Car Stereos: programming equalizer in 2003 GMC Envoy, radio data system, gmc envoy

Question
I have a 2003 GMC Envoy with the 6-disc radio. Whenever I change the radio station the equalizer changes settings. For example, it will switch to Country or Talk. How do I program the radio so it keeps my equalizer settings no matter what I'm listening to?

Answer
Hi Rachael,

I'm sorry, but OEM radio operation isn't something I can help with very much; my expertise is more with after-market audio equipment.  However, I'm wondering if what you're seeing is really the equalizer setting.  It sounds to me like you may be seeing the RDS category display.

RDS is a feature of your factory radio; it stands for Radio Data System.  Basically, local radio stations can broadcast additional information, like text messages, that can be received and displayed by your radio.  One feature of RDS is that stations are categorized by format: some stations are country stations, some are talk, some are Top 40, and so on.  This allows a radio user to search for a particular station type.  

It sounds to me like your radio is just displaying the station type when you tune in each radio station.  I think that's a lot more likely than a built-in EQ preset changing whenever you switch stations (not to mention, I've never seen a preset EQ with a "talk" setting).  There may be a setting on the radio that lets you switch to a different display category when you change stations.

Hope this helps!

Brian