Diagnostic Instructions
Circuit/System Description
AM and FM radio reception is dependent on the following components:
• | Radio antennas - left and right - in the rear compartment |
• | Coax cables between the radio antennas and the radio antenna modules |
• | Radio antenna modules - left and right |
• | Coax cables between the radio antenna modules and the radio |
Diversity Antenna System
This diversity antenna system is comprised of 3 antennas, 2 radio antenna modules, a coax, and an FM composite signal from the radio to the left antenna module. In AM and WX mode the system functions as follows: The left antenna module takes
the signal from the AM antenna. The left antenna module amplifies this signal and sends it to the radio. In FM mode the system functions as follows: In this mode the radio supplies 5-8 V over the FM composite signal wire and this switches the modules
into FM mode. The left antenna module sends 5-8 V to power the right antenna module via coax. The right antenna module takes signal from the FM2 antenna and sends it to the left antenna module where it is mixed with the signal from the FM1 antenna.
The left antenna module combines and amplifies both signals and sends the combined signal to the radio. The FM composite signal also provides a feedback signal to the left antenna module, which indicates the quality of the signal.
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.
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
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
Radio ON, tune to several known FM, AM, and XM (if equipped) stations, and play a known good CD.
⇒ | If both AM and FM reception is poor, refer to Circuit/System Testing. |
Circuit/System Testing
- Inspect the radio antennas for damage and proper mounting.
⇒ | If damage is found, repair or replace as necessary. |
- Inspect each radio antenna module grounding surface and the mounting hardware for any corrosion that may cause a poor ground.
⇒ | If corrosion is noted, clean the grounding surfaces and hardware. |
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the left radio antenna module. Test for infinite resistance between the terminals listed below and ground.
• | Left Antenna Signal -- AM -- terminal 1 |
• | Left Antenna Signal -- FM -- terminal 2 |
⇒ | If less than specified value, replace the appropriate antenna. |
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the right radio antenna module. Test for infinite resistance between the Right Antenna Signal -- FM2 -- terminal 1 and ground.
⇒ | If less than specified value, replace the antenna. |
- Reconnect the X2 harness connector at the left antenna module and the X1 harness connector at the right antenna module.
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the left radio antenna module.
- Radio ON, test for 10 - 12 V between the Antenna Enable 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. |
- Radio tuned to FM, test for 4.5 - 8.5 V on the FM composite signal circuit terminal 2.
⇒ | If less than specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio. |
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio. |
- Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the left antenna module.
- Disconnect the coax cable from the right antenna module.
- Ignition ON, radio tuned to FM, test for 4.5 - 8.5 V between the center terminal and the outer shield.
⇒ | If less than specified range, test the coax for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the left antenna module. |
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the coax for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the left antenna module. |
Note: For steps 14-18, perform the tests on each of the disconnected coax cables.
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the coax cables at the radio and radio antenna modules.
- 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 5Ω on the antenna coax center terminal from end to end.
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax. |
- Test for less than 5Ω 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. |
- Replace the left antenna module. Radio ON, verify the radio reception has improved.
⇒ | If there is still poor reception, replace the right antenna module. If there is still poor reception, replace the radio. |
Repair Instructions
Perform the
Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.