So to clarify, Brad--like Tim, I have PAL with no XM and other then the rare, occasional time I've had to unplug the 'pod to reboot it in the car, I should still have the dealer do something with it?? I have no reason to go in anytime soon...

I have had NO problems with the PAL and love having it.

@...14 months and almost at 12K -- still smiling and loving my Blackie

 

I wouldn't make a special trip unless you have someone at the dealership that you want to chit-chat with. If you aren't having problems, then life is good.

When updates are installed in the computer there are other things that may come along with the update that may aid the functionality of that module.

It is just like a bill in the US congress. They want to pass a law on highway safety and they porkbarrell a tag along to give some money to a group who are studying condor dooky on high voltage wires and it's affect on global warming.

 

Ah, I see you're familiar with SB1126.

 

Been meaning to update my PAL saga for the past 2 weeks.

After much difficulty and aggravation the new, updated, PAL controller was finally installed in my HHR. The interface is still clunky and slow but the audio dropouts while displaying X0 is 99% better. Unfortunately it still randomly will display X0 and drop sound for a fraction of a second. (Before the dropout was a few seconds so this IS an improvement.) Also, the dropouts are MUCH less frequent.

 

I have the PAL installed and find it very slow.
I just bought a stock 2009 Radio head off ebay with the new USB interface on the front (plays WMA MP3 AAC iPods and memory sticks throught the USB). Memory sticks are cheaper than iPods :)
I will compare the two and post here.

Notice bottom right side of radio. USB connector

 

I was thinking of doing the same even though I have the PAL controller. I thought maybe the USB connector would work a bit better but I wanted to read some reviews and feedback first. If you install this and have an iPod please post a followup.

 

Since you bought a new radio. Didn't I read someplace that the dealer has to flash the radio ? ? something about vin verification to limit stolen property.

 

You are correct.

 

Yes,
Since I bought a used radio I will have to go to the dealer and have what is called a VIN RELEARN done with the Tech II scan tool.
When You pull a radio from one car and sick in another the vin # from the pulled car is in the radio and dosnt match yours. puttting the radio in theft lockout mode.

Craig~

 

If it is a GM radio it has to be set up with the tech II scanner whether it's new, reman'd or used.

Pretzel, can you share what that cost?