Satellite Drop/Phone Unlocking Intermittent

[BrianDA]

Beginning a couple of months ago my phone would start/unlock my car only about 25% of the time. Chalked it up to maybe a battery starting to fail as my other vehicles have about the same mileage (60+K miles) on OEM battery. Got new battery, not really any different. Now that the trees have grown in, I'm finding Sirius losing signal like CRAZY, more than any other vehicle I've ever owned. This Expedition has always had a great satellite signal until now. Wondering: Does anyone know if the remote unlocking/starting via cellular and the satellite antenna could be one in the same? Could I just have a loose connection?

 

[Knut]

I have also had issues with the lock unlock from the phone the past 2-3 months. I also have the internet in the car and it has been great until about 1 month ago when it all of a sudden know acts up.
I did do the last software update about 3-4 weeks ago and have a suspicion this has something to do with it.

 

[BrianDA]

I was wondering that as well. I did notice that, but didn't really think that could be the problem. But now that you've said it.....

 

[rd618]

So interestingly, depending on the Sirius channel you're listening to, or how you have it setup (i.e. start the song from beginning), it uses a cell signal to do that. Severla channels are not broadcast with satellite, but use cell signal to download/stream.
if you are having issues with your modem, that could also be what you experience.
Now the basic channels (under 150 or 200 I don't remember) those are using sat signal, which depending on location, time of day, cloud cover, and weather could easily be affected and cause skipping.

 

[BrianDA]

That's good info! Matter of fact, now that you mention it, I was on an hour-long drive through the hills of Alabama, yesterday, and it never cut out, even through the deep woods. Interesting.