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.
Global Positioning System (GPS) And Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) Antenna
| Refer to COMPONENT INDEX . |
If the vehicle is equipped with satellite audio, a combination antenna for satellite and navigation is used.
The audio system components are designed to provide audio entertainment and information through the reception, tuning and amplification of SDARS broadcast radio signals in markets where it is available.
An antenna is an electrical device which converts electric power to radio waves, and vice versa. It is usually used with a radio transmitter or radio receiver. In transmission, a radio transmitter supplies an electric current oscillating at radio frequency (for example, a high frequency Alternating Current/AC) to the antenna's terminals, and the antenna radiates the energy from the current as electromagnetic waves (radio waves). In reception, an antenna intercepts some of the power of an electromagnetic wave in order to produce a tiny voltage at its terminals, that is applied to a receiver to be amplified.
The combination antenna also receives Global Positioning System (GPS) position data. The combination antenna module is used to provide satellite information for route calculation and vehicle positioning purposes to the navigation unit, which is integral to the radio. The antenna module receives time pulse information from the GPS satellites, then calculates and transmits altitude, latitude, longitude, number of satellites, satellite direction, satellite angle of elevation, direction, signal to noise ratio and accuracy information.
The combination antenna allows the MNO to locate the vehicle using the GPS element in the event the occupant cannot respond with the vehicle location.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.