Pinpoint Test B: Poor Reception/Poor Sound Quality/No Sound - Satellite Radio
Information and Entertainment System
Pinpoint Tests
Pinpoint Test B: Poor Reception/Poor Sound Quality/No Sound - Satellite Radio
Normal Operation - Vehicles Without Navigation
Digital signals are received by the satellite radio antenna and sent to the Satellite Digital Audio Receiver System (SDARS) module, which converts the signals and provides audio signals to the Audio Control Module (ACM) (vehicles without the SYNC system) or to the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) (vehicle with the SYNC system). For vehicles equipped with a family entertainment system, the audio signals first route through the Rear Entertainment Module (RETM), then to the appropriate receiving module.
Vehicles With Navigation
Digital signals are received by the satellite radio antenna and sent directly to the ACM, as the satellite radio receiver is built-in to the ACM.
A short to ground in the satellite radio antenna typically has no effect on the antenna signal; however, an open in the antenna circuit results in no sound from the satellite radio system. A short to voltage in the antenna circuit can have varying effects on the system.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Obstructions to the antenna line of sight
- No channel found in the selected category
- Antenna
- Satellite radio antenna cable
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- SDARS module (vehicles without navigation)
- ACM (vehicles with navigation)
- APIM (if equipped)
- RETM (if equipped)
PINPOINT TEST B: POOR RECEPTION/POOR SOUND QUALITY/NO SOUND - SATELLITE AUDIO
NOTICE: Use the correct probe adapter(s) when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may damage the connector.
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B1 CHECK THE OPERATION OF THE SATELLITE RADIO SYSTEM
- Attempt to operate the audio system in satellite radio mode and observe the display.
- Does the audio system enter satellite radio mode and display satellite radio information?
Yes
GO to B2.
No
For vehicles without navigation, GO to Pinpoint Test H. Pinpoint Test H: The Satellite Radio Is Inoperative/Does Not Operate Correctly - Vehicles Without Navigation
For vehicles with navigation, GO to Pinpoint Test T. Pinpoint Test T: The Satellite Radio Is Inoperative/Does Not Operate Correctly - Vehicles With Navigation
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B2 CHECK THE RECEPTION AND CATEGORY FILTER SETTING
- Turn the category filter function off. For additional information, refer to the Owner's Literature.
- Drive the vehicle to an open location, free of obstacles.
- Scan for a good channel.
- Does the satellite radio system find a good channel with normal reception?
Yes
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern was a result of no channel being found in the selected category or obstructions to the antenna line of sight.
No
GO to B3.
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B3 CHECK THE SATELLITE SIGNAL PID
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: SDARS Module DataLogger (Without Navigation) or ACM DataLogger (With Navigation).
- For vehicles without navigation, monitor the SDARS module PID (SATELTE).
- For vehicles with navigation, monitor the ACM PID (SAT_SIG_STR).
- Does the PID indicate "No Signal"?
Yes
GO to B4.
No
GO to B6.
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B4 CHECK THE SATELLITE RADIO ANTENNA CABLE RESISTANCE
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Satellite Radio Antenna Connection At SDARS Module (or ACM).
- Disconnect: Satellite Radio Antenna Cable In-Line Connection At RH Kick Panel (Vehicles Without Navigation).
- Disconnect: Satellite Radio Antenna Connection At Satellite Radio Antenna.
- Measure the resistance of the upper satellite radio antenna cable core between the SDARS module (vehicles without navigation) or the in-line connection (vehicles with navigation) and the satellite radio antenna connection.
- Measure the resistance of the lower satellite radio antenna cable core between the ACM and the in-line connection (vehicles with navigation).
- Measure the resistance of each satellite radio antenna cable between the core and the shield of the antenna cable.
- Is the resistance of each satellite radio antenna cable core less than 2 ohms, and the resistance between the core and shield of each satellite radio antenna cable greater than 10,000 ohms?
Yes
GO to B5.
No
INSTALL a new satellite radio antenna cable, as necessary. REFER to Antenna Cable - Satellite Radio Antenna Cable - Satellite Radio. CLEAR any DTCs present. TEST the system for normal operation.
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B5 ISOLATE THE SATELLITE RADIO ANTENNA
- Install a new satellite radio antenna. Refer to Antenna - Satellite Radio Antenna - Satellite Radio.
- Operate the audio system in satellite radio mode.
- Is the reception OK?
Yes
The concern was caused by an inoperative satellite radio antenna. The system is operating correctly at this time.
No
For vehicles without navigation, GO to B16.
For vehicles with navigation, GO to B19.
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B6 DETERMINE THE VEHICLE CONTENT
- Determine if the vehicle is equipped with the SYNC system and/or the family entertainment system.
- Is the vehicle equipped with the SYNC system and/or the family entertainment system?
Yes
For vehicles equipped with only the family entertainment system, GO to B12.
For vehicles equipped with the SYNC system (with or without the family entertainment system), GO to B7.
No
GO to B10.
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B7 CHECK THE SYNC SYSTEM OR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AUDIO
- For vehicles without a family entertainment system, using the Multi-Media Interface Tester, test the audio output for the audio input jack, USB port, and Bluetooth connection.
- For vehicles with a family entertainment system, insert a known good DVD and operate the audio system in family entertainment system mode.
- Do the SYNC system and/or family entertainment system audio sources operate correctly?
Yes
GO to B8.
No
For vehicles without a family entertainment system, GO to Pinpoint Test U. Pinpoint Test U: Poor Quality/Distorted/No Sound - SYNC System
For vehicles with a family entertainment system, GO to Pinpoint Test G. Pinpoint Test G: The Family Entertainment System Is Inoperative/Does Not Operate Correctly
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B8 CHECK THE AUDIO CIRCUITS TO THE APIM FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: SDARS Module C3290.
- Disconnect: APIM C3342.
- Ignition ON.
- Measure the voltage between the SDARS module, harness side and ground as follows:
- Is any voltage present?
Yes
REPAIR the circuit in question. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to B9.
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B9 CHECK THE AUDIO CIRCUITS TO THE APIM FOR AN OPEN OR SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Measure the resistance between the SDARS module, harness side and the APIM, harness side; and between the SDARS module, harness side and ground as follows:
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms between the SDARS module and the APIM, and greater than 10,000 ohms between the SDARS module and ground?
Yes
GO to B14.
No
REPAIR the circuit in question. TEST the system for normal operation.
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B10 CHECK THE AUDIO CIRCUITS TO THE ACM FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: SDARS Module C3290.
- Disconnect: ACM C290b.
- Ignition ON.
- Measure the voltage between the SDARS module, harness side and ground as follows:
- Is any voltage present?
Yes
REPAIR the circuit in question. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to B11.
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B11 CHECK THE AUDIO CIRCUITS TO THE ACM FOR AN OPEN OR SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Measure the resistance between the SDARS module, harness side and the ACM, harness side; and between the SDARS module, harness side and ground as follows:
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms between the SDARS module and the ACM, and greater than 10,000 ohms between the SDARS module and ground?
Yes
GO to B16.
No
REPAIR the circuit in question. TEST the system for normal operation.
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B12 CHECK THE AUDIO CIRCUITS TO THE RETM FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: SDARS Module C3290 (If Connected).
- Disconnect: RETM C9029.
- Ignition ON.
- Measure the voltage between the RETM, harness side and ground as follows:
- Is any voltage present?
Yes
REPAIR the circuit in question. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to B13.
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B13 CHECK THE AUDIO CIRCUITS TO THE RETM FOR AN OPEN OR SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Measure the resistance between the RETM, harness side and the SDARS module, harness side; and between the RETM, harness side and ground as follows:
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms between the RETM and the SDARS module, and greater than 10,000 ohms between the RETM and ground?
Yes
GO to B15.
No
REPAIR the circuit in question. TEST the system for normal operation.
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B14 ISOLATE THE APIM
- Ignition OFF.
- Connect: SDARS Module C3290.
- Connect: ACM C290b.
- Connect: RETM C9029 (If Equipped).
- Connect fused jumper wires between the APIM pins as follows:
- Operate the audio system in satellite radio mode.
- Does the satellite radio audio operate correctly?
Yes
REMOVE the jumper wires. GO to B17.
No
REMOVE the jumper wires.
If the vehicle is equipped with a family entertainment system, GO to B15.
Otherwise, GO to B16.
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B15 ISOLATE THE RETM
- Ignition OFF.
- Connect: SDARS Module C3290 (If Disconnected).
- Connect: ACM C290b (If Disconnected).
- Connect: APIM C3342 (If Disconnected).
- Disconnect: RETM C9029 (If Connected).
- Connect fused jumper wires between the RETM pins as follows:
- Operate the audio system in satellite radio mode.
- Does the satellite radio audio operate correctly?
Yes
REMOVE the jumper wires. GO to B18.
No
REMOVE the jumper wires. GO to B16.
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B16 CHECK FOR CORRECT SDARS MODULE OPERATION
- Connect: All Disconnected Connectors.
- Disconnect the SDARS module connector.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect the SDARS module connector and make sure it seats correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes
INSTALL a new SDARS module. REFER to Satellite Digital Audio Receiver System (SDARS) Module Satellite Digital Audio Receiver System (SDARS) Module.
TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
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B17 CHECK FOR CORRECT APIM OPERATION
- Connect: All Disconnected Connectors.
- Disconnect the APIM connector.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect the APIM connector and make sure it seats correctly.
- Wait 2 minutes for the APIM to re-initialize.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes
INSTALL a new APIM. REFER to Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
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B18 CHECK FOR CORRECT RETM OPERATION
- Connect: All Disconnected Connectors.
- Disconnect the RETM connector.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect the RETM connector and make sure it seats correctly.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes
INSTALL a new RETM. REFER to Rear Entertainment Module (RETM) Service and Repair. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
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B19 CHECK FOR CORRECT ACM OPERATION
- Connect: All Disconnected Connectors.
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect all the ACM connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the ACM connectors and make sure they seat correctly.
- Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes
INSTALL a new ACM. REFER to Audio Control Module (ACM) Audio Control Module (ACM). TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
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