Running just HVAC without radio?

[DCFlyer]

Just picked up my 2013 last week and noticed the same behavior. Fought with it a bit at first, but then gave up and turned down the volume to quiet the radio when I didn't want it since turning it off left me without other needed displays and controls. I love the car so far, and this is _not_ my biggest complaint, but it's certainly a rather odd design choice. Glad to hear I'm not the only one who thinks so.

I picked up my 2013 Volt on Friday. Noticed the same thing, more or less - was trying to use Nav, but it requires having the radio on. Fortunately, hitting mute muted the radio without muting the Nav spoken directions.

[Shaft]

Dannis: Can't find your original post on the parts for sale. Hope you get this message. Interested in a charger. I've PM'd you.

[Joule]

Anyone know if this issue with the radio power button turning off the entire system has been resolved in the 2013 Volt?

I don't think this question was ever fully answered.

Based on what was reported in this thread, it appears as if the 2011 and 2012's have the entire stack linked to the power button. In my 2013 the climate control, energy screens and config screens all operate independently from the radio. The navigation system however, still requires the radio to be powered on.

[Vach]

I don't think this question was ever fully answered.

Based on what was reported in this thread, it appears as if the 2011 and 2012's have the entire stack linked to the power button. In my 2013 the climate control, energy screens and config screens all operate independently from the radio. The navigation system however, still requires the radio to be powered on.

Doors the radio include the entire music system? In other words, do I have to be listening to FM for example, to use navigation? Or can I be listening to my iPod?

[Joule]

Doors the radio include the entire music system? In other words, do I have to be listening to FM for example, to use navigation? Or can I be listening to my iPod?

Yes, "radio" here is being used in the broader sense, meaning the audio system. it can be set for any source (AM, FM, XM, Aux, BT, USB, CD, etc.) and at any volume, including muted. The nav has its own volume setting, so you can turn the sound all the way down on the "radio" and still hear voice guidance (and vice-versa). It's very easy to work around- just kinda weird when you push the nav button and the screen tells you you must turn on the radio first.

[Vach]

Ahhh, ok. That's not as bad, thanks for the response.

I agree though, that does seem like a weird decision on their part.

[12ChevVolt3649]

I am not an engineer, I am a technician by profession, and there is a difference far beyond the distinction. My Volt does NOT have a radio...it has what is called something like "Infotainment center" you know, with the Nav, several ways to play tunes and the DVD etc. Again, a difference with a distinction. It is what it is, not what I would like it to be and it works the way it works, not the way I assume, think it should or dream about how is does. Engineeers do that, techs program and operate it and occasionally make a quick repair.

It doesn't upset me. I did my homework, learned the features and options and bought the Infotainment center, not the comparatively lowtech (and uncool) radio! If anyone gets upset, that is both their perogative and free choice. However, it is no more rational to blame GM and demand they "fix what is broken" than to blame the Designer of the human anatomy for running a sensitive nerve through a constricting carpal tunnel!