Pandora

[SSJ455]

Hey. I recently started using the Pandora app in my car. Has anyone else noticed that the sound, even when having the system set to HK instead of stereo, doesn't sound great? I have to crank the volume to be able to listen to it. It isn't too bad with the windows up but with them down I can hardly hear it. When I am using XM, I do have to raise the volume but not too much when the windows are down.

 

[IndyGS]

I haven't had any problems in my '13 GS. The sound comes through loud and clear whether I use USB or Bluetooth. I discovered recently that I can control the volume with my phone when using Bluetooth. Maybe check to see if the volume on your phone and/or Pandora are turned up? I know Spotify purposely decreases audio quality for people using their free service, and it improves when you pay for the subscription. Maybe Pandora does something similar?

 

[SSJ455]

I'll give it a try. Thanks.

 

[cmgww]

I use iHeartRadio. Never been a fan of Pandora, and I can get sports radio when I am out of town on business. I have XM for the national stuff, but I like the local sports guy and if I am out of range iHeartRadio comes in handy. It plays just fine over the Bluetooth and the audio quality is great.

 

[Regal-O-Rama]

I have to have my PHONE volume all the way up to hear properly through the car speakers...

 

[EnderWiggin]

Try the HD setting for Pandora? That might help too. I have a '12 with Nav, so I don't know what Pandora is like.

 

[SSJ455]

Does anyone have trouble connecting to Pandora? The last couple times I hear "Pandora not available." I also notice that during those times I think that I am using the data from my Data Plan. Does that make any sense?
I start the car, start up the app on my phone (Android) press the phone button on the wheel and say "Tune Pandora". Sometimes it works but the last two or three times it says Pandora unavailable.

 

[cmgww]

I don't know a lot about the connectivity issues, but you are using phone data. The Pandora app on the car is simply a way to integrate it from your phone, unless I am mistaken. Same goes for iHeartRadio, or any other streaming radio app. You can connect them through Bluetooth but they are still using your phone data. GM just chose Pandora. I do know that I have to connect to Bluetooth before starting iHeartRadio, and not vice versa. If I start the phone app first, I get the "Paused" pop up on the screen. Maybe that will help....

 

[SSJ455]

Thanks for the help, Buick people!

 

[Buick Customer Service]

I have to have my PHONE volume all the way up to hear properly through the car speakers...

Hi Regal-O-Rama,

If you have questions regarding the performance of your vehicle's entertainment system, please private message me for assistance.

Kenneth M.
Buick Customer Care