Audio - Poor Radio Reception/Noise Heard From Speakers
TECHNICALBulletin No.: 11-08-44-005A
Date: February 15, 2012
Subject: Poor Radio Reception and/or Noise Heard Through Speakers
Models:
2010-2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Equipped with Premium Audio System (RPO UQA)
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2012 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 11-08-44-005 (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).
Condition
Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions:
- Poor AM/FM radio reception (even with strong local radio
stations) with engine running.
- Interference/static noise from speakers during AM/FM/XM/CD radio operation at low volume with engine running.
- High pitch tone/hum noise from speakers during AM/FM/XM/CD radio operation at low volume with engine running.
Cause
The condition may be caused by electrical interference from the fuel pump wiring harness being routed in close proximity to the antenna cable.
Correction
Note
Verify that no aftermarket electrical accessories or other items that may generate electrical noise or interference in the vehicle electrical system are present.
Verify as noted above for vehicles with the conditions of poor reception or noise is present while operating the radio on low volume with the engine running. If poor reception and/or noise is present, command the fuel pump ON and OFF with a scan tool and verify the conditions are caused by the fuel pump operation.
If the steps above successfully display that the condition is being caused by the fuel pump running, replace the radio antenna cable with a new cable following the revised routing procedure in the steps below.
Note
It is not necessary to remove the headliner from the vehicle.
1. Lower the headliner assembly in the vehicle. Refer to Headlining Trim Panel Replacement in SI.
2. Locate the antenna module.
3. Disconnect the factory antenna cable from the module and connect the service antenna cable.
4. Tie back the factory cable end and wrap with foam tape, such as *Kent Automotive Part # P46515 or the equivalent, to prevent rattles.
Create a loop in the service cable as shown. Use wire ties to secure the service cable to the existing wire harness coming from the roof mounted antenna. Ensure there is an adequate loop in the service cable to prevent it from being pinched or damaged.
5. Route the antenna cable along the rear window towards the driver side C-pillar.
6. Use the service clips, GM P/N 22808448, to secure the new antenna cable to the roof support using the available mounting holes as shown.
7. At the C-pillar, locate the headliner harness.
8. Route the service cable along the headliner wiring harness. Secure the cable to the headliner harness with wire ties.
9. It may be necessary to separate small sections of the headliner wiring harness from the headliner in order to route the wire ties around the existing harness.
10. Use a patch of felt tape, such as *Kent Automotive Part # KT13486 or the equivalent, to re-secure any loose sections of the headliner wiring harness to the headliner assembly.
11. As you get to the front of the headliner, use a patch of felt tape to secure down the antenna cable.
12. Reinstall the headliner and leave the left front pillar trim off. Refer to Headlining Trim Panel Replacement in SI.
13. Route the new antenna cable down the left A-pillar.
- On sunroof equipped cars, secure the service cable to the drain hose using electrical tape.
- On non-sunroof cars, use service clips, GM P/N 22808448, to secure the service cable (clip to unused sunroof hose clip holes).
14. Route the service cable down through the opening in the dashboard as shown.
15. On the left side of the instrument panel, remove the trim and locate the coaxial cable connection point inside the dash.
16. Remove the factory cable from the connector. Tie back the factory cable end and wrap with foam tape, such as *Kent Automotive Part # P46515 or the equivalent, to prevent rattles. Place in dash.
17. Connect the service cable to the in-line connector. Ensure the connection is properly mated.
18. Reinstall the dash and A pillar trim.
*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products/materials. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products or material from this firm or for any such items that may be available from other sources.
Parts Information
*Contact Kent Automotive at 1-888-YES-KENT or online at www.kent-automotive.com.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
Disclaimer