Radio Poor Reception
Radio Poor Reception
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Circuit/System Description
AM and FM radio reception is dependent on the following components:
* Radio antennas - left and right - part of the rear decklid
* Coax cables between the radio antennas and the radio antenna modules
* Radio antenna modules - right and left
* Coax cables between the radio antenna modules and the radio
* Radio
Diversity Antenna System
This diversity antenna system is comprised of 4 antennas, 2 radio antenna modules, two coax cables, an antenna enable signal, and an FM composite signal from the radio to the right antenna module. In AM and WX mode the system functions as follows: The right antenna module takes the signal from the AM antenna, and 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 volts over the FM composite signal wire and this switches the modules into FM mode. The right antenna module sends 5-8 volts to power the left antenna module via coax. The left antenna module takes signal from the FM2 antenna and sends it to the right antenna module where it is mixed with the signal from the FM1 antenna. The right 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 right 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 (Radio/Navigation System Schematics)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Radio/Audio System Description and Operation (Radio/Audio System Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) 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 audio output is poor from all sources, refer to Speaker Malfunction (Speaker Malfunction).
If both AM and FM reception is poor, refer to Circuit/System Testing.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Inspect the radio antennas for damage and proper mounting.
• If damage is found, repair or replace as necessary.
2. 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.
3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the right radio antenna module. Test for infinite resistance between the terminals listed below and ground.
* Terminal 1
* Terminal 2
• If less than specified value, replace the appropriate antenna.
4. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the left radio antenna module. Test for infinite resistance between the terminals listed below and ground.
* Terminal 1
* Terminal 2
• If less than specified value, replace the appropriate antenna.
5. Connect the X2 harness connector at the right antenna module and the X1 harness connector at the right antenna module.
6. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the right radio antenna module.
7. Radio ON, test for 10 - 12 volts between the 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.
8. Radio tuned to FM, test for 4.5 - 8.5 volts on the FM composite signal 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.
9. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the right antenna module.
10. Disconnect the coax cable from the left antenna module.
11. Ignition ON, radio tuned to FM, test for 4.5 - 8.5 volts 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 right antenna module.
• If greater than the specified range, test the coax for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the right antenna module.
Important: For steps 14-18, perform the tests on each of the disconnected coax cables.
12. Ignition OFF, disconnect the coax cables at the radio and radio antenna modules.
13. Test for infinite resistance between the antenna coax center terminal and ground.
• If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax.
14. Test for less than 5 ohms on the antenna coax center terminal from end to end.
• If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax.
15. Test for less than 5 ohms on the antenna coax outer shield from end to end.
• If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax.
16. Test for infinite resistance between the coax center terminal and the outer shield.
• If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax.
17. Radio ON, verify the radio reception has improved.
• If there is still poor reception, replace the left antenna module.
18. If all circuits test normal, replace the radio.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Radio Antenna Module Replacement (Radio Antenna Module Replacement)
* Antenna Ground Plate Replacement (Antenna Ground Plate Replacement)
* Antenna Cable Replacement (Antenna Cable Replacement)
* Radio Antenna Replacement (Radio Antenna Replacement)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for Radio replacement, setup, and programming