-free dialing- via digits, redial, name tags (phone number saved to a nametag via voice recognition)
• Answering a call
• Ending a call
• Mute a Call
• Rejecting a call – ignore an incoming call
• Call Waiting
• Three-way Calling – initiated from hands-free system
• Send Number During a Call – this is used when calling a menu-driven phone system
• Transfer a Call – transfer call from vehicle to cellular phone and visa versa
• Voice Pass-Thru – allow access to the voice recognition commands on the cellular phone

This radio has no built-in voice recognition, voice commands are dependent on the connected phone.

The push to talk button on the steering wheel controls will be inoperative when there are no phone devices paired with the vehicle, this is a normal characteristic and no repair attempt should be make. The push to talk button, however, can still answer OnStar Hands-free calls (if equipped). For the push to talk button to function a phone device must be Bluetooth connected and the native voice recognition app needs to be enabled (e.g. Siri or Google Assistant) on the connected device.

The infotainment system may contain an assembly that has either a USB port and/or Auxiliary port located within the drivers reach. The assembly interfaces with a hub device, internal to the auxiliary jack, USB, assembly. The auxiliary jack, USB, assembly receives fused battery voltage and ground from the harness to power the internal hub device as well as providing additional amperage to power USB devices.

The internal hub device interfaces directly with the remote radio receiver via a standard USB cable. A Mini type USB connector is used to connect the cable at the USB port and at the remote radio receiver and at the auxiliary jack, USB, and memory card receptacle. Standard USB male to female connections are typically used for connecting USB cables together where an in-line connection is required. An in-line cable connection is typically found between the console and I/P harness.

The USB port allows connectivity to the infotainment system from portable media players or a USB storage device (memory stick/ flash drive). When a device is connected to the USB port, the device can be controlled from the radio controls.

Not all portable media player devices or file types are compatible. Connection to USB HUB devices is not supported.

USB Supported Devices:

• USB Flash Sticks (Thumb Driver)
• Portable USB Hard Drives
• Portable Digital Media Players (iPOD®, ZUNE®, etc)

Refer to the owner’s manual for information on USB devices, control, and operation.

The infotainment system may have a 3.5mm (1/8 in.) auxiliary audio input jack located in the center console. The auxiliary audio input jack interfaces directly with the radio. When a portable audio playback device is connected to the auxiliary jack AUX must be selected as the audio source for the device to play. Audio signals from the device are sent to the radio from the auxiliary jack via USB.

• When a device is first connected to the 3.5mm (1/8 in.) input jack the infotainment system automatically switches to that device. If an auxiliary device has already been connected, press the AUX or CD/AUX button to select the device.
• Playback of an audio device that is connected to the 3.5mm jack can only be controlled using the controls on the device.
• The volume control on the device may need to be adjusted eo ensure sufficient playback volume through the infotainment system.

When OnStar is activated, a serial data message is sent to the radio that activates a software program. When the software begins its process, the fade goes to the front, Bass and Treble are set to the mid range, the outputs are mono, and the audio source is OnStar®. takes priority over any other audio source. All of these actions are preset values stored in the radio.

“Locations Services Off” also referred to as Location Masking, is a feature in select 2019 and beyond Infotainment 3 systems that allows customers to enable or disable location services in their vehicle. This allows customers to control what data is being sent from their vehicle, and has important implications for other connected services.

The default setting is “Locations Services On”, however, customers can enable or disable Locations Masking in two ways:

1. Press and hold the white button next to the blue OnStar® button in the overhead console.
2. In the Setting menu, select System>Privacy>Location Services>ON or OFF.

• Look for the white LOCATIONS SERVICES icon in the status bar on the Home Screen, next to the clock and outside temperature in the lower right corner of the screen.
• When Locations Services are On, there will be no circle around the icon.
• When the Locations Services are Off, the icon will be circled in red.

Certain functions that require the vehicle’s location may not operate properly when Location Services are Off, including:

• Connected Navigation services, if equipped and active, will not work (the system will operate as a non-connected Navigation system)
• Speech recognition may not offer full functionality
• OnStar advisors will be unable to provide Turn-by-Turn Navigation services
• Customers may receive error messages in their myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC, or myCadillac mobile app when trying to use Vehicle Locate.
• Some features of Smart Driver may be inoperable or not work properly, including the score being replaced by dashes

Some audio functions are available using the steering wheel controls. The steering wheel controls duplicate the function of the primary controls available on the radio.

For additional information on steering wheel controls, refer to Steering Wheel Controls Description and Operation.

With Auto Volume the audio system will adjust automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive, by increasing the volume as vehicle speed increases. To access Auto Volume go to the Apps screen and select Sound, set the volume to the desired level, then select either Low, Medium, or High. To turn Auto Volume off select the Off screen button.

The Firmware Over The Air feature was designed to reflash software remotely. Remote reflash is an in-vehicle feature that enables the installation of a software package to update the infotainment system without requiring service test equipment to be physically connected to the vehicle. Remote reflash will utilize a long range or short range connection from the host module to a remote IT system. There must be an active OnStar account to receive Over The Air programming or updates. To verify the status of the account perform a blue button press and verify the account is active and connects with data and location. Customers need to accept the OnStar terms and conditions, and must have an active OnStar account to receive any Over The Air programming or updates.

Active Noise Cancellation functionality is controlled within the Radio.

The main components of the Active Noise Cancellation system are:

• 4 microphones in the vehicle headliner.
• A discrete engine speed (RPM) signal from the engine control module to the radio.
• Active Noise Cancellation electronics and software integrated into the radio.
• The vehicle speaker system, connected to the radio to output the desired cancellation frequencies.

The Active Noise Cancellation system is operational under the following conditions:

• The radio has passed all self diagnostic checks
• All doors are closed
• Battery voltage is between 9.5 V and 16 V
• The vehicle cabin temperature is less than 140°F (60°C)
• Engine speed is between 550 and 3000 RPM

The Active Noise Cancellation system is a method used to reduce the perception of certain undesirable sounds generated by the engine into the vehicle cabin. The systems uses microphone and engine speed signals, software integrated into the radio, and the vehicle speakers to determine and generate the correct frequencies needed to achieve the desired reduction.

Four microphones are located in the headliner to monitor noise/sounds in the vehicle cabin, and are directly connected to the radio. The radio also receives a discrete engine speed (RPM) signal from the engine control module. The radio processes these inputs to determine the frequency of the undesirable sound. The radio then calculates the appropriate cancellation frequency and outputs a cancellation signal (audio tone) to the vehicle speakers to reduce the perception of undesirable sounds by the vehicle occupants so the vehicle cabin appears quieter and without vibration.