Radio - Poor AM Reception/Static
NO: 08-70-94GROUP: Electrical
DATE: Dec. 9, 1994
SUBJECT:
Poor AM Radio Reception/Static
MODELS:
1995 (PL) Neon
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Customer complaint of poor AM radio reception/static.
PARTS REQUIRED:
AR 4661838 Ground Strap (Engine To Fender)
AR 4661932 Ground Strap (Hood Hinge To Body)
AR 4469334 Ground Strap (Engine Mount)
AR 5269216 Antenna Lead To Radio
AR 4798290 Antenna Base & Bracket Assembly Package
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves performing a diagnostic procedure to determine the cause of poor AM radio reception by examining body/engine grounds, antenna installation/connections, speaker connections/operation and radio connections.
NOTE:
POOR AM RECEPTION/STATIC WILL AFFECT ALL SPEAKERS EQUALLY WITH THE SYSTEM EQUALLY BALANCED FRONT TO REAR AND SIDE TO SIDE. AUDIO DIAGNOSTICS WILL NOT BE COVERED IN THIS BULLETIN.
1. Open the hood and secure with hood prop rod.
2. Verify that the engine to fender ground strap is secure. Install P/N 4661838 ground strap if it is damaged or missing.
3. Inspect the hood hinge assemblies and verify that each hood hinge has a ground strap between the hood hinge and body. Install P/N 4661932 ground strap if one is damaged or missing.
4. Unlatch the two clips holding the Power Distribution Center to the battery thermoguard and lift it out of the way. Verify that the engine mount ground strap is secure. Install P/N 4469334 ground strap if damaged or missing.
5. With the hood closed, inspect the antenna mast to see that it is secured to the antenna assembly post. If the mast is loose, remove the mast and apply Mopar Lock N' Seal Adhesive, P/N 4318031, to the threads. Install the mast into the antenna assembly post until the mast bottoms on antenna assembly post.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not start. Do not use the accessory position.
7. Tune the radio to a weak AM station. Pull the antenna mast rearward approximately 30 Degrees and let it whip back an forth and then pull the mast sideways approximately 30 Degrees and let it whip back an forth. If loud static or "popping" sound is heard through the radio speakers, remove the right fender shield and check the antenna bracket mounting screw for proper tightness. If the screw is tight, the antenna base and bracket will have to be replaced, which is covered in Step 9.
8. Remove the right side cowl trim panel and confirm that the antenna cable connector between the antenna lead and radio-to-antenna lead in wire is secure. If static or "popping" sound when the cable leads are wiggled, determine which cable is at fault. If it is the extension cable, replace it with P/N 5269216. If the noise is due to the antenna lead in wire. the antenna base and bracket will have to be replaced. Proceed to the next step.
9. If it was determined in Step 7 or 8 that the antenna base and bracket requires replacement, replace the assembly with P/N 4798290.
NOTE:
DO NOT USE PUSH PINS IN THE BOTTOM TWO HOLES THAT RETAIN THE INNER FENDER SHIELD TO THE FENDER. USE THE TWO SCREWS AND U-NUTS PROVIDED IN THE ANTENNA BASE AND BRACKET PACKAGE.
10. If static or "popping" noise was not heard in the preceding diagnostic procedure, and AM reception is still poor, remove the radio, to examine the rear electrical connections.
11. Confirm the following connections at the rear of the radio.
A) The antenna cable is securely fastened to the radio and the connection is functional. Repair or replace radio-to-antenna lead, P/N 5269216.
B) The radio ground terminal is secure to the radio and the ground circuit to the terminal is functional and the terminal is not spread. Repair as necessary.
C) Confirm that the two 7-way (C209-black and C210-gray) connectors are functional and that the terminals are not pushed out or spread. Repair as necessary.
If items A through C check out okay, remove the radio and exchange it through the Mopar Authorized Service Centers.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No:
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part