GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2009 🢒 Regal 🢒 Diagnostic Navigation 🢒 Vehicle Diagnostic Information 🢒 Radio Poor Reception

Diagnostic Instructions
    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

AM and FM radio reception is dependent on the following components:

    • Radio antenna
    • Coax cable between the radio antenna and the radio
    • Radio

Diagnostic Aids

Poor AM and FM radio reception is dependent on multiple influences, some of which may not be vehicle related. Areas which have high RF traffic or block the signal path may cause a degradation in radio reception. Radio reception may also be influenced by items within the vehicle, but not part of the radio system. Such examples are aftermarket electrical accessories or other items which may generated noise in the vehicle electrical system. Aftermarket window tinting, especially when there is a metallic in the film, may reduce radio reception.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Radio/Navigation System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Radio/Audio System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

Antenna Circuit Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the radio antenna coax cable from the radio and the radio antenna.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between the antenna coax center terminal and ground.
    3. ⇒If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax.
  3. Test for less than 10 Ω on the antenna coax center terminal from end to end.
    4. ⇒If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax.
  4. Test for less than 10 Ω on the antenna coax outer shield from end to end.
    5. ⇒If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax.
  5. Test for infinite resistance between the coax center terminal and the outer shield.
    6. ⇒If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax.
  6. Reconnect the coax to the radio antenna. Test for infinite resistance on the coax at the radio between the center terminal and the outer shield.
    7. ⇒If less then specified value, replace the antenna.
  7. Test for less than 10 Ω on the coax at the radio between the outer shield and ground.
    8. ⇒If greater than specified value, clean the mounting surface of the antenna ground plane. If no corrosion found, replace the antenna.
  8. If all circuits test normal, replace the radio.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Radio Antenna Base Replacement
    •  Control Module References for radio replacement, setup, and programming