Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Antenna System Test
The length of the antenna coax cable lead-in and antenna body determines the total system ground measurement.
- Disconnect the antenna lead-in connector from the radio receiver.
- Measure the resistance from the negative battery post to the coax outer conductor connector.
- The resistance measured should be as follows:
- Cable less than 5 ft-No more than 0.035 ohm
- Cable 5-13 ft-No more than 0.06 ohm
- Cable 13-20 ft-No more than 0.085 ohm
- Test the following when the resistance is greater than specified:
- Base of the antenna for a poor connection to body ground.
- The coaxial cable interconnects for a poor connection or corrosion.
- Test for an open or high resistance from the battery negative cable to the body. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .
- Do not use black (phosphate-coated) hardware for antenna mounting purposes. This type of fastener is unreliable in making good connections.
- After finding and correcting the condition, operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Perform the Antenna Checking Procedures after confirming the integrity of the antenna ground.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.
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