Canada - Radio - Troubleshooting For Glass Printed Antenna: Overview

Bulletin
TSB0522

Date
October 01, 1996

Market
Canada

Title
TROUBLESHOOTING FOR GLASS PRINTED ANTENNA

Models
'97 - '01 Camry & Avalon

INTRODUCTION:
The following is the troubleshooting method for noise and reception concerns on 1997 Camry and Avalon with a glass printed antenna. Please refer to the appropriate vehicle repair manual and the Audio Diagnosis Manual for other audio troubleshooting.

RECEPTION NOISE:
It is very important to have a good understanding of the customer's complaint because many reception conditions are the result of the characteristics of radio waves themselves. The following are conditions which can not be repaired. Compare to a similar vehicle to confirm that the condition is the same. If it is, explain to the customer that the condition is normal.





AM BAND -





FM BAND -

Check the following when working with poor reception/noise conditions.
- If tint is applied to the rear glass, make sure that it is a nonmetallic tint (metallic tints are reflective) and that the glass antenna imprints were not cut during tint application.
- Make sure that the rear window butyl sealer does not touch the glass antenna imprint as the sealer is slightly conductive and can negatively affect reception performance.
- Check the grounding of the antenna, antenna cable and radio when ignition, turn signal, or alternator whine noise is heard during AM reception.
- Make sure that all noise filters and choke coils are properly installed and any aftermarket products and wiring are not effecting the audio system.
- Check the condition on a station with no signal (off station).

ANTENNA -

Rear Glass Tint -
Metallic tints will negatively affect both AM and FM reception performance of the glass antenna. These tints can be identified by their reflective characteristics. Radio signals are also reflected by the metallic tint preventing the glass antenna from receiving the signals.

Nonmetallic tints will not affect reception performance if they are installed correctly. However, if the installer inadvertently cuts the glass antenna or rear defogger line imprints during tint installation, radio reception performance will be reduced and/or static noise will result.

Butyl Sealer -
The rear glass window is held in place by a butyl sealer. This compound is conductive enough that it can negatively affect reception conditions if it touches the glass antenna or the rear defogger imprints. If any part of the butyl sealer is touching the imprints, carefully cut the excess butyl sealer off the rear glass. Be careful not to damage the imprint as an open circuit in either the glass antenna or the rear defogger imprints can result in poor reception conditions.








CHOKE COIL -





TROUBLESHOOTING NOISE/POOR RECEPTION"