Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Use and Construction of A Noise Sniffer

The noise sniffer can he used along with the vehicle's Radio to locate "hot spots" which are generating Radio noise interference. These "hot spots" can he found in the harnesses, in the upper part of the dash or even between the hood and the windshield. The sniffer can be made from an old piece of antenna lead-in from a mast or power antenna. The longer the lead-in the better. Make the noise sniffer. The 2" section with the black coating and braided shield stripped back becomes the antenna when the sniffer is plugged into the Radio's antenna socket. It can then he used to probe and search out "hot spots."
1. While listening to the complaint noise, disconnect the antenna and plug the sniffer into the antenna socket.
2. Turn the Radio volume up.
3. Search for the noise source, keeping fingers off the 2" probe. When checking for noise on wire, the best results will he achieved when the sniffer is placed parallel to the wire.