Radio reception: how to access wires?
Thread Starter
Joined: 07-22-2016
Posts: 7
From: VA
Radio reception: how to access wires?
Hello,
I see radio reception is a common problem, and this seems to be a way to fix it:
I have bad FM reception on 2009 LT,wich got worse over time. As far as I know, it's a stock radio (I bought it used). Now I need to get behind the visor and kick panel, but how? I could not find any videos or even pictures with instructions
TBH, I thought kick panel is on the door, but one of the images suggested it is on the outside wall of the passenger side, across from the interior fuse box.
I also noticed static electricity builds up and shocks me as i exit the car, I suspect a ground fault somewhere. Finally, my passenger side power window button is not reliable, can it all be related?
Thank you!
I see radio reception is a common problem, and this seems to be a way to fix it:
I would check for a secure antenna and no rust between the base and the antenna pole. Also this TSB might help.
#PIC4525A: Poor Radio Reception / Intermittent Signal - keywords headliner int inop inoperative low pinched screw short static STG sun visor volume weak wire - (Aug 24, 2007)
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:
A condition has been identified that may cause poor radio reception or loss of radio signal intermittently or the RDO fuse (15amp) to be blown. The cause may be the B+ power feed wire (that supplies power to the antenna Amplifier) being pinched at the right sun visor attachment. This circuit has also been reported to be shorted at the PASSENGER side lower kick panel area.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If you experience any of the above conditions, check for a short to ground at the sun visor/lower passenger kick panel.
There is also a reprogram for bad reception per this TSB: #06-08-44-016C: Poor Audio Quality When Listening to AM or FM Radio (Reprogram Radio)
#PIC4525A: Poor Radio Reception / Intermittent Signal - keywords headliner int inop inoperative low pinched screw short static STG sun visor volume weak wire - (Aug 24, 2007)
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:
A condition has been identified that may cause poor radio reception or loss of radio signal intermittently or the RDO fuse (15amp) to be blown. The cause may be the B+ power feed wire (that supplies power to the antenna Amplifier) being pinched at the right sun visor attachment. This circuit has also been reported to be shorted at the PASSENGER side lower kick panel area.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If you experience any of the above conditions, check for a short to ground at the sun visor/lower passenger kick panel.
There is also a reprogram for bad reception per this TSB: #06-08-44-016C: Poor Audio Quality When Listening to AM or FM Radio (Reprogram Radio)
TBH, I thought kick panel is on the door, but one of the images suggested it is on the outside wall of the passenger side, across from the interior fuse box. I also noticed static electricity builds up and shocks me as i exit the car, I suspect a ground fault somewhere. Finally, my passenger side power window button is not reliable, can it all be related?
Thank you!
Thread Starter
Joined: 07-22-2016
Posts: 7
From: VA
Little more info:
reception is better if nothing is plugged in to 12v outlet. I checked different phone chargers and both outlets - same result. I suspect there is a common ground for these 2 circuits.. how do I check?
reception is better if nothing is plugged in to 12v outlet. I checked different phone chargers and both outlets - same result. I suspect there is a common ground for these 2 circuits.. how do I check?
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Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/%22h...ound+locations
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/%22h...ight=headliner
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...ight=headliner
The kick panels are the plastic panels that the driver or passenger might kick with their foot, i.e. the interior panels in front of the door openings.
Most of the plastic panels are attached with "tab a into slot a" type things, if you can see a screw remove it.
Are you new to cars? Static shocks have nothing to do with vehicle electrical system grounds, only that it means the piece of the car you touch is grounded. Static comes from friction between certain materials making a postive potential which is discharged to a ground.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/%22h...ight=headliner
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...ight=headliner
The kick panels are the plastic panels that the driver or passenger might kick with their foot, i.e. the interior panels in front of the door openings.
Most of the plastic panels are attached with "tab a into slot a" type things, if you can see a screw remove it.
Are you new to cars? Static shocks have nothing to do with vehicle electrical system grounds, only that it means the piece of the car you touch is grounded. Static comes from friction between certain materials making a postive potential which is discharged to a ground.
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