GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Radio/Audio System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Radio/Audio System Check

2

  1. Verify the customer's complaint with the station(s) that are normally received in your area.
  2. Compare the complaint vehicle with a similar vehicle in the same locations that the concern is observed.

Does the radio reception of both vehicles perform the same?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Explain to the customer the normal operation of the radio observed in both vehicles.

Is the explanation complete?

--

Go to Radio/Audio System Check

--

4

  1. Move the vehicle outside away from any electrical interference such as electric motors, fluorescent lighting, etc.
  2. Disconnect the coaxial cable from the radio.
  3. Temporarily mount a test antenna to the vehicle.
  4. Ground the antenna base and test the ground with a J 39200 before plugging the coaxial cable into the radio.
  5. Connect the coaxial cable.
  6. Do not hold the antenna in your hand.
  7. Turn ON the radio and tune the radio to a strong radio station.

Does the reception improve?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Replace the antenna assembly. Refer to Radio Antenna Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Radio/Audio System Check

--

6

Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems.

Is any aftermarket wiring present?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7

Temporarily disconnect the aftermarket wiring (both the battery and the ground connections).

Does the radio reception improve?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Remove the aftermarket wiring.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Radio/Audio System Check

--

9

Compare the radio reception with the ignition switch in the following positions:

    • ACC
    • ON (engine not running).
    • ON (engine running).

With the key in the ON position, does the radio reception change with the engine not running or with the engine running?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 12

10

Was the radio reception degraded with the engine not running?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11

Was the radio reception degraded with the engine running?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 14

12

Test for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) - (See Note).

Was an EMI condition found in an electronic module?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 14

13

Replace the faulty module.

Has the radio reception improved?

--

Go to Radio/Audio System Check

Go to Step 14

14

Using a J 39200 set to measure AC voltage, connect the positive lead to the negative battery terminal and the negative lead to a non-painted surface in the engine compartment.

Is the AC voltage less than the specified value?

25 mV

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

15

Repair the poor ground condition in one or more of the following ground connections:

    • G100
    • G101
    • G102
    • G103
    • G104
    • G105
    • G106
    • G107
    • G108
    • G109

Refer to Master Electrical Component List in Wiring Systems for locations.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

--

16

Using J 39200 set to measure AC voltage, connect the positive lead to the negative battery terminal and the negative lead to a non-painted surface of the A-pillar.

Was the AC voltage less than the specified value?

25 mV

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 17

17

Repair the poor ground condition in one or more of the following ground connections:

    • G200
    • G201
    • G202
    • G203

Refer to Master Electrical Component List in Wiring Systems for locations.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

--

18

Using J 39200 set to measure AC voltage, connect the positive lead to the negative battery terminal and the negative lead to a non-painted surface of the B-pillar.

Was the AC voltage less than the specified value?

25 mV

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 19

19

Repair the poor ground condition in G300.

Refer to Entertainment Components for locations.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

--

20

Using J 39200 set to measure AC voltage, connect the positive lead to the negative battery terminal and the negative lead to a non-painted surface in the luggage compartment.

Was the AC voltage less than the specified value?

25 mV

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 21

21

Repair the poor ground connection at G400. Refer to Master Electrical Component List in Wiring Systems for locations.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

--

22

Has the radio reception improved?

--

Go to Radio/Audio System Check

Go to Step 23

23

Replace the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Radio/Audio System Check

--

Note:

Electronic modules with an undiagnosed problem may cause Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). An EMI condition may cause radio reception interference.

In order to test for the presence of EMI in a module, turn the ignition switch to OFF. Systematically disconnect the electronic module connectors one at a time and notice any improvement in the radio reception. Do NOT disconnect the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). Refer to SIR Handling Caution in General Information.