Antenna Coaxial Cable Testing: Notes

2006 Chevrolet Chevy Express G2500, Van Cargo, 6.6 2SECTION Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Use the appropriate chart and diagram to test the antenna coaxial cable resistances for the antenna system on the vehicle. Refer to the table when testing the antenna and/or lead-in cable.

Fig 1: Identifying Mast Antenna System Components
GM782084Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Callout Component Name
1 Negative Battery Cable
2 Coaxial Cable Conductor - Radio End
3 Coaxial Cable Metal Outer Shield - Radio End
4 Coaxial Cable Metal Outer Shield - Antenna End
5 Coaxial Cable Conductor - Antenna End
6 Antenna Base
7 Antenna Mast
8 Antenna Coaxial Cable
Radio Poor Reception

Ohmmeter Probes At Points Resistance Measured In Ohms
1 and 3 Less than 0.2
1 and 4 Less than 0.2
1 and 6 Less than 0.2
1 and 2 Infinite
1 and 5 Infinite
1 and 7 Infinite
2 and 3 Infinite
2 and 4 Infinite
2 and 6 Infinite
3 and 4 Less than 0.2
3 and 6 Less than 0.2
3 and 5 Infinite
3 and 7 Infinite
IMPORTANT: Always zero out the DMM before taking a resistance measurement in order to ensure an accurate reading.
  1. Measure the resistance from the coax center conductor to antenna mast, ohmmeter probes at points 2 and 7.
  2. Total resistance from end to end of center conductor, ohmmeter probes at points 2 and 5:
    • RG-58/RG-59 type cable-Less than 0.20 ohms per foot
    • RG-62/RG-62M type cable-Less than 3.5 ohms per foot
  3. When checking the resistance, cautiously wiggle the lead-in tip and cable. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .
  4. Replace the antenna and/or lead-in cable when the above readings are not obtained. Refer to Fixed Antenna ReplacementΒ  or Antenna Cable ReplacementΒ  for service procedure.
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