Radio Poor Reception

2001 Chevrolet Suburban C1500SECTION Radio Poor Reception
Radio Poor Reception

Step Action Value(s) Yes No
Schematic Reference:  Radio/Audio System Schematics (Up Level Crew Cab)  ,  Radio/Audio System Schematics (Steering Wheel Controls)  ,  Radio/Audio System Schematics (Base Crew Cab)  ,  Radio/Audio System Schematics (Luxury)  ,  Radio/Audio System Schematics (Up Level Pickup)  ,  Radio/Audio System Schematics (Up Level Utilities (w/RSA))  ,  Radio/Audio System Schematics (Up Level Utilities (w/o RSA))  ,  Radio/Audio System Schematics (Base Pickup)  ,  Radio/Audio System Schematics (Base Utilities)  
1 Did you review the Radio/Audio System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? - Go to Step 2  Go to Radio/Audio System Description and Operation 
2
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Turn ON the radio.
  3. Tune the radio to a known strong AM station, then tune to a known strong FM station.
Is the radio reception clear?
- Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems Go to Step 3 
3 Inspect for the following:
  • Radio antenna coaxial cable interconnects for corrosion and proper connection
  • Proper connection at the antenna

Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
- Go to Step 12  Go to Step 4 
4
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  3. Disconnect the radio.
  4. Zero the DMM.
  5. Measure the resistance between the negative battery cable and the radio coaxial ground at the radio.
Is the resistance within the specified value?
Less than
  • 0.135 Ω 5 ft lead-ins
  • 0.160 Ω 13 ft lead-ins
  • 0.185 Ω 20 ft lead-ins
Go to Step 5  Go to Step 6 
5
  1. Grasp the antenna mast.
  2. Monitor the DMM and wiggle the antenna mast.
Does the DMM display intermittent continuity?
- Go to Step 6  Go to Step 7 
6 Inspect the antenna base for a proper connection to the body ground.
Did you find and correct the condition?
- Go to Step 12  Go to Step 8 
7
  1. Remove the radio antenna coaxial lead-in connector from the radio.
  2. Measure the resistance between the radio antenna coaxial lead-in, center conductor, connector and the antenna mast with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.
Is the measured resistance less than the specified values?
RG-58/ RG-59 Coax: 0.2 Ω end to end
RG-62/ RG-62M Coax: 0 .15-0.20 Ω/ft less than 3.5 Ω from end to end
Go to Step 9  Go to Step 10 
8 Inspect the ground connection from the battery negative cable to the body. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
- Go to Step 12  Go to Step 10 
9 Test for continuity between the antenna coaxial cable center conductor and metal case on both ends of the cable.
Did you measure continuity?
- Go to Step 11  Go to Step 10 
10 Inspect the radio antenna coaxial cable interconnects for a poor connection or corrosion. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
- Go to Step 12  Go to Step 11 
11 Repair or replace the radio antenna coaxial cable circuit.
Did you complete the repair or replacement?
- Go to Step 12  -
12 Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
- System OK Go to Audio System Troubleshooting Hints 
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.