Audio System - Poor Reception/Volume Fades

Condition
Radio, Premium Sound System, Sound Inconsistent

While listening to the Panasonic Premium 7 radio reception may fade and volume may vary.





91 Off 04 Aug. 22-2006-2012737

Technical Background
1. Due to environmental factors such as weak signal, or multipath condition, static can be heard on the radio. To counteract the static and to improve the customer's reception quality, a Hicut filter has been introduced.
2. Multipath is the reflection of the FM signal caused by a nearby building or other large natural object such as a hill or mountain. The reflection of the signal causes constructive and destructive interference causing static to be heard.
3. Hills and mountains can also cause a loss of field strength. As FM is a line of sight technology, any object that gets between the antenna and the broadcasting tower can cause some loss of signal.
4. Weak or poor stations will also cause the Hicut to occur in areas where the signal is very week.

The FM Hicut filter decreases static heard during short term reception loss and will mute the treble. This action gives the perception of volume loss, reduction in volume, and/or loss of sound quality on FM stations. This function is a normal part of the Panasonic Premium 7 radio. DO NOT replace the radio for this condition. This is caused by a weak signal or other reception issues.

Production Solution
No production change required.

Service
Antenna diagnosis must be made to ensure that vehicle does not encounter any other reception issues. Please follow these steps to verify Antenna performance.

Tip: Window tint may play a large role in the reduction of antenna performance.

Verify Antenna quality by performing Signal check
1. Find a specific test location on parking lot.
2. Go to FM on Radio.
3. Choose a frequency.
4. Connect VAS tester, enter Vehicle Self Diagnostic.
5. Enter Radio.
6. Enter Measuring Value Block.
7. Enter 08 (Antenna Test).
8. Write down Antenna 1 value and Antenna 2 value.
9. Back out of Diag. mode and change the frequency.
10. Repeat 5 through 8.
11. Move car and park another car in the same parking space. (Use a car with the same radio with the same antenna setup)
12. Repeat 2 through 10.
13. Compare results and look for major differences (+/-10). (If differences occur antenna diagnostics must be preformed)

Warranty
Information only.

Required Parts and Tools
No Special Tools required. No Special Parts required. Always see ETKA for the latest part(s) information.