128keaton

Hey all, working on my 1993 again, having issues with my radio, antenna and I think the 12V cigarette lighter. I think all issues stem from a bad ground somewhere. Where would the ground cable for the 12V accessory line be located? Also, my antenna motor is no longer working, I wonder if the antenna cable is disconnected, as that could definitely cause staticy radio.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Does your radio turn on and off when you hit bumps ??

Bad ground it most likely would not work at all In any case the ground for the radio is behind the left kick panel .

You are using the factory harness for the radio if not no telling where it might be grounded.

Disconnected antenna coax cable might cause static

Do you have static with engine running and shut off??

Your static may be coming from an external source.

128keaton

Kick panel? On the driver's door? I am using, as far as I know, the stock radio harness. An aftermarket alarm system was installed by the dealer when it was purchased new. Going over bumps sometimes causes the static to go away or come back again, and it doesn't matter wether the engine is on or off. I'm thinking now its the antenna, not surprised either, its pretty loose. I'll gently disassemble the antenna and it's motor to see if anything stands out. It just might need a good cleaning and rust removal. Thanks for the insight Wy, much appreciated.

scope103

Static like that is almost certainly an open ground in the antenna wire. The ground usually comes from the crimped-on connector, that connects to the case of the radio itself. If the ground to the engine frame opened, the radio would shut off, so if the radio runs but with static you need to look at the input.

Alternately, if the antenna lead itself is disconnected, say at the antenna, then you might be cranking up the volume in order to get anything, and you're picking up atmospheric static.

Pulling the antenna unit isn't too hard, but I'd suggest you get the correct tool to remove the bushing that holds it to the fender. Yes, you can jam a screwdriver in there and mess with it, but you stand a pretty good chance of chewing up the visible chrome.

128keaton

Thanks, I was going to do this. As for the chrome, its already loose, I can use my fingers

scope103

Ya still gotta put it back on ...

128keaton

Hmm.yes. I'll order when the paycheck comes in. [YOUTUBE] [/YOUTUBE]That is what the static sounds like BTW.

tj884Rdlx

You could Try plugging in a manual antenna at the back of the radio. While holding the antenna in your hand. If all problems clear up you know pwr antenna internally is toast. If problem does not clear up, THEN put that antenna in contact with the body, grounding it. If all problems clear up, you know your pwr antenna has lost its ground. Ground it. If no change with new antenna, you must have radio fault.

Manual antenna easy to source and return if necessary. Just a suggestion if you're having trouble getting to the bottom of this.

128keaton

Thanks, if I can't find a local one, I'll jury rig my own. Just with experimentation, I believe moisture has gotten between the antenna connection and its ground. The chrome ring and seal was already real loose, so I imagine it wasn't sealing much of anything.