Symptom Troubleshooting
Audio System Symptom Troubleshooting - Poor AM or FM radio reception or interference
Poor AM or FM radio reception or interference (Sedan with ELS audio)
NOTE:
- Check the vehicle battery condition first Battery Test.
- Check for aftermarket accessories including cell phones and chargers plugged into the vehicle accessory power sockets.
- Check the radio reception in an open area. Poor reception/interference can be caused by any of these conditions:
- The radio station is far away
- Atmospheric conditions are unfavorable
- Aftermarket metallic window tint
- A tall building, mountains, or high-voltage power lines are nearby
- Check the connectors for poor connections or loose terminals.
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
2. Do the Seek Stop Test and the reception level indication in the Self-Diagnostic Function.
Is the test vehicle within 10 % of the known-good vehicle?
YES -
Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.
NO -
Go to step 3.
3. Check the reception/interference is the same in several locations.
Is the reception/interference the same?
YES -
Go to step 4.
NO -
Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.
4. Check the reception/interference while the engine is running.
Is there noise (static or whine) only with the engine running?
YES -
Check the antenna and radio grounds. If OK, check the charging system and the ignition system.
NO -
Go to step 5.
5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
6. Remove the right C-pillar trim.
7. Check the connections from the AM/FM antenna amplifier to the window antenna.
Are there any loose or damaged connections?
YES -
Repair the connections, or substitute a known-good AM/FM antenna amplifier Service and Repair, and recheck. If the symptom/condition goes away, replace the original AM/FM antenna amplifier Service and Repair.
NO -
Go to step 8.
8. With the help of an assistant inside the vehicle, have the assistant shine a strong flashlight (A) along each antenna wire (B). Check from the outside of the vehicle for any breaks or openings in the antenna wires (the light shines through any breaks or cuts).
NOTE: It is easier to see the breaks if you do this test in a dark or shaded area.
Are there any breaks or cuts in the antenna?
YES -
Repair the window antenna. Go to AM/FM antenna repair Procedures, or replace the rear window Service and Repair if the damaged section is too long.
NO -
Go to step 9.
9. Disconnect the AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector.
10. Turn the ignition switch to ON (ll).
11. Measure the voltage between AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.
Is there battery voltage?
YES -
Go to step 16.
NO -
Go to step 12.
12. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
13. Disconnect audio-navigation unit connector E (5P).
14. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector E (5P) terminal No. 3 and AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 3.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Go to step 15.
NO -
Repair an open in the wire between the audio-navigation unit and the AM/FM antenna amplifier. Also check the AM/FM antenna lead/sublead connector.
15. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector E (5P) terminal No. 3 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Repair a short to body ground in the wire between the audio-navigation unit and the AM/FM antenna amplifier.
NO -
Replace the audio-navigation unit Audio-Navigation Unit Removal/Installation.
16. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
17. Disconnect audio-navigation unit connector E (5P).
18. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector E (5P) terminal No. 4 and AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 1.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Go to step 19.
NO -
Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or the sublead.
19. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector E (5P) terminal No. 4 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or the sublead.
NO -
Go to step 20.
20. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector E (5P) terminal No. 5 and AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 2.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Go to step 21.
NO -
Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or the sublead.
21. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector E (5P) terminals No. 4 and No. 5.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or the sublead.
NO -
Replace the AM/FM antenna amplifier Service and Repair, and recheck. If the reception is still poor, replace the audio-navigation unit Audio-Navigation Unit Removal/Installation.