Radio Poor Reception

Radio Poor Reception

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

AM and FM radio reception is dependent on the following components:

* Radio antenna
* Coax cable between the radio antenna and the radio
* Radio

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 are not part of the radio system. Such examples are aftermarket electrical accessories or other items which may generate 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 (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Inspect the antenna for proper mounting or physical damage.

• If damage is found, repair or replace as necessary

2. 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).

Circuit/System Testing

Antenna Circuit Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the radio antenna coax cable from the radio and the radio antenna.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the antenna coax center terminal and ground.

• If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax.

3. Test for less than 10 ohm on the antenna coax center terminal from end to end.

• If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax.

4. Test for less than 10 ohm on the antenna coax outer shield from end to end.

• If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax.

5. Test for infinite resistance between the coax center terminal and the outer shield.

• If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax.

6. Reconnect the coax to the radio antenna. Test for infinite resistance on the coax at the radio between the center terminal and the outer shield.

• If less then specified value, replace the antenna.

7. Test for less than 10 ohm on the coax at the radio between the outer shield and ground.

• If greater than specified value, clean the mounting surface of the antenna ground plane. If no corrosion found, replace the antenna.

8. If all circuits test normal, replace the radio.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Fixed Antenna Mast Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Antenna Cable Replacement (Antenna Cable Replacement)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for radio replacement, setup, and programming