Inadequate Radio Reception (65 06 97)

Publication date: 1997-11-01
Reference number: 65 06 97

INADEQUATE RADIO RECEPTION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 65 06 97, Date of Issue: November, 1997

BMW:	E31, E38, E39, E36 except compact
GROUP:	65 - Sound System, Cruise, Alarms, Monitors

SUBJECT

Inadequate Radio Reception

SITUATION

Inadequate radio reception can be experienced in all tuning frequencies.

CAUSE

Due to high mechanical loading, the internal conductor of the antenna cable may be interrupted at the connection point in the antenna angled plug on the radio.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

E31, E38, E39, E36 except compact.

Manufacturing period: 11 /96 to 04/97

CORRECTION

In case of a verified customer complaint, install a new antenna angled plug.

At the end of April 1997 an optimized antenna cable was introduced in production. It can be identified by a round raised edge on the antenna angled plug (radio connection). The edge is intended to facilitate easy removal.

PROCEDURE

In case of customer complaints regarding radio reception, locate a local FM radio station with good reception for the purpose of troubleshooting. If the quality of the reception is unsatisfactory (for this or another FM station), it is possible that the internal conductor of the antenna lead is broken.

When the antenna angled plug is identified as the cause, it should be cut out from the antenna cable, and the new plug should be installed as follows:

Carefully remove the insulation from the antenna cable (dimensions shown in Fig 1 are in mm) and brush back the copper shield.

Fig 1: Insulation Removal From Antenna Cable

Keep the shield separated from the Internal conductor to avoid the danger of shorting.

Form a loop on the internal conductor. See Fig 2 .

Fig 2: Forming Loop In Internal Conductor

IMPORTANT: Carefully cover all areas adjacent to a soldering area in order to protect the interior of the vehicle from splatter.

Use a soldering iron to tin-plate the terminal plate on the antenna angled plug and the exposed internal conductor.

While another technician holds the cable and connector, using a small soldering iron (1) (max. 50 W) and suitable soldering tip, solder the internal conductor to the center connection of the antenna angled plug. See Fig 3 .

Fig 3: Soldering Internal Conductor To Plug

Move the insulation on the antenna lead slightly towards the soldering point and ensure that the loop is correctly positioned. It must not come into contact with the external metal housing of the plug.

Then, using the manual crimping tool (1) crimp the cable guide and strain relief element together. See Fig 4 .

Fig 4: Crimping Cable Guide & Strain Relief

IMPORTANT: Prior to crimping, again check that the shield copper mesh is correctly positioned.

- Then clip the black cap over the antenna angled plug.

- Check the electrical connection from the internal conductor to the shield. There should be no electrical connection between the internal conductor and the shield.

- Once the radio is installed, carry out a reception test as described above.

During the procedure, use the manual crimping tool, P/N 90 88 6 619 041, and the crimping jaws, P/N 90 88 6 619 044, distributed to you through the Automatic Tool Shipment Program.

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number	Description	Qty.
90 88 6 652 400	Cable end (5/pack)	1

WARRANTY STATUS

Warranty Covered under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Model	Defect Code	Labor Operation	Labor Allowance
E31, E36, E38	65 23 90 66 00	00 51 277 - Installing the antenna angled plug	8 FRU
E39	65 23 90 66 00	00 51 277 - Installing the antenna angled plug	9 FRU
Sublet Allowance: 1 angled antenna end connector (out of pack of 5) - $2.00