Antenna: Testing and Inspection

Power Antenna Assembly:

1. To extend antenna, using jumper wires, attach one end to a battery positive source and the other to the red and green wire terminals for up direction. Connect the second lead to a good ground or to the antenna mounting bracket.
2. To retract antenna attach the battery positive source to the red wire terminal for the down direction. Connect the second lead to a good ground or to the antenna mounting bracket.
3. If the motor will not operate, replace the antenna assembly.
4. If the motor runs freely and the antenna does not extend or retract, the mast or drive assembly is at fault. Remove the mast and verify that all the drive teeth are intact. If not replace mast.
5. If the mast jumps or travel rate is slow during operation or the motor labors.
a. Check for bent mast. If bent replace mast.
b. Check for dirty mast and clean it as necessary If corroded, replace mast.
c. If cleaning the antenna sections does not solve the problem, the antenna mast should be replaced.
6. If mast fails to extend or retract completely, or motor continued to operate after full extension or retraction of mast. Check for broken teeth on the mast drive rod or bent mast.
7. If the mast checks good, the antenna assembly should be replaced.
8. Upon establishing that the fault is in the antenna assembly, it may be traced to one or more of the following conditions:
a. Broken lead-in wire or shielding.
b. Grounded lead-in wire or mast.
c. Moisture in support tube or lead-in assembly
d. Poor connection at antenna lead-in assembly or shielding ground.

Rear Window Antenna

NOTE: Due to a capacitor integral with the coaxial cable, the coax cable can not be tested. The continuity test between the center pin of the coax to the antenna does not apply. An ohm meter check to the center pin of the coaxial cable will falsely indicate an open circuit. The coaxial shield to ground test can be performed. Verify coaxial cable performance by using a known good cable.

Rear Window Antenna Module:

Rear Window Grid Lines And Module:

Before performing any antenna service procedures, verify that Rear Window Defogger is operating properly. If not repair as necessary. Any repairs to either the AM or FM grid should be preformed as in Heated Glass, Grid Line and Terminal Repair.
1. Check that the rear window adhesive does not come in contact with any portion of the grid lines or buss bars. There should be a minimum of 2 mm gap between adhesive and the grid lines or buss bars. If not OK, repair as necessary. If OK, go to Step 2.
2. Check for proper radio coax cable connections at the radio and rear window antenna module. If not OK, repair as necessary. If OK, go to Step 3.
3. Loss of reception on only one band (AM or FM) may indicate a continuity problem on the rear window grids. Test the grid lines with an ohmmeter. If not OK, repair grid lines as necessary. If OK, go to Step 4.
4. Turn the radio and rear window defogger ON position. Using a voltmeter, test for battery voltage at the X60 and C15 circuit terminals of the rear window antenna module wire harness connector. If not OK, check fuses, if fuses are OK, repair wire harness as necessary.
5. Ensure that the rear window defogger ground wire with integral coil in the C-pillar has a good ground.
6. If not OK, repair as necessary. If OK, go to Step 7.

CAUTION: Rear Window Defogger must be in the OFF position

7. Quick check of the module:
- Place the ignition switch in the ACC position with the radio in the ON position on a appropriate station (AM/FM).
- Tune to a AM station
- Using a grounded jumper wire, momentarily short the AM lead to the grid lines.
- There should be an audible CRACKLE through the speakers indicating circuit continuity.
- Tune to a FM station
- Using a grounded jumper wire, momentarily short the FM lead to the grid lines.
- There should be an audible CRACKLE through the speakers indicating circuit continuity.
- If not OK, go to Step 8. If OK, go to Step 9.
8. Using a ohmmeter, check continuity between the module wire connector and:
- AM grid lines
- FM/rear window antenna grid lines
- If not OK, repair necessary. If OK, go to Step 9.
9. If neither AM or FM can be received, use a known good radio and verify. If not OK, use a known good antenna module and verify If OK, either exchange radio or replace antenna module.