FYI: How to disable RDS on 2003 radios

[endo]

The 2003 full size radios have a feature called RDS, which stands for "Radio Data System." This allows stations to display text on your radio's display, such as the station name and the name of the song that is playing.

This feature can be incredibly annoying because the radio display constantly blinks the messages across the screen. Some stations even use the system to display ads, for example KIIS FM in So Cal displays messages like "KIIS FM 102.7 Call AIS today you can save hundreds on auto ins (800) 555-5555 Please Drive Safely", one word at a time, which is enough to drive anyone insane!

Anyway, to disable this feature, press the RCL button on the radio until the display shows the station frequency. Then press and HOLD the RCL button in for a few seconds until the radio beeps.

Just wanted to pass this info along, as I spent several hours trying to figure it out (searching on Internet, reading manual, playing with radio, etc). This feature is actually documented on the manual, but it's very poorly explained.

UPDATE for 05+
On 2005-2006 models, press the "INFO" button. (there is no RCL button)

[TribalVision]

thanks for the info.!!!!!!
now all i have to do is buy a new truck...lol I'm sure someone will appreciate this disabling feature.

[SSnow]

Good thing to know. Thanks

[Way2Fst4u]

DUDE! Every damn station in Socal jumped on that bandwagon! Thanks! I hated that!

[ScottXGTR]

no stations down here put anything on the display. they can probly barely pay the power bill much less advertise in my truck.

[FREAKENHYE]

Thanks for the info.

[Sick Boy]

Hmmm my Truck does not do that. I guess that's a good thing.

[cokedrvrbjw]

Can you turn it back on??

[Sick Boy]

yes

[pjs97talon]

Originally posted by endo
"KIIS FM 102.7 Call AIS today you can save hundreds on auto ins (800) 555-5555 Please Drive Safely"

I read somewhere that if stations abused this in that matter the government would slap some regulations on it's use. It was suspossed to be used like XM- to show station name and song info, traffic alerts, and other stuff like "Amber" alerts. I love hearing a song on XM and being able to see who the artist is or what the title is (it helps for kazaa!).

[Por2geeBass08]

Thats some good info to have, it hecka shocked me to see that one day tho, i was driving and i seen the song title roll by i was like wtf, lol...but yea thanks for the info, im gona unplug it lol.

[2K5Squirrel]

Originally posted by pjs97talon
I read somewhere that if stations abused this in that matter the government would slap some regulations on it's use. It was suspossed to be used like XM- to show station name and song info, traffic alerts, and other stuff like "Amber" alerts. I love hearing a song on XM and being able to see who the artist is or what the title is (it helps for kazaa!).

yo tambien, when a new song comes out and you don't know who it is, it really helps out. AND don't worry I am sure the FCC will get there little paws in to it.

[jedgemon]

i never listen to the radio, always cds

[Yzingerr]

Originally Posted by jedgemon

i never listen to the radio, always cds

me too, plus im changing that crappy radio soon!

[kirkrhughes]

I wish there was a way to make the info scroll.

[chevycrew]

That would be nice.

[zziggy]

those big ricer wheels sure look gay

[chevycrew]

What big ricer wheels?

[99-2door]

Do the RDS stereos show "cd text" too?

[endo]

Originally Posted by 99-2door

Do the RDS stereos show "cd text" too?

AFAIK they do not... I'm pretty sure this is the case for both the 6-disc changer and navigation radios (all new CDs have CD text, right?)