Radio - Interference On AM Band

89Ford22

RADIO-INTERFERENCE ON AM RADIO BAND

Article No. 89-16-11

FORD: 1988-89 CROWN VICTORIA, TAURUS, THUNDERBIRD

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1988-89 CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, MARK VII, SABLE, TOWN CAR

ISSUE: Radio interference such as ignition noise, a whining sound, or weak reception may occur on the AM radio band. This may be caused by a poor ground connection at the antenna lead-in cable or loose antenna attaching hardware.

ACTION: Check and tighten the antenna mounting hardware by using the following service procedure.

Figure 1:

CONTINENTAL, TOWN CAR, MARK VII ONLY

1. Determine if the antenna connection is the cause of the concern by connecting a jumper from the lead-in cable to the mast housing as shown in figure 1. Do not disconnect the lead-in cable for this test.

2. Listen to the radio for a reduction in interference noise. If a noise reduction is apparent, rework the antenna lead-in cable as described in the following steps.

3. Disconnect the antenna lead-in cable from the mast housing with a twisting motion.

Figure 2:

4. Rework the antenna lead-in connector by bending the brass tangs approximately .060 inches (1.5 mm) away from the body surface, Figure 2. This will improve the electrical contact between the lead-in connector and its mating socket on the mast housing.

5. Reconnect the lead-in cable to the socket in the mast housing.

6. Check the radio for improved performance.

ALL OTHER CARLINES

Check the antenna mounting hardware installation torque using the procedure Section 35-10 of the appropriate Car Shop Manual. The correct torque values are shown in the following Power Antenna Hardware Torque Chart.

POWER ANTENNA HARDWARE TORQUE CHART
TORQUE TORQUE
REQUIRED REQUIRED
VEHICLE (N-m) (in.lbs.)

Continental 3.5 to 5.0 31 to 44
Town Car 5.5 to 8.0 49 to 71
Ford, Mercury 5.5 to 8.0 49 to 71
Thunderbird/Cougar 3.5 to 5.0 31 to 44
Taurus/Sable 3.5 to 5.0 31 to 44
Mark VII 3.5 to 5.0 31 to 44

NOTE: ALL MANUAL ANTENNA MAST TORQUE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL VEHICLES ARE 3.4 TO 3.6 N-m (30 to 32 in.lbs.).

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
891611A Correct Poor Connection At 0.3 Hr.
Antenna Lead-In Cable

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
18813 33
OASIS CODES: 2200