Antenna Coaxial Cable Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Aztek and 2003 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Use the appropriate chart and diagram to test the antenna coaxial cable resistances for the antenna system on the vehicle. Refer to the table when testing the antenna and/or lead-in cable.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Mast Antenna System (Manual)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Testing Antenna For Poor Reception (Manual)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Always zero out the DMM before taking a resistance measurement in order to ensure an accurate reading.

Measure the resistance from the coax center conductor to antenna mast, ohmmeter probes at points 2 and 7.
Total resistance from end to end of center conductor-ohmmeter probes at points 2 and 5:
- RG-58/RG-59 type cable - less than 0.20 ohms per foot
- RG-62/RG-62M type cable - less than 3.5 ohms per foot
When checking the resistance, cautiously wiggle the lead-in tip and cable. Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT AND POOR CONNECTIONS .
Replace the antenna and/or lead-in cable when the above readings are not obtained. Refer to ANTENNA CABLE REPLACEMENT for service procedure.