GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

Important: Electronic modules with an undiagnosed problem may cause Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). An EMI condition may cause radio reception interference.

To test for the presence of EMI in a module, systematically disconnect the electronic module connectors one at a time (turn the ignition switch to OFF before disconnecting each module) and note any improvement in radio reception. Do Not disconnect the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

1

Did you review the Radio/Audio System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Entertainment

2

Verify that the radio has poor reception.

Does the radio operate normally?

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Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Verify the customer's complaint with the station(s) that are normally received in your area.
  2. Compare the complaint vehicle with a similar vehicle in the same locations that the concern is observed.

Does the radio reception of both vehicles perform the same?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Explain to customer the normal operation of the radio observed in both vehicles.

Is the explanation complete?

--

System OK

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5

  1. Move vehicle outside away from any electrical interference such as electric motors, fluorescent lighting etc.
  2. Disconnect the coaxial cable from the radio.
  3. Temporarily mount a test antenna to the vehicle.
  4. Ground the antenna base and test the ground with a DMM before plugging the coax into the radio.
  5. Connect the coaxial cable.
  6. Do not hold the antenna in your hand.
  7. Turn radio on and tune to a strong radio station.

Does the reception improve?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the Antenna assembly. Refer to Radio Antenna Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 23

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7

Inspect for aftermarket wiring. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems.

Is any aftermarket wiring present?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

8

Temporarily disconnect aftermarket wiring (both the battery and ground connections.

Does the radio reception improve?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9

Remove the aftermarket wiring.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 21

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10

Compare the radio reception with the ignition switch in the following positions:

    • ACC
    • ON (engine not running)
    • ON (engine running)

Does the radio reception change with the key in the ON position (engine not running) or in the ON position (engine running)?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 13

11

Was the radio reception degraded with the ignition key in the ON position (engine not running)?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

12

Was the radio reception degraded with the ignition key in the ON position (engine running)?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 15

13

Test for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) - (See Important).

Was an EMI condition found in an electronic module?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

14

Replace the faulty module.

Has the radio reception improved?

--

System OK

Go to Step 15

15

Using J 39200 set to measure AC voltage, connect the positive lead to the negative battery terminal and the negative lead of the DMM to a non-painted surface in the engine compartment.

Is the AC voltage less than the specified value?

25 mV

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

16

Repair the poor ground condition in one or more of the following ground connections:

    • G100
    • G101
    • G102
    • G103
    • G104
    • G105

Refer to Harness Routing Views in Wiring Systems for locations.

Is the repair(s) complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

17

Using J 39200 set to measure AC voltage, connect the positive lead to the negative battery terminal and the negative lead to a non-painted surface of the A-pillar.

Is the AC voltage less than the specified value?

25 mV

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 18

18

Repair the poor ground condition in one or more of the following ground connections:

    • G200
    • G201
    • G202

Refer to Harness Routing Views in Wiring Systems for locations.

Is the repair(s) complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

19

Using J 39200 set to measure AC voltage, connect the positive lead to the Negative battery terminal and the negative lead to a non-painted surface in the rear door.

Is the AC voltage less than the specified value?

25 mV

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 20

20

Repair the poor ground condition at one or more of the following ground connections:

    • G400
    • G401

Refer to Harness Routing Views in Wiring Systems for locations.

Is the repair(s) complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

21

Has the radio reception improved?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 22

22

Replace the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 23

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23

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3