There are various scenarios where the sound turns on when it should not, with a source that was not explicitly selected. This is a design issue, not a user issue. It is extremely annoying, truly detracts from my enjoyment of the car. I want to know if Chevrolet is going to fix it.
It should never turn the sound on unless (1) we press power on the round button (what is called mute mode in the manual - come on that’s silly we want power off not mute) or (2) we select music on our USB connect smart phone (Carplay on iphone, or Android equivalent). Regardless of whether the car is turned off and on again.
Some scenarios where it does turn on the sound system (to the radio or XM - whatever the top favorites list item is):
(1) play music on Carplay, unplug the phone. Radio comes on (or XM - whatever the favorites top item is). I realize the sound was on, but I really didn’t ask to play the radio. Imagine someone like me that never ever does, but in general, I didn’t ask for that.
(2) play music on Carplay, press power button on radio, to turn sound off. Turn car off, unplug phone. Back in car later, power car on with no phone connected, radio comes on. Same reason as (1) but different user scenario
(3) playing music from bluetooth, turn off bluetooth (explicitly, phone power dies, connection issues ...). Radio comes on.
(4) Select a navigation route with carplay, now decide you don’t want to hear music in between. Seems like in this case, the power button could actually be regarded as a mute - of music only. So press that, sound goes off. But, next time a verbal guidance comes on (as I’d like), after that the sound system resume playing music. Sigh.
It's very simple: we didn't ask for that, don't make that decision for us. That is what really grates.
This design flaw should be fixed - it could actually sell less cars I think, it's that strong a disincentive because it happens time and again.
That said, I personally never ever actually want the radio, XM, or Onstar to play or even show up on the screen. I want Carplay, or if only bluetooth connects to my phone then whatever that offers, and time and temperature on the screen always, in the same spot, some of the bottom row like climate control, and any warnings as required. If you could provide only that, it would be far superior to just patching the above in my opinion. Not everyone would agree but some would. That's my vote for a "configurable display layout". The iPhone has all we need, better than any of the corresponding console features.
Disclaimer: I am a software and electronics engineer with 30 years experience. I'm not going to respond to a customer rep trying to help me learn to use the system, nor how to work around by faking the volume or channel selection out. The above is valid, please I want this logged as a valid defect for the design team to fix.
