Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

Symptom Troubleshooting




Audio System Symptom Troubleshooting - Poor AM or FM radio reception or interference (without navigation)

Poor AM or FM radio reception or interference (without navigation)

NOTE:

- Check the vehicle battery condition first Testing and Inspection.
- Check the connectors for poor connections or loose terminals.
- Check the radio reception in an open area.
- Compare it to a known-good vehicle of the same model, year, and trim level whenever possible.
- If necessary, have the customer demonstrate the symptom.
- Poor reception/interference can be caused by any of these conditions:
- The radio station is far away.
- Atmospheric conditions are unfavorable.
- Tall buildings, mountains, or high-voltage power lines are nearby.
- Aftermarket window tinting or electronic accessories.
- Non-standard antenna mast.

1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).

2. Do the seek stop test Audio System Sound Quality Diagnosis.

Does the test vehicle receive 90 % of the same stations as the known-good vehicle?

YES -

Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal at this time.�

NO -

Go to step 3.

3. Check that the radio reception/interference is the same as the known-good vehicle in several locations.

Is the reception/interference the same as a known-good vehicle in several different locations?

YES -

Go to step 4.

NO -

Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.�

4. Check the reception/interference while the engine is running and compare it to the known-good vehicle.

Is there noise (static or whine) only with the engine running?

YES -

Check the antenna and radio grounds. If OK, check the charging system, fuel injection system (fuel pump), HVAC (blower motor), and the ignition system.�

NO -

Go to step 5.

5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).

6. Check the AM/FM antenna or AM/FM/XM antenna mast for cracks, or other damage. Make sure that the AM/FM antenna or AM/FM/XM antenna is not loose.

NOTE: Do not use any tools to tighten the AM/FM antenna or AM/FM/XM antenna mast.

Is there any damage?

YES -

Replace the AM/FM antenna AM/FM Antenna Replacement (Without XM Radio) or AM/FM/XM antenna AM/FM/XM Antenna Replacement (With XM Radio).�

NO -

Go to step 7.

7. Disconnect the AM/FM antenna 3P connector .

8. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).

9. Turn on the audio unit.

10. Measure the voltage between the AM/FM antenna 3P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.





Is there battery voltage?

YES -

Go to step 16.

NO -

Go to step 11.

11. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).

12. Remove the audio unit Audio Unit Removal/Installation.

13. Disconnect audio unit connector G (3P).

14. Check for continuity between audio unit connector G (3P) terminal No. 3 and AM/FM antenna 3P connector terminal No. 3.





Is there continuity?

YES -

Go to step 15.

NO -

There is an open in the wire between the audio unit and the AM/FM antenna. Also check the AM/FM antenna lead/sublead connector.

15. Check for continuity between the AM/FM antenna 3P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.





Is there continuity?

YES -

Repair a short in the wire between the audio unit and the AM/FM antenna.�

NO -

Substitute a known-good audio unit Audio Unit Removal/Installation, and recheck.�

16. Remove the audio unit Audio Unit Removal/Installation.

17. Check for continuity between audio unit connector G (3P) terminal No. 1 and AM/FM antenna 3P connector terminal No. 1.





Is there continuity?

YES -

Go to step 18.

NO -

Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.�

18. Check for continuity between audio unit connector G (3P) terminal No. 1 and body ground.





Is there continuity?

YES -

Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.�

NO -

Go to step 19.

19. Check for continuity between audio unit connector G (3P) terminal No. 2 and AM/FM antenna 3P connector terminal No. 2.





Is there continuity?

YES -

Go to step 20.

NO -

Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.�

20. Check for continuity between audio unit connector G (3P) terminals No. 1 and No. 2.





Is there continuity?

YES -

Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.�

NO -

Go to step 21.

21. Substitute a known-good AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead, and check the radio reception.

Is the reception normal?

YES -

Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.�

NO -

Substitute a known-good AM/FM antenna AM/FM Antenna Replacement (Without XM Radio) or AM/FM/XM antenna (with XM radio) AM/FM/XM Antenna Replacement (With XM Radio), and recheck. If the reception is still poor, replace the audio unit Audio Unit Removal/Installation.�