Collision Repair Training | Australia
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Collision Repair Training | Australia
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Current Events/News: Advantage Online: 2006 Archives
SATELLITE RADIO
More and more vehicles on the road today are being equipped with a satellite radio system (see Figure 1). This advanced entertainment system may present new challenges when doing damage analysis and repairs. Satellite radio is commercial-free, digital radio, delivered via satellite. A service fee is required in order to receive satellite radio service. Currently there are two satellite radio service providers. Look for the XM® or Sirius® logo to help determine if a vehicle is equipped with a satellite radio system. Each company has its own service and satellites. Satellite radios are available as aftermarket retrofit or factory-installed systems. According to the XM web site, General Motors of Canada factory-installs XM radios in more than 50 of its 2006 models. Antennas A satellite radio system uses a separate antenna. These systems may use a micro-coaxial cable (see Figure 2), which may be located under the backlite molding. The digital radio antenna on a 2006 Cadillac DTS is located on the roof. The antenna signal circuit is a coaxial cable that carries the radio signal information received by the antenna. The antenna cable also provides a path for DC current for powering the antenna. Extent of Damage Damage to a satellite radio system may include severed or pinched cables, a disconnected or damaged antenna, or damaged or missing speakers. If the system is factory installed, determining the extent of damage may include following a diagnostic flowchart. Following a flowchart will likely require that the vehicle be located outside with the system engaged, and a clear, unobstructed area to allow the best possible signal reception. Replacing Parts Satellite radio parts are replaced, not repaired. Fortunately, most parts are available separately. A severed micro-coaxial cable should not be spliced because the RF signal would be weakened. GM states that basecoat or clearcoat should not be applied to the digital radio antenna (see Figure 3). Doing so will damage the function of the antenna, causing poor reception or loss of signal reception. System Testing Example An example of a procedure for testing a satellite radio is for the 2007 Cadillac STS satellite radio system. A GM Digital Radio Test Antenna (part number EL-48028) is required for the procedure. With the ignition OFF, the antenna coaxial cable is disconnected from the radio receiver. The test antenna is connected to the receiver. Next, the ignition is turned ON, the radio is turned on, and the satellite radio system tuned. If there is no reception, the receiver must be replaced. To test the coaxial antenna cable, with the ignition OFF, the receiver antenna is disconnected from the coaxial cable. The resistance of the antenna coaxial cable center conductor is then tested from end to end. If the resistance is greater than 5 ohms, the antenna coaxial cable must be replaced. The resistance of the antenna coaxial cable outer shield is also tested from end to end. Again, if the resistance is greater than 5 ohms, the antenna coaxial cable is replaced. Finally, the resistance of the antenna coaxial cable is tested between the center conductor and the outer conductor. There should be infinite resistance between both conductors. If there is less than infinite resistance between the inner conductor and the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, the antenna coaxial cable is replaced. If the coaxial cable tests normal, the digital radio antenna must be replaced. Conclusion Advanced entertainment systems such as satellite radio may present new challenges when doing collision damage analysis and repairs. Knowing how a satellite system operates can help determine the source of the problem and what steps need to be taken to return the system to satisfactory operation. Want to learn more? The following I-CAR training program(s) were mentioned in the above article:
Click on any of the above links or visit the I-CAR home page at www.i-car.com, utilize the “Quick Class Search” function by entering your ZIP/Postal Code, and find an I-CAR Live training program or qualification test near you! Don’t see the program you want in your area? Simply complete a “class request form” at the bottom of the search results page.
For comments or suggestions on the Advantage Online, please contact I-CAR Senior Instructional Designer Bob Jansen at bob.jansen@i-car.com.
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