How are Radio Antenna Mast issues diagnosed?
Testing a fixed mount antenna for proper operation is as simple as testing that the circuit is fully operational. If the coax cable (like a TV cable) shows any shorting between the different integrated circuits, or the ground or power wires for the antenna have low continuity or high resistance, the harness will be suspected of failure, and further diagnostics will be conducted on the wiring harness. However, if the wiring harness and signal wire (coax) are working properly, the antenna will be replaced as a diagnostic step. If the antenna does not solve the problem, the radio will likely be replaced.
How are Radio Antenna Masts replaced?
Replacing an antenna is as simple as removing a fastener to separate it from the vehicle, and disconnecting the coaxial connection, power wires, and grounding wire. Once the new antenna is connected electronically and coaxially, the antenna can be remounted on the vehicle. For shark fin antennas, those on the roof of the vehicle, the headliner may need to be removed unless there is access to the antenna underneath the rear overhead lighting.
RepairPal Recommendations for Radio Antenna Mast issues
For those who live in rural areas, but still wish to receive AM or FM signals from neighboring cities or towns, aftermarket antennas are available for this purpose, and adapters can be used to transition from the factory connections to the aftermarket connections. Also, radio antenna amplifiers are available, and these are very commonly used for tractor-trailer vehicles two-way communication devices.
What to look out for when dealing with Radio Antenna Mast issues
The battery must be connected in order to test an antenna, so great care should be taken to avoid grounding the antenna to the chassis. This is especially likely in the case of radio antennas because they are always mounted to the body of the vehicle, and the wiring harness will often be left dangling near the body panel from which the antenna protrudes.