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Poor AM Or FM Radio Reception Or Interference (Without Navigation With 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 3P connector terminal No. 3 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 3P Connector Terminal No. 3 & Body Ground
    G00487489Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  11. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  12. Disconnect audio unit connector E (3P).
  13. Check for continuity between audio unit connector E (3P) terminal No. 3 and AM/FM/XM antenna 3P connector terminal No. 3.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  - Go to step  14.

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

    Fig 2: Checking Continuity Between Audio Unit Connector E (3P) Terminal No. 3 & AM/FM/XM Antenna 3P Connector Terminal No. 3
    G00487490Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  14. Check for continuity between audio unit connector E (3P) terminal No. 3 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 E (3P) Terminal No. 3 & Body Ground
    G00487491Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  15. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  16. Disconnect audio unit connector E (3P).
  17. Check for continuity between audio unit connector E (3P) terminal No. 1 and AM/FM/XM antenna 3P connector terminal No. 1.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  - Go to step  18.

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

    Fig 4: Checking Continuity Between Audio Unit Connector E (3P) Terminal No. 1 & AM/FM/XM Antenna 3P Connector Terminal No. 1.
    G00487492Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  18. Check for continuity between audio unit connector E (3P) terminal No. 1 and body ground.

    Is there continuity? 

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

    NO  - Go to step  19.

    Fig 5: Checking Continuity Between Audio Unit Connector E (3P) Terminal No. 1 & Body Ground
    G00487493Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  19. Check for continuity between audio unit connector E (3P) terminal No. 2 and AM/FM/XM antenna 3P connector terminal No. 2.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  - Go to step  20.

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

    Fig 6: Checking Continuity Between Audio Unit Connector E (3P) Terminal No. 2 & AM/FM/XM Antenna 3P Connector Terminal No. 2
    G00487494Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  20. Check for continuity between audio unit connector E (3P) terminals No. 1 and No. 2.

    Is there continuity? 

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

    NO  - Go to step  21.

    Fig 7: Checking Continuity Between Audio Unit Connector E (3P) Terminals No. 1 & No. 2
    G00487504Courtesy 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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