GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B1259: Antenna Ground Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Left Audio Signal (+)

1

1

1

--

Right Audio Signal (+)

2

2

2

--

Audio Common (-)

3

3

3

--

Digital Radio Antenna Coax

B1259*

B1259*

B1259*

--

1. No or distorted audio from left side speakers when listening to digital radio

2. No or distorted audio from right side speakers when listening to digital radio

3. No or distorted audio from all speakers when listening to digital radio

*. Poor or no digital radio reception

Circuit/System Description

The digital radio receiver (DRR) receives XM satellite radio signals via a digital radio antenna located on the outside of the vehicle. The signal is passed to the DRR through digital radio antenna coax. From the DRR, one audio common (-) and separate left and right audio signals (+), are sent to the radio. The radio processes these signals and passes the audio to the appropriate speakers or audio amplifier.

Diagnostic Aids

When diagnosing digital radio concerns, the vehicle should be located outside with an unobstructed view of the southern sky to ensure proper reception of the satellite signal. Reception may limited, intermittent or not possible inside structures or under heavy cover.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition is ON

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The DRR detects an antenna fault.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The radio displays No XM Signal

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC will clear when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present
    • A history DTC clears after 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles

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

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

Special Tools

EL-48028 Digital Radio Test Antenna

Circuit System Verification

With the vehicle outside in an area with an unobstructed view of the southern sky, tune to XM. Verify XM reception is clear and the No XM Signal message is not displayed on the radio.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the antenna coax from the DRR. Connect the EL-48028 to the DRR.
  2. Ignition ON, radio tuned to XM, verify verify DTC B1259 is not set as current.
  3. If the DTC is current, replace the DRR.
  4. Ignition OFF, reconnect the antenna coax to the DRR, disconnect the digital radio antenna coax from the digital radio antenna.
  5. Ignition ON, test for 4.5-5.5 volts between the antenna coax center terminal and the coax outer shield.
  6. If not within the specified range, replace the antenna coax.
  7. If all circuits test normal, replace the digital radio antenna.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Cellular Communications/Digital Radio Antenna Replacement
    •  Control Module References for DRR replacement, setup, and programming