Radio - AM Station Switching, Cross Talk or Overload
File In Section: 9 - AccessoriesBulletin No.: 83-96-07
Date: October, 1998
Subject:
AM Station Switching on Strong Local Stations, "Cross Talk" or "Overload" (Install In-Line Antenna Jumper)
Models:
1998-99 Buick Century, LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal
1998-99 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1999 Oldsmobile Alero
1998-99 Pontiac Grand Prix with Rear Window Antenna System
Condition
Some customers may comment on switching between local stations or cross talk in metropolitan areas with several strong AM stations. They may also report a high pitched whine when close to high tension power lines. Reception is normal when outside metropolitan areas or in rural areas. This condition occurs only with the rear window antenna system.
This is NOT a poor reception, static or fringe area/weak station issue. It should only occur with the rear window antenna system, not with a fixed mast or power antenna.
Cause
Vehicles with the rear window antenna system may experience cross modulation from multiple strong local stations. This is also referred to as AM cross talk or overload.
This condition will be corrected early in the 1999 model year with internal changes to the radio.
Correction
1. Test drive the vehicle to determine if the condition can be duplicated. If it can, unplug the antenna from the rear of the radio and TEMPORARILY PLUG IN a fixed mast test antenna. Test the vehicle again and determine if the condition is corrected. If it is, proceed to Step 2. If it is not, use normal radio diagnostics to determine the cause.
2. Remove the radio and add an in-line antenna jumper with Internal suppression (P/N 09369442), This jumper plugs into the radio and the antenna plugs into the jumper.
Important:
Plug the jumper only into the back of the radio. Adding the jumper at any other point in the antenna system will lower the effectiveness of the fix.
Adding this jumper WILL NOT correct any radio noise conditions, nor improve any other AM or FM reception condition except the specific condition listed above. This jumper changes the impedance of the antenna and may actually result in a slight degradation in fringe area performance.
Parts Information
P/N Description
09369442 Cable Assembly, Radio Antenna Jumper
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Use Trouble Code 93