Important: Review the system operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions.
Refer to
Radio/Audio System Description and Operation
.
Using a Test Antenna
Use a test mast antenna to quickly check for poor vehicle antenna operation. Unplug antenna lead-in connector from radio receiver and plug a test antenna into radio. Make sure the test antenna base is grounded to the vehicle chassis and keep hands
off the mast. Check radio reception in an area away from electrical interferences. Tune to several weak and strong AM and FM stations. If the radio reception improved, the problem exists with the vehicle antenna and/or lead-in cable. If the reception is
still poor, refer to
Audio System Troubleshooting Hints
.
Antenna Ground Test
Important: Always zero out the DMM before taking a resistance measurement in order to ensure an accurate reading.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Disconnect the antenna lead-in connector from the radio receiver.
- Measure the resistance from the negative battery cable to the coaxial cable, outer conductor, connector.
- The resistance measured should be 0.20 ohms or less.
- Test the following when the resistance is greater than 0.20 ohms.
• | Base of the antenna for a poor connection to body ground. |
• | The coaxial cable interconnects for a poor connection or corrosion. |
- After finding and correcting the condition, operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Antenna Coaxial Cable Testing
Use the appropriate chart and diagram to test the antenna coaxial cable resistances for the antenna system on the vehicle. Refer to the table when testing the antenna and/or lead-in cable.
Mast Antenna System