PAL (Personal Audio Link) System Problems
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Texas
PAL (Personal Audio Link) System Problems
My dealer has installed two different PAL modules in my 2010 Grand Sport (3LT with Nav) in the last week. The second module was installed when the first one would not work. When I picked up the car after the dealer had it two days (to install dealer-installed options including the PAL) my iPod Nano did not work.
Due to the problems with the first PAL module, my salesman had been involved in the repair process. In fact, my salesman had heard his technician's iPod working in my car earlier that day. But, I couldn't get the iPod to work, the salesman couldn't get it to work, and finally the parts manager couldn't get first my iPod and then his iPod to work, either. Since it was 6pm and the install technician had gone home, they requested that I bring the car back in a few days for troubleshooting the problem.
The parts manager told me that he would order another (3rd) module and call me when it is in, next week. Well, the next morning my battery was dead and I had the car towed to the dealer. They replaced the battery and disconnected the PAL until the 3rd module arrives for installation.
My question is this: WTF? Is this dealer incompetent or are the PAL modules problematic? -Clark
Due to the problems with the first PAL module, my salesman had been involved in the repair process. In fact, my salesman had heard his technician's iPod working in my car earlier that day. But, I couldn't get the iPod to work, the salesman couldn't get it to work, and finally the parts manager couldn't get first my iPod and then his iPod to work, either. Since it was 6pm and the install technician had gone home, they requested that I bring the car back in a few days for troubleshooting the problem.
The parts manager told me that he would order another (3rd) module and call me when it is in, next week. Well, the next morning my battery was dead and I had the car towed to the dealer. They replaced the battery and disconnected the PAL until the 3rd module arrives for installation.
My question is this: WTF? Is this dealer incompetent or are the PAL modules problematic? -Clark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 15
From: Grant-Valkaria Florida
I have heard of one other person that had a dead battery issue after installing a PAL unit, but at the time I don't think it was confirmed that the PAL unit was the problem. Maybe if you do a search you could find out more.
I have my own issues with the PAL unit, but I switched my XM to Sirius, and then found out that the PAL might not work with Sirius (even though it did work for someone else in multiple C6's). I was getting a lot of help at first, but the last I heard, after talking to the manufacturers of the unit, they would check into how to make it work. They were to get back to me in a couple days...that was two weeks ago.
I think I've fallen through the cracks, maybe I'll have a slightly used PAL unit for sale soon as I have lost confidence in my "support team". This has been going on for a couple months now so I probably can't even return the unit anymore.
As for your problem, I think the manufacturer could probably help you, as long as the dealer is willing to get them involved (manufacturer is not GM). Good Luck, and congrats on the new GS.
I have my own issues with the PAL unit, but I switched my XM to Sirius, and then found out that the PAL might not work with Sirius (even though it did work for someone else in multiple C6's). I was getting a lot of help at first, but the last I heard, after talking to the manufacturers of the unit, they would check into how to make it work. They were to get back to me in a couple days...that was two weeks ago.
I think I've fallen through the cracks, maybe I'll have a slightly used PAL unit for sale soon as I have lost confidence in my "support team". This has been going on for a couple months now so I probably can't even return the unit anymore.
As for your problem, I think the manufacturer could probably help you, as long as the dealer is willing to get them involved (manufacturer is not GM). Good Luck, and congrats on the new GS.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 92
From: Florida
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Sounds like your dealer probably does not know what they are doing. The chances of two different PAL modules being bad is pretty slim. I installed my PAL in about 5 minutes using Ray's harness and have had my IPOD connected to it 24/7 for about 3 months now with zero battery issues.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Lake Worth Florida
Sounds like your dealer probably does not know what they are doing. The chances of two different PAL modules being bad is pretty slim. I installed my PAL in about 5 minutes using Ray's harness and have had my IPOD connected to it 24/7 for about 3 months now with zero battery issues.
I also have had mine installed for many months now. I used Rays harness and installed it in about 5 mins. My Ipod is hooked up 24/7 and no battery issues. It works great.
The GM install method is a lot more complicated and requires cutting into a harness. If your Tech never installed one before, he may have screwed up. I have not heard of any bad PAL units, only bad installs.
One thing I have heard is that you may have to pull the neg. battery cable after the install to get everything re-sync'd.
