2004 Radio problems

Okay, question for those of you in-the-know (ahem, e2helper):

I've got a 2040 Malibu which has been fantastic for the short-time I've owned it (about 3 weeks). My only problem is with the radio (and I believe the issue is in the radio):

The radio has 3 "bands" on it: AM, FM1, and FM2. I typically have it on FM1 or on AM. Occassionally (about once a week), I get in and I've lost my presets across a particular band: like all FM2 presets will be lost.. or FM2 & AM presets will be lost. The car has never lost it's clock settings.
The other interesting thing is that it routinely forgets what band you've left it on: was listening to station#3 on FM1, shut the car off, ran into the store, came out 5 min later & it's on AM#1. Goofy stuff like that. The integrated trip computer seems to retain all of it's info as well (mileage, oil life index, etc).. so my guess is that the problem appears to be in the radio itself. Nobody else drives the car but me.. so it's not an issue of my kids playing around or anything like that.

So, to all of you out there:
(1) Anybody else had this problem?
(2) How long is the car going to be out-of-commission while being fixed?
I purchased the 6yr, 100k warranty & it includes the guarantee of a loaner while mine is being fixed--I'm just curious as to how long it'll be gone. Do they just order another radio & swap'em? Or does it come out & get sent off to somewhere?

Make sure you aren't switching between 2 different key fobs. This has caused some confusion with customer because the Driver Info Center doesn't display what "driver" is using the vehicle and personalization feature wasn't described in original printing of owner manual. Do you have carry both key fobs with you?

No, I don't switch between key FOB's. What does the key FOB control (personalize)? Does each key FOB have it's own presets? My wife has been with me on several of these occasions and I'm unsure on whose key FOB we used to open the car.

The remote keyless fobs only has personalization for radio functions. It is based on which fob last UNLOCKED the vehicle. The personalization gives each fob unique presets in the radio. It also remembers the last settings (On/Off, radio vs. CD, band, etc).

So keep that in mind as you are using vehicle. Who UNLOCKs the vehicle with their fob is in control
:P

Thanks! I think you've just solved my problem! I bet that's it entirely! I'll fill my wife in (except for the 'being in control' part, hehe). I usually drive the car to work & home. I then park it, unlocked, in the garage. When she takes it, it's already unlocked, so she doesn't have to use her key FOB. When she comes back out to the car, the stations change. My only experience with the problem was when she was with -- and I'm almost positive she unlocked the car that time.. so I'm really sure it wasn't a problem whatsoever..

I love the car -- it's been very nice so far. Really too bad it doesn't get more good-publicity. I'm hoping it's sales start ramping up, gaining momentum year after year -- like the Impala has been doing the last couple of years.. I don't think people realize what a wonderful car Chevrolet builds. This is really head-and-shoulders better than previous vehicles I've driven (I've driven dozens of models, domestic and foreign). It ranks right up there near the top -- and at it's current price, it's REALLY hard to beat. The handling is phenominal.. and the car is really, really tight. The interior is tremendous. I can't believe some of the articles that knock it. I was at the auto-show (Mpls) this year and sat in just about everything there. I think one of the "standards" for interiors, Toyota, was one of the lousiest. Horrible placement, everything was a gray-plastic. They are really slipping by on their reputation. I hope the public notices & votes with their pocketbook for something like the Malibu. The extra effort and dollars in development really shows on this vehicle. Great job by the folks at GM.

Glad I could help. Post if any more questions on your new vehicle. Do you have remote start option?

I do but it's from the now defunct partnership between GM and DEI. I love it and from what I have seen between the GM remote start and the DEI (I have the AM6), I am glad I have the aftermarket. The OEM one seems too wierd to operate and doesn't have half the range of the DEI unit.

What do you all think of the GM remote start on these cars?

I don't have it. I just didn't think I'd use it that much. II have a heated garage at home & I park in a parking garage at work -- so I really don't need to heat/cool it. I'd rather have the extra $$ in my pocket. I'm sure it would be useful for some people.

Hey, cmattson. Glad you've joined. This place is GREAT for advice with vehicle problems. I've been out of touch everywhere for 9 days. According to Edmund's (this place is WAY better), the owner's manual that they're printing now explains the radio issue; the earlier ones omitted it by mistake.

I'm not posting any longer in c&g, only for the reason that I've hit my head on something recently and will most certainly be buying an '05 Accord in the fall, since my new job will be heavy on outside sales for 3 years, and I just can't risk a Chevy right now. So, c&g is pointless.

But, you'll enjoy it in here. Hope the luck keeps up!

..what else does the key FOB control?
Does it set the pedal positions based off of the driver1/driver2 key FOB's?

From a personalization standpoint just the radio.

Thank you.. was just curious. I'd have played around & tried it out, but I didn't want to mess with the pedals.. I like them were they are & didn't want the hassle of re-adjusting them (yes, I'm being lazy).

e2helper... you rule! Thank you very much.

Wow I am glad that seemed to fix your problem. Mine did the exact same thing, and the only way to fix it, was get the whole deck replaced for free of course. That is the only problem that I have had with my Malibu at all. I have had it for only 4 months and it is rock solid!