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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2002 >> Blazer 4D Utility, 4WD, Part Time >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1479 (Entertainment System) >> Diagnostic Information and Procedures >> Radio Poor Reception >> Antenna Checking Procedures >> Mast Antennas

Mast Antennas

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Unplug antenna lead-in connector from radio receiver and plug a test antenna into radio. Make sure antenna base is grounded to the vehicle chassis and keep hands off the mast.

Check radio reception in an area away from electrical interferences. Tune to several weak and strong AM and FM stations. If the radio reception improved, the problem exists with the antenna and/or lead-in cable. If the reception is still poor, Refer to Audio System Troubleshooting Hints .

IMPORTANT: Always zero out the DMM before taking a resistance measurement in order to ensure an accurate reading.
Fig 1: Identifying Mast Antenna System Components
GM782084Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Callout Component Name
1 Negative Battery Cable
2 Coaxial Cable Conductor - Radio End
3 Coaxial Cable Metal Outer Shield - Radio End
4 Coaxial Cable Metal Outer Shield - Antenna End
5 Coaxial Cable Conductor - Antenna End
6 Antenna Base
7 Antenna Mast
8 Antenna Coaxial Cable
Radio Poor Reception

Ohmmeter Probes At Points Resistance Measured In Ohms
1 and 3 Less than 0.2
1 and 4 Less than 0.2
1 and 6 Less than 0.2
1 and 2 Infinite
1 and 5 Infinite
1 and 7 Infinite
2 and 3 Infinite
2 and 4 Infinite
2 and 6 Infinite
3 and 4 Less than 0.2
3 and 6 Less than 0.2
3 and 5 Infinite
3 and 7 Infinite

Refer to the table when testing the antenna and/or lead-in cable.

  1. Measure the resistance from the coax center conductor to antenna mast.
  2. Total resistance from end to end of center conductor:
    • RG-58/RG-59 type cable - less than 0.20 Ω
    • RG-62/RG-62M type cable - less than 3.5 Ω
  3. When checking the resistance, cautiously wiggle the lead-in tip and cable. Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS AND POOR CONNECTIONS in Wiring Systems.
  4. Measure the resistance from the cable center conductor to metal case.
  5. Replace the antenna and/or lead-in cable when the above readings are not obtained.