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 Descriptors

DTC B1259 02: Antenna Ground Circuit Short to Ground

DTC B1259 05: Antenna Ground Circuit Short to Battery or Open

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+ Voltage

--

1

--

--

Left Audio Signal (+)

2

2

2

--

Right Audio Signal (+)

3

3

3

--

Audio Common Signal (-)

2, 3

2, 3

2, 3

--

Digital Radio Antenna Coax

B1259 02

B1259 05

B1259 05

--

Ground

--

1

--

--

1. No communication with DRR/XM not available

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

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

Circuit/System Description

The antenna signal circuit is a coaxial cable that carries the radio signal information received by the antenna to the digital radio receiver (DRR).

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

    • Radio ON.
    • Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1259 02

The DTC will set when the DRR detects a short to ground in the antenna ground circuit.

B1259 05

The DTC will set when the DRR detects a short to voltage or an open/high resistance in the antenna ground circuit.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Digital radio reception may be poor or not available.
    • The radio displays "No XM Signal" or "Check Antenna".

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

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

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Special Tools

EL-48028 Digital Radio Test Antenna

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.

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