Pinpoint Test B: Poor Reception
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- B1 CHECK THE ANTENNA CABLE CONNECTIONS
- Key in OFF position.
- Check the antenna connections.
- Are the connections clean, secure, and in metal-to-metal contact?
- Yes : GO to B2.
- No : CLEAN or SECURE the antenna cable connections as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- B2 CHECK THE SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT
- Check all necessary suppression equipment, the radio frequency interference suppression bond, and the radio receiver hood bonding strap for security, cleanliness, and metal-to-metal contact.
- Are the contacts clean, secure, and in metal-to-metal contact?
- Yes : GO to B3.
- No : INSTALL new missing radio frequency interference suppression bonds and related equipment, or CLEAN and SECURE the connections as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- B3 CHECK THE MOUNTING AND CONNECTING CIRCUITS NOTE: The capacitor mounting points are used to complete the electrical circuit and must be mounted securely to clean surfaces.
- Check the mounting and connecting circuits of the radio ignition interference capacitor(s) for security, cleanliness, and metal-to-metal contact.
- Are the contacts clean, secure, and in metal-to-metal contact?
- Yes : GO to B4.
- No : CLEAN or SECURE the connections as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- B4 CHECK THE RADIO IGNITION INTERFERENCE CAPACITOR(S) AND GENERATOR
- Check the operation of the radio ignition interference capacitor(s) by substituting them with known good component(s).
- Check the generator by disconnecting the voltage regulator.
- Key in ON position.
- Verify the operation of the audio unit.
- Is the noise eliminated?
- Yes : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to B5.
- B5 CHECK THE IGNITION CIRCUITS
- Key in OFF position.
- Check the ignition circuits for correct routing, grounding, and security of connections.
- Are the circuits OK?
- Yes : GO to B6.
- No : REPAIR the circuits as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- B6 CHECK IGNITION SYSTEM
- Test the ignition system. See INTRODUCTION - GASOLINE article .
- Is the ignition system OK?
- Yes : GO to B7.
- No : REPAIR the ignition system as necessary. REFER to ENGINE IGNITION - 5.4L AND 6.8L (3V) . TEST the system for normal operation.
- B7 CHECK THE AUDIO UNIT MOUNTING POINTS
- Check the audio unit mounting points for security, cleanliness, and metal-to-metal contact.
- Are the mounting points clean, secure, and in metal-to-metal contact?
- Yes : GO to B8.
- No : CLEAN or SECURE the connections as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- B8 SUBSTITUTE THE ANTENNA CABLE
- Key in OFF position.
- Substitute a known good antenna cable. Refer to ANTENNA .
- Key in ON position.
- Verify the operation of the audio unit.
- Is the noise eliminated?
- B9 SUBSTITUTE AUDIO UNIT
- Key in OFF position.
- Substitute a known good audio unit. Refer to AUDIO UNIT .
- Key in ON position.
- Verify the operation of the audio unit.
- Is the noise eliminated?
- Yes : SEND the original audio unit to an authorized repair facility. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
- No : INSTALL the original audio unit. USE a jumper cable to ground various parts of the vehicle to the frame (for example, the engine, fenders, quarter panels, stone deflectors, engine air cleaner or body sheet metal). When the noise is eliminated, PROVIDE a permanent ground where necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.