SAAB WIS ONLINE

Radio Poor Reception

Radio Poor Reception

Diagnostic Instructions


• Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

• Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

• Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.


Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit Short to Ground Open/High Resistance Short to Voltage Signal Performance
Radio Antenna Coax B125A 02 B125A 04 1 -
Ground - 1 - -
1. May exhibit possible AM/FM interference.


Circuit/System Description

AM and FM radio reception is dependent on the following components:


• Radio antenna

• Coax cable between the radio antenna and the radio

• Radio


The multi-band antenna is located on the roof of the vehicle. The radio antenna is enabled when the radio is turned on. The radio provides battery voltage to the antenna using the center conductor of the antenna coaxial cable. When a 12 V signal is seen on the center conductor of the antenna coax, both AM and FM signals are amplified.

Diagnostic Aids

Poor AM and FM radio reception is dependent on multiple influences, some of which may not be vehicle related. Areas which have high RF traffic or block the signal path may cause a degradation in radio reception. Radio reception may also be influenced by items within the vehicle, but not part of the radio system. Such examples are aftermarket electrical accessories or other items which may generated noise in the vehicle electrical system.

AM reception is highly dependent on the antenna receiving battery voltage from the radio. The antenna has a built in antenna amplifier that boosts both AM and FM reception. If the antenna does not receive battery voltage, the radio will still receive FM stations but AM stations will not be received.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Radio/Navigation System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Radio/Audio System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference


• Circuit Testing

• Connector Repairs

• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

• Wiring Repairs


Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification


1. Inspect the antenna for proper mounting or physical damage.

2. If damage is found, repair or replace as necessary

3. Radio ON, tune to several known strong FM, AM, and XM (if equipped) stations, and play a known good CD. Verify clear sound from all sources.

4. If audio quality is poor from all sources, refer to Speaker Malfunction .


Circuit/System Testing


1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the radio antenna coax from the A11 radio and from the radio antenna.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the antenna coax center terminal and ground.

3. If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax.

4. Test for less than 5 Ω on the antenna coax center circuit from end to end.

5. If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax.

6. Ignition ON, test for less than 1 V between the antenna coax center terminal and ground.

7. If greater than the specified range, replace the antenna coax.

8. Test for infinite resistance between the coax center terminal and the outer shield.

9. If less than the specified value, replace the antenna coax.

10. Connect the antenna coax to the A11 radio. Test for 12-15 V between the antenna coax center terminal and ground at the radio antenna connector.

11. If not within the specified range, replace the A11 radio.

12. If all circuits test normal, replace the radio antenna.


Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.


• Radio Antenna Base Replacement

• Control Module References for radio replacement, setup, and programming