Audio; Description; Operation; Antenna Body And Cable Description - Chrysler Dodge Caravan 2002 Manual

8A - 4

AUDIO

ANTENNA BODY AND CABLE

DESCRIPTION

All models use a fixed-length stainless steel rod-
type antenna mast, installed at the right front fender
of the vehicle. The antenna mast is connected to the
center wire of the coaxial antenna cable, and is not
grounded to any part of the vehicle.

OPERATION

To minimize static, the antenna base must have a
good ground. The coaxial antenna cable shield (the
outer wire mesh of the cable) is grounded to the
antenna base and the radio chassis.
The antenna coaxial cable has an additional dis-
connect, located near the right end of the instrument
panel. This additional disconnect allows the instru-
ment panel assembly to be removed and installed
without removing the radio.
The factory-installed Electronically Tuned Radios
(ETRs) automatically compensate for radio antenna
trim. Therefore, no antenna trimmer adjustment is
required or possible when replacing the receiver or
the antenna.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ANTENNA BODY
AND CABLE
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
The ohmmeter test lead connections for each test
are shown in (Fig. 1).
TEST 1
Test 1 determines of the antenna mast is insulated
from the base. Proceed as follows:
(1) Unplug the antenna coaxial cable from the
radio chassis and isolate. Remove the antenna mast.
(2) Connect an ohmmeter test lead to the inside
center of the antenna base. Connect the other test
lead to a metallic portion on the outside of the
antenna base. Check for continuity.
(3) There should be no continuity. If continuity is
found, replace the faulty or damaged antenna base
and cable assembly.
TEST 2
Test 2 checks the antenna for an open circuit as
follows:
ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
Fig. 1 Antenna Test Points
(1) Unplug the antenna coaxial cable connector
from the radio chassis. Remove the antenna mast.
The painted mast prevents measurement directly
through the mast.
(2) Connect an ohmmeter test lead to the inside
center of the antenna base. Connect the other test
lead to the center pin of the antenna coaxial cable
connector.
(3) Continuity should exist (the ohmmeter should
only register a fraction of an ohm). High or infinite
resistance indicates damage to the base and cable
assembly. Replace the faulty base and cable if
required.
TEST 3
Test 3 checks the condition of the ground between
the antenna base and the vehicle body as follows:
(1) Connect one ohmmeter test lead to the fender
on an exposed metal area (paint and e-coat must be
penetrated to obtain continuity). Connect the other
test lead to the outer crimp on the antenna coaxial
cable connector.
(2) The resistance should be less than (1) ohm.
(3) If the resistance is more than (1) ohm, clean
and/or tighten the antenna base to the fender mount-
ing hardware.

REMOVAL

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove glove box from instrument panel,
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE
BOX - REMOVAL).
RS