[Hondatrw]

My 2010 Malibu has a OK radio and CD player. I've made at least 10 MP3 CD's and they all play just fine. About 2 months ago I downloaded 150 various tunes from Amazon, and iTunes. I ended up with 106 on the disc. Mostly Amazon tunes, some iTunes, and some of my own from other audio and mp3 discs.

This disc plays on every device I have in my house. It also plays in our Honda Civic, and my sons Honda Element, as well as 2 other Chevrolet Impalas. This disc will also play all but 5 tunes in my Malibu. That is the problem. After 24 tunes I get a F0 error, and the disc is ejected. My radio says “Check CD”.

I have tried burning the disc on another computer, but I get the same bad results.

I have altered the text included in the file name and that does make a difference. A MP3 file that caused a F0 error did not give a FO error after most of the file text and file picture was removed.

I've burned many CD's trying to figure this out, and have come to the conclusion that the Malibu’s have a problem with it's radio/CD player. My radio was replaced under warranty but still has the same exact problem. The dealer verified this by trying the disc on a similar Malibu, and the CD was ejected.

GM is committed to resolving my issue, and I have every reason to believe they will.

I'll post a followup as to exactly what went wrong with the CD Radio and why it ejects CD's and gives the F0 error.

 

[Screechymon]

I call this the error of death. It's nice to know that the head unit is spitting the cd out at least. In past years, head unit and cd changers would not know what to do with the error and your CDs would be stuck in there and you would have to wait to have them sent back to you. I'm not sure what causes this error but it happens with store bought CDs as well.

I'm interested in your updates.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Hondatrw,

I have read your post about your head unit. Thank you for posting all this information. I look forward to reading the most recent update from you.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Hondatrw]

Nice to hear from you Michelle. My radio problem has me pulling my hair out (whats left of it). I think there is something special about Malibu CD radios. This may be a laser or software issue. I'm sure it's not the CD's. They play every where else except a 2009 Ford Truck 6 CD changer radio, and that radio is much worse than mine, and 3 other Malibu CD factory radios.

The 2010 Malibu radio has a CD F0 error issue. I believe the problem is in the text file display decoding portion of the player software. I took one of the files that gives the F0 error and removed all the text data in the file except a name like "test file" to identify the problem mp3 file, and the file played with no error. I know it's the radio. A firmware upgrade of some kind may fix this issue, but i don't know for sure. That kind of thing is above my pay grade.

Thanks for the reply Michelle

 

[Hondatrw]

I just got off the phone with the GM rep in Argentina. I was politely told that they understood my problem. There is a problem with the head unit laser eye, and I should use a different kind of CD. There is nothing they can do even though 3 Malibu radios would not play the CD in question. I use HP Light-Scribe discs exclusively, and see no reason to change, because the discs in question play just fine in all other auto CD players I have tried except 1 in a Ford F150.

The radio is defective and they will not replace it. This is exactly why I left GM 20 years ago, and I believe I will buy my next car in a Honda or Toyota Showroom.

I really like the Malibu, but I will not be buying a GM car ever again. I had every intention to buy a Equinox, but not now. They do not stand behind their customers, and I don't like talking to a person in Argentina about service when this country just spent a ton of money bailing out GM so they can outsource customer service.

I expect all Malibu radio head units have a problem and are bad, and you need to fix them period.

One very disappointed customer.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Dear Hondatrw,

I appreciate the time that you have spent to let us know an update about your situation. Would you mind providing me with your case number? I would like to look into this further for you.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Hondatrw]

With all the conversations I had with Chevrolet about my cd radio problem the one thing I do not have is the original cac case #. I do have a new cac case # because I felt the original case was over, but I'm not satisfied with the result. The new # is Service Request number 71-850030233. From that # I would think you could see my history and conversations with Chevrolet about this issue and any other issues I have had. I only got 1 email that gives you a case # and if you don't save it their is no way I know of to retrieve it. All other contact I had with Chevrolet was over the phone to wherever in Argentina.

I'm not upset at the service worker in Argentina. They only follow a script and the rules sanctioned by GM. My dealer did a great job helping me with the problem so far. My problem is the same as it was 20 years ago. When the Chevrolet bureaucracy stumbles into a situation there they need to go the extra mile they fail, and drop their customers in the trash. " Sorry Mr Wahl, we know their is a problem, but we can't help you so go away" . That's exactly what I was told by GM. The radio in question has a defect, and needs to be repaired or replaced with a radio that works. It's that simple.

I really appreciate that you are taking the time to look into my case Michelle P, but I don't think anyone can help me with this problem. The new GM is the same as the old GM from where I sit. Chances are that to get my radio problem really fixed, I'll need to get a aftermarket radio at my expense.

I really love my Malibu, and love to boast about it, but I can't do that any more after this .

 

[Hondatrw]

Final results on my F0 problem

At this point I can say with confidence that the issue involving the F0 error in my radio and 2 other Malibu radios is caused by the radio laser or the software that runs the radio. I created a disc that actually plays all the tunes by removing all text data in the file except for a name, and all other information including album pic information and year/track info from the file using iTunes. I should not need to make changes like this to files for the files to be read by any MP3 CD player. I am also using the same HP Light Scribe discs I have been using all along.

I was not able to find out what F0 actually means, but I suspect the error code is a way for the player to say it can't read a character, has a text buffer problem, or the software just can't function. It was never the music file itself, it was the text decoding that caused the problem. The only real fix for this is to replace the head unit with a known good head unit.


I learned that other CD radios that have multiple CD changers can have a similar issue when a CD jams or can't be ejected, causing the player to give a F0 error. The only real fix for that is to replace the head unit.

I made the deck work but it's still broken. I hope this information helps any of you that have the F0 error of death.

 

[Hondatrw]

Another new twist to the CD saga. As I stated before the dealer replaced my factory radio with a reconditioned unit. That's OK I guess as long as it fixed the problem, which it did not.

Last weekend it was 70 + degrees out where I live. All of a sudden I heard a strange noise like a relay firing when I used the turn signal, then it was rattling to beat the band. the sound was not adjustable with the radio volume. I'm getting some kind of feedback through the left front speaker.

What have I done to myself. Chances are the new (refurbished factory radio has a problem. Have I opened Pandora's box by having my radio replaced. I have the feeling I will be replacing the factory radio with a new high end head unit if I want to hear quality sounds in my car ever again.

This should be interesting.

 

[Screechymon]

I just got off the phone with the GM rep in Argentina. I was politely told that they understood my problem. There is a problem with the head unit laser eye, and I should use a different kind of CD. There is nothing they can do even though 3 Malibu radios would not play the CD in question. I use HP Light-Scribe discs exclusively, and see no reason to change, because the discs in question play just fine in all other auto CD players I have tried except 1 in a Ford F150.

The radio is defective and they will not replace it. This is exactly why I left GM 20 years ago, and I believe I will buy my next car in a Honda or Toyota Showroom.

I really like the Malibu, but I will not be buying a GM car ever again. I had every intention to buy a Equinox, but not now. They do not stand behind their customers, and I don't like talking to a person in Argentina about service when this country just spent a ton of money bailing out GM so they can outsource customer service.

I expect all Malibu radio head units have a problem and are bad, and you need to fix them period.

One very disappointed customer.

As long as it's not Nissan or Infiniti, as you will still get the error with them too.

 

[Hondatrw]

S man, I'm not going to let GM get away with this crap. I read about the other cars having a similar problem as you say, but they seem to be related to CD ejection in a 6 disc deck, not a file read issue. My car is in again for a radio speaker noise issue. The car sounds like a Geiger counter when it gets warm.

I thought about buying a aftermarket head unit, but these cars are designed in such a way as to discourage any such thing. You need to buy all kinds of adapters and connectors to make it all work. I'm looking into the factory Bose head unit as well, and I'll post about that when I get the info from the dealer. It's hard to fine any specs, information, or component list comparing the regular audio system in the Malibu and the Bose system.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Dear Hondatrw,

I understand your feelings about your situation. I have provided the necessary documentation to my superiors for further review of your situation that you are experiencing and for further review of you case that you had opened about this.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[mos]

has anyone else here had this problem? do normal cd's work properly? what mfg of burned cd's do you use?

i had a Memorex DVD player that wouldn't play certain dvd's and cd's. oddly enough, if i would use Memorex CD-R or DVD-R i wouldn't have any problems. a format eror, so now i only buy Memorex brand disc. i use itunes for everything btw, i try to make sure the folders have names and are sorted, i don't like to buy music off itunes, just rip my cd's onto itunes.

i would also try different speed discs, i know that older cd player/burners that are 16x will not read a higher speed disc, this shouldn't be a problem with the stereo but it would be worth the try.

 

[Hondatrw]

Hi mos. What I'm doing here is trying to include everything that has happened to this radio. I'm also trying to include everything I've done with my dealer and GM, and include all attempts to solve this problem. The problems are not with my CD's or how I burn them. The problem is with the GM head unit, 3 so far. It's not just one head unit, it's all of them so far. The problem appears to be with all Malibu OEM standard radios. This is 2011, and having a auto CD player / radio act this way is inexcusable. I appreciate any input from anyone so thank you for your post. I intend to get to the bottom of this issue so stay tuned.

Another radio is on the way for my bu

 

[EnvoyBu]

Hi mos. What I'm doing here is trying to include everything that has happened to this radio. I'm also trying to include everything I've done with my dealer and GM, and include all attempts to solve this problem. The problems are not with my CD's or how I burn them. The problem is with the GM head unit, 3 so far. It's not just one head unit, it's all of them so far. The problem appears to be with all Malibu OEM standard radios. This is 2011, and having a auto CD player / radio act this way is inexcusable. I appreciate any input from anyone so thank you for your post. I intend to get to the bottom of this issue so stay tuned.

Another radio is on the way for my bu

Well, at least you get a new radio.

 

[Hondatrw]

When I review the information for the SR# of 71-850030233, I see that this case was closed in back in July of 2010. After further research I have found that your current case that is open has a number of 71-931859758. I see that as of today, your case should be reviewed by a manager. I see that the agent had sent you an email on April 9, 2011.


The case number that we provide you with cannot be accessed by the public. If there comes a time that a person loses their case number, we would be more than happy to look it up for the customer. However, we do need to be notified that you have misplaced it.

Sincerely,
Michelle Phillips, Chevrolet Customer Service

Thanks for your help M. I'll be back working on this. Had a death in the family, and have not had time to get this resolved

 

[Hondatrw]

The replacement radio was bad. I contacted the dealer, and a new one was ordered. My work order was closed so the new radio was stalled. I'm getting things going again with this radio problem.

I'm very disappointed with the GM service I have had so far. Not the dealer, but the foreign service organization operated by GM. As of right now I will not buy another GM car because of this. I can't understand half of what they say, and they do NOT understand what I am telling them about my problem. We didn't bail out GM so they can hire off shore service reps. I'm very disappointed with GM and will not buy another Chevrolet

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Dear Hondatrw,

I am glad to read that the dealership has ordered you a new head unit. However, I apologize that there was a mix up and it was stalled. Have you had an approximate time frame of when the new head unit will be arriving?

I also apologize that you had a hard time with the agent that was handling your case. I completely understand how frustrating it is to try to communicate with someone that you working with and it is difficult to understand them. In the future, you can request to speak with an agent in the United States.

Sincerely,
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Dear Hondatrw,

First of, I would like to send my condolences to you and your family.

Thank you for the update of your situation. I have looked into the most current case number that you have and I see that it is still open.

I hope that you have a great holiday weekend!
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Hondatrw]

Thanks Michelle. I talked to the dealer this morning. The new radio is on order through the dealer, and they expect it this week coming up.

I need to say a few things about my radio problem. First, you have been a big help, and I really appreciate that. Second, my dealer is doing their best to resolve my problem. They are good people, and only want to fix my radio issue.

I understand my cd issue is a bit odd. If this was the year 2000 I would let it go, but in this day and age, the problem I am having with this radio is unacceptable. Any CD radio that can't play a mp3 file with some "different" text in it is no good and a bad design. After saying that, I can say that if I want the radio in my Malibu to anything special in the cd department, I will need to purchase an aftermarket head unit. I would buy an upgraded radio from GM, but none are offered.

I have a long term resolution for my radio issues, but I do not have any such resolution for the broken call center service division at GM. At first dealing with the GM call center it seemed ok, and I could understand the person I was talking to. This radio issue however exposed a huge problem to me that has turned into a nightmare for me. I have a hard time understanding the person from GM on the phone. Why is that? because they are located in the Philippines or Argentina or Mexico or somewhere other than here. I can understand how a company that sells MP3 players or other such low cost items might want to off shore or outsource their call centers to save a few dollars, but when I pay $25,000 for a product, then when I need help I am forced to talk with someone with broken English from another country I have problems understanding, I really need to rethink any future purchases from that company. We just got done bailing out GM so it would not go into bankruptcy and fire all it's employees. Now i see GM has no problem off-shoring customer related service jobs. This really upsets me to no end, and I can't in good conscience buy another GM product knowing this to be true. I want to talk to someone in this country, that supports the product produced in this country, and I bought in this country.

I have no issue with our friends in foreign country's. I want to purchase products from other countries, and share all the good both have to offer each other, but I will not purchase another GM product that off shores it's service call centers. It's wrong, It's disrespectful to it's US customers, and this practice is going to cost you $28,000 because I will not buy the 2011 Equinox I had planed on purchasing.