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Home >> Honda >> 2007 >> Element SC, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Accessories & Equipment >> Infotainment >> Audio System >> Symptom Troubleshooting >> Poor AM Or FM Radio Reception Or Interference (Without XM)

Poor AM Or FM Radio Reception Or Interference (Without XM)

NOTE:
  • Check the vehicle battery condition first (see BATTERY TEST ).
  • Check the radio reception in an open area. Poor reception/interference can be caused by the following:
    • The radio station is far away.
    • A tall building, a mountain, or a high-voltage power line is nearby.
    • Aftermarket window tint.
    • Check for aftermarket accessories including cell phones and chargers plugged into the vehicle accessory power sockets.
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  2. Do SEEK STOP TEST  .

    Is the test vehicle within 10% of the known-good vehicle? 

    YES  - Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.

    NO  - Go to step  3.

  3. Check if the radio reception/interference is the same in several locations.

    Is the reception/interference the same? 

    YES  - Go to step  4.

    NO  - Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.

  4. Check the reception/interference while the engine is running.

    Is there noise with the engine running? 

    YES  - Check the antenna and radio grounds. If OK, check the charging system and the ignition system.

    NO  - Go to step  5.

  5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  6. Check the AM/FM/XM antenna mast for cracks, or other damage. Make sure that the AM/FM/XM antenna mast isn't loose.
    NOTE: Do not use any tools to tighten the AM/FM/XM antenna mast.

    Is there any damage? 

    YES  - Replace the AM/FM/XM antenna mast (see AM/FM/XM ANTENNA REPLACEMENT  ).

    NO  - Go to step  7.

  7. Disconnect the AM/FM antenna 1P connector from the AM/FM antenna.
  8. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  9. Turn on the audio unit.
  10. Measure the voltage between AM/FM/XM antenna 1P connector terminal and body ground.

    Is there battery voltage? 

    YES  - Go to step  15.

    NO  - Go to step  11.

    Fig 1: Measuring Voltage Between AM/FM/XM Antenna 1P Connector Terminal & Body Ground
    G00487505Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  11. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  12. Disconnect audio unit connector A (20P).
    NOTE: Eject all the CDs before removing the audio unit to prevent damaging the CD player's load mechanism.
  13. Check for continuity between audio unit connector A (20P) terminal No. 1 and AM/FM antenna 1P connector terminal.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  - Go to step  14.

    NO  - Repair open in the wire between the audio unit and the AM/FM antenna. Also check the AM/FM antenna lead/sublead connector.

    Fig 2: Checking Continuity Between Audio Unit Connector A (20P) Terminal No. 1 & AM/FM Antenna 1P Connector Terminal
    G00487506Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  14. Check for continuity between audio unit connector A (20P) terminal No. 1 and body ground.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  - Repair short to body ground in the wire between the audio unit and AM/FM antenna.

    NO  - Replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION  ).

    Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between Audio Unit Connector A (20P) Terminal No. 1 & Body Ground
    G00487507Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  15. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  16. Remove the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION  ), and disconnect AM/FM antenna sublead from the radio unit..
  17. Check for continuity between the AM/FM antenna sublead center pin at the audio unit side and the AM/FM antenna lead center pin at the AM/FM antenna side.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  - Go to step  18.

    NO  - Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.

    Fig 4: Checking Continuity Between AM/FM Antenna Sublead Center Pin & AM/FM Antenna Lead Center Pin
    G00487508Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  18. Check for continuity between the AM/FM antenna sublead shield surface of the audio unit side and the AM/FM antenna lead shield surface of the AM/FM antenna side.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  - Go to step  19.

    NO  - Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.

    Fig 5: Checking Continuity Between AM/FM Antenna Sublead Shield Surface & AM/FM Antenna Lead Shield Surface
    G00487508Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  19. Check for continuity between the AM/FM antenna sublead center pin at the audio unit side and the body ground.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  - Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.

    NO  - Go to step  20.

    Fig 6: Checking Continuity Between AM/FM Antenna Sublead Center Pin At Audio Unit Side & Body Ground
    G00487509Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  20. Check for continuity between the AM/FM antenna sublead center pin and the shield surface of the audio unit side.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  - Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.

    NO  - Go to step  21.

    Fig 7: Checking Continuity Between AM/FM Antenna Sublead Center Pin & Shield Surface Of Audio Unit Side
    G00487509Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  21. Substitute a known-good AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead, and check the radio operation.

    Is the reception normal? 

    YES  - Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or sublead.

    NO  - Substitute a known-good AM/FM/XM antenna (see AM/FM/XM ANTENNA REPLACEMENT  ) and recheck. If the reception is still poor, replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION  ).

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