Diagnostic Instructions
Circuit/System Description
AM and FM radio reception is dependent on the following components:
• | Coax cable between the radio antenna and the radio antenna module |
• | Coax cable between the radio antenna module and the radio |
Diagnostic Aids
Note: Radio systems with the antenna(s) in the glass are subject to possible interference when an aftermarket window tint is applied.
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.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Radio/Navigation System Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Entertainment/Communication Connector End Views
Description and Operation
Radio/Audio System Description and Operation
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Scan Tool Data List
Circuit/System Verification
- Inspect the antenna for proper mounting or physical damage.
⇒ | If damage is found, repair or replace as necessary |
- Radio ON, tune to several known FM, AM, and XM (if equipped) stations, and play a known good CD.
Circuit/System Testing
Rear Glass Antenna Testing
- Inspect the radio antenna module grounding surfaces and the mounting hardware for any corrosion that may cause a poor ground.
⇒ | If corrosion is noted, clean the grounding surfaces or hardware. |
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the radio antenna module.
- Radio ON, test for B+ between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground.
⇒ | If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio. |
- The antenna coax is made up of two parts; a coax between the radio and the radio antenna module, and a coax between the radio antenna module and the antenna, which is part of the vehicle rear glass. Disconnect both coax cables from the radio and
the radio antenna module.
- Test for infinite resistance between the antenna coax center terminal and ground.
⇒ | If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax. |
- Test for less than 5 ohms on the antenna coax center terminal from end to end.
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax. |
- Test for less than 5 ohms on the antenna coax outer shield from end to end.
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax. |
- Test for infinite resistance between the coax center terminal and the outer shield.
⇒ | If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax. |
- Radio ON, verify the radio reception has improved.
⇒ | If there is still poor reception, replace the antenna module. |
- If all circuits test normal, replace the radio.
Fixed Mast Antenna Testing
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the radio antenna coax cable from the radio and the radio antenna.
- Test for infinite resistance between the antenna coax center terminal and ground.
⇒ | If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax. |
- Test for less than 10 Ω on the antenna coax center terminal from end to end.
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax. |
- Test for less than 10 Ω on the antenna coax outer shield from end to end.
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax. |
- Test for infinite resistance between the coax center terminal and the outer shield.
⇒ | If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax. |
- 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.
⇒ | If less then specified value, replace the antenna. |
- Test for less than 10 Ω on the coax at the radio between the outer shield and ground.
⇒ | If greater than specified value, clean the mounting surface of the antenna ground plane. If no corrosion found, replace the antenna. |
- If all circuits test normal, replace the radio.
Repair Instructions
Perform the
Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.