Poor AM Or FM Radio Reception Or interference (With Navigation)
Symptom Troubleshooting: Poor AM or FM radio reception or interference
Poor AM or FM radio reception or interference (with navigation)
NOTE:
- Check the vehicle battery condition first.
- Check for aftermarket accessories including cell phones and chargers plugged into the vehicle accessory power sockets.
- Check the connectors for poor connections or loose terminals.
- Check the radio reception in an open area. Compare it to a known-good vehicle whenever possible. Poor reception/interference can be caused by the following:
- The radio station is far away.
- Atmospheric conditions are unfavorable.
- Tall buildings, mountains, or high-voltage power lines are nearby.
- Aftermarket metallic window tint.
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
2. Do the seek stop test. Sound Quality Diagnosis - Seek Stop Test
Is the test vehicle within 10 % of the known-good vehicle?
YES - Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.
NO - Go to step 3.
3. Check if the radio reception/interference is the same in several locations.
Is the reception/interference the same?
YES - Go to step 4.
NO - Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.
4. Start the engine.
5. Check the reception/interference.
Is there noise (static or whine) only with the engine running?
YES - Check the antenna and radio grounds. If OK, check the charging system and the ignition system.
NO - Go to step 6.
6. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
7. Remove the right side C-pillar trim. Interior Trim Removal/Installation - C-Pillar Trim
8. Check the connections from the AM/FM antenna amplifier to the window antenna.
Are there any loose or damaged connections?
YES - Repair the connections, or substitute a known-good AM/FM antenna amplifier and retest. If the symptom/condition goes away, replace the original AM/FM antenna amplifier. Service and Repair
NO - Go to step 9.
9. With the help of an assistant inside the vehicle, have the assistant shine a flashlight (A) along each antenna wire (B). Check from the outside of the vehicle for any breaks or openings in the antenna wires (the light shines through).
Are there any breaks or cuts in the antenna?
YES - Repair the window antenna. Go to AM/FM antenna repair Procedures, or replace the rear window Rear Window Replacement (2-Door) if the damaged section is too long.
NO - Go to step 10.
10. Remove the navigation unit. Service and Repair Check that the antenna lead is properly connected.
Is it connected properly?
YES - Go to step 11.
NO - Reconnect the connector, and recheck the function.
11. Disconnect the AM/FM antenna lead 3P connector from the AM/FM antenna amplifier. Service and Repair
12. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
13. Turn on the navigation unit.
14. Measure the voltage between AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.
Is there battery voltage?
YES - Go to step 19.
NO - Go to step 15.
15. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
16. Disconnect navigation unit connector G (3P).
17. Check for continuity between AM/FM antenna amplifier connector (3P) terminal No. 3 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES - Repair short to body ground in the wire between the navigation unit and the AM/FM antenna amplifier.
NO - Go to step 18.
18. Check for continuity between navigation unit connector G (3P) terminal No. 3 and AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 3.
Is there continuity?
YES - Substitute a known-good navigation unit Service and Repair, and recheck.
NO - Repair open in the wire between the navigation unit and the AM/FM antenna amplifier.
19. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
20. Disconnect navigation unit connector G (3P).
21. Check for continuity between navigation 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 22.
22. Check for continuity between navigation unit connector G (3P) terminals No. 1 and No. 2.
Is there continuity?
YES - Replace the antenna lead and/or sublead.
NO - Go to step 23.
23. Check for continuity between navigation unit connector G (3P) terminal No. 2 and AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 2.
Is there continuity?
YES - Replace the antenna lead and/or sublead.
NO - Go to step 24.
24. Check for continuity between navigation unit connector G (3P) terminal No. 1 and AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 1.
Is there continuity?
YES - Replace the AM/FM antenna amplifier Service and Repair, and recheck. If the reception is still poor, replace the navigation unit. Service and Repair
NO - Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.
