No Traffic Information Or Poor RDS-TMC Reception Or Interference (USA Model)
Navigation System Symptom Troubleshooting - No traffic information or poor RDS-TMC reception or interference
No traffic information or poor RDS-TMC reception or interference (USA models)
NOTE:
- Check the vehicle battery condition first Battery Test.
- Check the connectors for poor connections or loose terminals.
- Check for aftermarket accessories including cell phones and chargers plugged into the vehicle accessory power sockets.
- Check the RDS-TMC reception in an open area. Poor reception/interference can be caused by the following:
- The RDS-TMC station is too far away
- Atmospheric condition are unfavorable
- Tall buildings, mountains, or high-voltage power lines are nearby
- Check any official Honda service website for more service information about the navigation system.
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
2. Check if the RDS-TMC reception/interference is the same in several locations.
Is the reception/interference the same?
YES -
Go to step 3.
NO -
Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.
3. Start the engine.
4. Check if the reception/interference while the engine is running.
Is there noise (static or whine) only with the engine running?
YES -
Check the antenna and audio-navigation unit grounds. If OK, check the charging system and the ignition system.
NO -
Go to step 5.
5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
6. Remove the left D-pillar trim.
7. Check the connections from the RDS-TMC antenna amplifier to the window antenna.
Are there any loose or damaged connections?
YES -
Repair the connections, or substitute a known-good RDS-TMC antenna amplifier RDS-TMC Antenna Amplifier Replacement, and recheck. If the symptom/condition goes away, replace the original RDS-TMC antenna amplifier RDS-TMC Antenna Amplifier Replacement.
NO -
Go to step 8.
8. With the help of an assistant inside the vehicle, have the assistant shine a strong flashlight (A) along each antenna wire (B). Check from the outside of the vehicle for any breaks or openings in the antenna wires (the light shines through any breaks or cuts).
NOTE: It is easier to see the breaks if you do this test in a dark or shaded area.
Are there any breaks or cuts in the antenna?
YES -
Repair the window antenna. Go to Window Antenna Repair Procedures, or replace the left quarter glass Service and Repair if the damaged section is too long.
NO -
Go to step 9.
9. Disconnect the RDS-TMC antenna amplifier 3P connector.
10. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
11. Measure the voltage between RDS-TMC antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.
Is there battery voltage?
YES -
Go to step 16.
NO -
Go to step 12.
12. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
13. Disconnect audio-navigation unit connector L (3P).
14. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector L (3P) terminal No. 1 and RDS-TMC antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 1.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Go to step 15.
NO -
Repair an open in the wire between the audio-navigation unit and the RDS-TMC antenna amplifier. Also check the RDS-TMC antenna lead/sublead connector.
15. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector L (3P) terminal No. 3 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Repair a short to body ground in the wire between the audio-navigation unit and the RDS-TMC antenna amplifier.
NO -
Replace the audio-navigation unit Audio-Navigation Unit Removal/Installation.
16. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
17. Disconnect audio-navigation unit connector L (3P).
18. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector L (3P) terminal No. 1 and RDS-TMC antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 1.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Go to step 19.
NO -
Replace the RDS-TMC antenna lead and/or the sublead.
19. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector L (3P) terminal No. 1 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Replace the RDS-TMC antenna lead and/or the sublead.
NO -
Go to step 20.
20. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector L (3P) terminal No. 2 and RDS-TMC antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 2.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Go to step 21.
NO -
Replace the RDS-TMC antenna lead and/or the sublead.
21. Check for continuity between audio-navigation unit connector L (3P) terminals No. 1 and No. 2.
Is there continuity?
YES -
Replace the RDS-TMC antenna lead and/or the sublead.
NO -
Replace the RDS-TMC antenna amplifier RDS-TMC Antenna Amplifier Replacement, and recheck. If the reception is still poor, replace the audio-navigation unit Audio-Navigation Unit Removal/Installation.