How to test if problem is the radio or antenna? (EP 20)

Рет қаралды 262,348

UncleMarks DIY Automotive Fix it channel

6 жыл бұрын

My radio has very poor reception so I figure out which part is the problem.
If this checks out, also try unbolting and reattaching antenna to fender since ground between antenna and fender might be at fault.
Published Aug 25, 2020
☕🍩 If this video helped you & you would like to make a modest donation to the channel, why not buy me some coffee & donuts? paypal.me/unclemarksdiyauto?l... 🍩 ☕
(Paid link):
🛒 USA Amazon product link:
Cheap digital multi meter: amzn.to/3vOzRbp or amzn.to/2OMKUBD
📓 Auto repairs for dummies: amzn.to/3cjh6Fw
🤷 Haynes repair manual 2004 Kia Rio: N/A
🤷 Chilton repair manual 2004 Kia Rio: N/A
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
⚠️-Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of unclemark, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Unclemark assumes no liability for property damage or injury occurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use of this information is at your own risk. Unclemark recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools, lifting tools, jacks and or jack stands, chemicals and or lubricants or anything else seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of unclemark, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or lost that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not of unclemark.
🛒 -Links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are a endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product.
🔧-You should consult a qualified mechanic for your repairs. Statements made in this video are not intended as mechanical advice.

Пікірлер: 145

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

Check out my other Kia Rio videos in this series! 🔶 kzfaq.info/sun/PLgeVnQRQkbzBCTEdEwG9za3aXtwS9UJZc 🔶

@nelsonkast6849 Жыл бұрын

My radio has cd player and am but can't find fm in a 1999 Nissan sentry from the usa

@nelsonkast6849 Жыл бұрын

Can someone please help I hate am radio its a sentra not sentry

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

@@nelsonkast6849 I am not familiar with any radios that don't also have FM built in that are that new! (I could be wrong & have been wrong on some things though, LOL!) If your trying to replace it, can you not buy a aftermarket radio that will fill your needs?

@bradcallaghan8099 3 жыл бұрын

This video was a big help! My 2007 Silverado Classic has not been able to get hardly any radio stations since I bought it several months ago and it had the factory radio without Bluetooth which I would use a lot. So after installing the new radio I still had no reception. The continuity test between the connection at the radio and the end of the antenna helped find the problem. Some time in the past someone pulled the antenna out and did not push it all the way back in when they reinstalled it. Cleaned the connection and pushed it ALL the way back in and now have great reception!

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was a help. Its a old video I did when I first started posting. I could have explained it better, but you got the point! Glad you have your tunes back!

@Jiggashmu 2 жыл бұрын

What did you do exactly? I'm having the EXACT same problem mines an '05

@W81Researcher Жыл бұрын

Where is the connection located?

@bradcallaghan8099 Жыл бұрын

@@W81Researcher The connection that caused my problem was right at the antenna base. (The rod that is on the right fender) I thought the connection was a screw in type but it turns out that it pushes in and pulls out. Because it wasn't pushed all the way in it had corroded a bit and lost connection to the radio. I cleaned it up best I could and put some dielectric grease in there and pushed it all the way in and the radio worked perfectly.

@Aesey07 Ай бұрын

@unclemarksdiyauto - the radio doesn't function properly... It fades away and noises starts to appear & i remevod the antenna and cleanded it and still noisy & doesn't work i need help!

@unclemarksdiyauto Ай бұрын

Sorry I am not a electronics expert. Keep searching for some answers. It could just be radio time. (How old is the radio & what kind of vehicle is it in?

@Aesey07 Ай бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto it's Dodge caravan 2013 It only picks 1-2 channels and fades away

@unclemarksdiyauto Ай бұрын

@@Aesey07 Ah, this I know something about. The Grand Caravans have issues with the circuit boards and once they get older, they do all sorts of weird things. This may be your issue! (Fix is buy a after market radio) Usually these radios loose functions like no more am or FM, then cd stops working, then Aux stops working. not necessarily in this order) Do some more research. It may just be your radio is just another Dodge radio that has died. Let us know what you find out.

@GeneMcCormick 8 ай бұрын

I too have that Toyota...you did not run the cars engine during test. Mine works fine in accessory mode but not in running mode. At least you showed how to remove trim and radio and test on antenna. Thanks

@unclemarksdiyauto 8 ай бұрын

It’s one of my first videos maybe 5 years ago. I should have shown things better. Hope it helped a bit, Gene.

@queenstownkid 3 жыл бұрын

got a 94 chev 3/4 ton 4 x 4 fm clear all the time but am when engine is running get nothing but static any guess to whats wrong ??

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

Talking to my buddy, we are thinking possibly antenna at either end. Try loosening side that mounts to fender, moving it around a bit to scrape a better ground. See if that helps first. If not, pull the radio out and unplug & replug the antenna on that end. See if it improves. That is what we would try first. Let me know how it goes. The thought is that it is a ground issue with said antenna.

@marcor8278 Жыл бұрын

Should there be continuity between the center pin and the outside ground on the back of the radio itself?

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

Centre pin is live, outside brand is ground. No continuity. Hope this helps, Marco.

@marcor8278 Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I wasn't sure with all the electronics inside the radio.

@stevemcdonald2148 2 жыл бұрын

Installed radio,speakers,antenna. C.d plays fine. Only stadic with radio weather antenna is connected or not. This was in a golf cart

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 жыл бұрын

Your sure new radio worked before? Was the antenna working before? Neither AM nor FM work?

@crazyjoee 3 жыл бұрын

I fail at 3:08 where check for continuity between antenna and jack plug no continuity however , I get some reception. If I press scan it never finds a channel. If no continuity between jack plug and antenna how is any reception even possible? Any suggestions what needs to be fixed?

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe signals are real strong were you are. I think you antenna is bad.

@crazyjoee 3 жыл бұрын

UncleMarks DIY Automotive Fix it channel So I went a little more in depth, I found end the of the antenna’s radio jack head and got positive continuity. I wonder why I fail at 3:08, and can’t get continuity between antenna and radio jack head. I get reception though...

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

@@crazyjoee, maybe not testing it properly? Don't test the radio, just the antenna unplugged. Was it working for you before? Or has the radio never worked properly for you?

@crazyjoee 3 жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto That's what I did, probed antenna and end of antenna's jack head that plugs into extension cord which I'm assuming is looping around to the dashboard to find the radio. I get continuity between antenna and antenna's jack head. But when I plug in the antenna's jack head into said extension wire, I don't get continuity between antenna and radio's jack head like you did at 3:08. Radio reception isn't great at times, also scan mode never finds a channel. I'll try test again because the fact that I do get reception you would think I should get at least some continuity reading? unless I'm doing test wrong. Its a 97 corolla, original radio.

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

@@crazyjoee, maybe something wrong with the extension wire? It should have continuity...does you meter have the audible beep?

@dougjstl1 6 жыл бұрын

Can't you untangle the leads to the meter it looks kind of weird

@dougjstl1 6 жыл бұрын

They sell a type of meter that you can hook into this antenna cable series series and then that would tell you the actual output of your radio put a meter on the antenna in series basically

@gregjohnson5194 5 жыл бұрын

The radio he has is not a transmitter it’s a receiver it has a input not an output from the antenna.

@thanors1492 Жыл бұрын

Can you please tell me how to use this tool and what im looking for i have a nissan juke 67 plate but have issues with my DAB signal ,changed the areial screw on,but still same issue.Either says no signal or no stations found .

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

I am not familiar with that plate or the Juke radio. Sorry.

@thanors1492 Жыл бұрын

I’m on about the tool your using not on about the radio, how do I use one to test my Ariel voltage wise @@unclemarksdiyauto I’m

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

@@thanors1492 I am not a expert on electronics. Sorry, I have no idea how to test your radio.

@marcoscorrea8922 2 жыл бұрын

My nissan pathfinder stereo only works wen its cold any help on what might be ?

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 жыл бұрын

First thing that comes to mind is possible solder issues on circuit board? When warm, solder expands and loses connection?

@unclemarksdiyauto 6 жыл бұрын

Not john but Allen Ruck from Ferris Buller’s day off. Wife thought that when i was younger

@jooeybabbabooey 3 жыл бұрын

I can see the resemblance lol

@kaburgess69 2 жыл бұрын

That must be one of those new fangled Wi-Fi hazard light switches.

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 жыл бұрын

Must be. Too tech for me so sold the car! Lol!

@barbaraberwanger9590 Жыл бұрын

I have a 2015 Ford explorer, how do you check the radio and antenna?

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

I have not worked on a 2015 Explorer before and I am not a radio specialist so I don't have any direction for you. So sorry! What is the symptoms? Does the radio power up?

@gomathib2310 3 жыл бұрын

Dedicated to a Mechanic who was always roaming with Tools.

@gt_exotics0127 3 жыл бұрын

Nice that’s cool

@Desert10075 2 жыл бұрын

Good video

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Harley. Did it a couple years back. I would have done a better job if I was done now, but I sold the car. Never did replace the radio.

@bigsexy1386 6 жыл бұрын

Put a CD in if it works the it's the antenna

@alcifrerdewich2323 6 жыл бұрын

yeahhhhh the best comment here

@SteelWorksGuy 6 жыл бұрын

My 88 doesn't have a CD player lmfao.

@George-fh9zm 4 жыл бұрын

Dumbass

@dougjstl1 6 жыл бұрын

At min. 3.55 you just checking ground-to-ground so what's the purpose of that screw to screw

@62impalaconvert 5 жыл бұрын

to check the meter, I always do this

@pagepro211 3 жыл бұрын

I'm picky and get irritated quickly so I'm the first to complain if youtuber f%cks up and this guy didn't, he's good, don't need to see meter if testing for continuity and I saw what was needed to see. Everything is good, good video.

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Page! It is a old video (#20, one of my first) If I ever run across the same issue on a vehicle, the video & sound will be much better, I promise! Thanks for sticking up for me though. The meter had the audible BEEP, so really no need to see meter. Either BEEP, OR NO BEEP to the haters! Beep means continuity, no beep, no continuity or connection.

@pagepro211 3 жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto Np, I'm all for ppl giving a fair non bias comment based upon facts seen in the video. #HNY2021

@nicolashernadez7786 2 жыл бұрын

My am works fine but Fm barely gets signal, radio or antena?

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 жыл бұрын

Usually Nicolas, AM antennas are built right into the radio. FM antenna is external by wire. Now saying that, possible there is a problem with the FM circuit in the radio. Test the antenna first? What year is vehicle? Some you can’t just swap radio without having dealer “marry” it to the car. So radios have special steps you have to take before removing it from the used car or it will not work. Just FYI.

@lilNol2022 3 ай бұрын

My radio is all static on every station and I tried connecting a Bluetooth to my car and it doesn’t work either

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 ай бұрын

If Bluetooth does not work as well, sounds like the radio is toast! Usually Bluetooth or aux still will work.

@getore100 3 жыл бұрын

So I just purchased a jvc car radio. Wired it and installed it. Get excellent FM reception but nothing but static on AM. NO AM stations. The other car that I have gets excellent AM reception right next to it. Any ideas as to what it may be?

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

I am thinking it is a used radio? It is some kind of fault in the AM circuit. Do you have a hidden antenna or is it mounted on the outside?

@getore100 3 жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto Thanks. Supposed to be brand new from a reputable place. Decided to use Bluetooth via my Android phone to access the 1 AM station I want to listen to.

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

@@getore100 any possibility of a refund or exchange?

@getore100 3 жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto probably. Just don't want to go through the hassle of uninstalling and reinstalling. Thanks for asking.

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

@@getore100, totally understand. Sometimes it is just not worth the hassle.

@ez-g3090 2 жыл бұрын

Which radio has a strong receiver?

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 жыл бұрын

I am not sure. I would think the factory radios are all designed to meet whatever the standards are. It is usually not a problem unless you live way out on your normal civilization.

@kevinmontoya7318 3 жыл бұрын

Your meter makes me want to go burn down harbor freight lol.

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

Yep, not a primo unit! Have upgraded since video. PS, please don't burn anyone down!

@kevinmontoya7318 3 жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto lol, i wont

@steveetheridge1975 4 жыл бұрын

Nobody who doesn't already know how to do this has any idea what you're doing

@unclemarksdiyauto 4 жыл бұрын

Steve Etheridge, I guess then they should pay the shop to check. Thanks anyway

@steveetheridge1975 4 жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto What I was trying to say is that a DIY video requires a certain amount of explanation of what you're doing, and this video does not contain that. Good luck in your future videos.

@unclemarksdiyauto 4 жыл бұрын

Steve Etheridge, still learning how to explain things properly. (Even now that I have posted maybe another 40 after this one...)Hopefully you find the newer ones have better explanations.

@ElizabethPowe11 6 жыл бұрын

Anyone ever tell you, you look a little like John Larroquette?

@kellywilliams9696 5 жыл бұрын

Its the antenna or connections 99.9 % of the time

@catdakman1273 5 жыл бұрын

be sure to NOT show US a F***** thing

@unclemarksdiyauto 5 жыл бұрын

Cat Dakman , well I did show you it was not the connection and not the antenna. Radio replaced by new owners. Works fine.

@eliascruz9757 3 жыл бұрын

Cruz ✝️. 95.1 FM 📻 you in Stockton California USA 🇺🇸... lollipop 😂 😂 an you have a Toyota like me. With my FM 📻 Radio Station gets static, an it has a long original antenna. An with a new car radio... omg 😱 lol 😂

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

Elias, This was in a Kia Rio I thought 2004 model. We are in Manitoba Canada!

@dougjstl1 6 жыл бұрын

You still have to check the actual connection you never did that

@Jenn-sy5qh 6 жыл бұрын

Please, for the rest of the internet world who has to read your comments ..... think about what your going to say BEFORE making comment.... After comment...... After comment . PLEASE Of course you can disagree with whatever you please but when you get to untanging meter leads? Dude, you're just fucken' bored. If you're trolling you need to step up your game ;-)

@dougjstl1 6 жыл бұрын

Jenn { Robello} likewise I'm sure you do the same before you come in after comment and the comment

@Jenn-sy5qh 6 жыл бұрын

**Comment ON the comment. You're welcome. 😉

@dougjstl1 6 жыл бұрын

Jenn { Robello} like you said and did is what you are nitpick piece of shit knucklehead dumbass stinky poo change your diapers your diapers are dirty you depends LOL

@dougjstl1 6 жыл бұрын

Jenn { Robello} you're a narcissist stick the camera in your face man you need more camera FaceTime stick your face in the camera

@dogface6040 4 жыл бұрын

You need a "dry run", with taping, then watch it and correct the mistakes. Never publish your first effort.

@unclemarksdiyauto 4 жыл бұрын

Pete M, thanks. That was about 50 videos ago. You have to give credit to the guys & gal’s that have it down to a science. Believe me, it’s harder than you think.

@wellnesspathforme6236 3 жыл бұрын

Part of me appreciates you putting all your hassles on video because they really do happen in real life. I don't feel so bad. Thanks for doing this video.

@dannybeeler1122 5 күн бұрын

Thanks, it's my radio 😢

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 күн бұрын

Glad you figured it out, Danny.

@baldvale5418 8 ай бұрын

That beeping is way beyond annoying

@unclemarksdiyauto 8 ай бұрын

Sorry about the beeping!

@raphaelbussy6482 2 жыл бұрын

Mine is the antenna, it’s gone, I hit a mailbox. Mailbox is fine, the guy put it right back up…

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 жыл бұрын

Ouch! Raphael, try not to hit it next time In case he has fortified it with cement or something! Lol!

@xijinping1619 9 ай бұрын

I have 2010 kia soul. FM radio, cd, works fine. I get no AM at all, only buzz. does anybody know solution?

@unclemarksdiyauto 9 ай бұрын

Has the radio always NOT received AM since you have owned the car?

@xijinping1619 9 ай бұрын

Yes. Used car

@unclemarksdiyauto 9 ай бұрын

@@xijinping1619 Factory radio? First thing you need to verify is, is the antenna hooked up to the back of the radio.

@xijinping1619 9 ай бұрын

stock radio, already checked antenna cable with no luck.

@unclemarksdiyauto 9 ай бұрын

@@xijinping1619 Is there continuity between the center terminal on the antenna and the antenna the the outside of the car? (Use a test meter on this) Also could be a bad ground going to the radio.

@WPGinterceptor460Interceptor 5 жыл бұрын

pull the antenna out more from the car.. just grab the antenna rod (by hand) and pull on it! that style car the antenna reels in or out, depends how long you want it.. trust me!

@unclemarksdiyauto 5 жыл бұрын

WPGinterceptor, thanks. Had it out all the way, sold car now so not too worried about it. Thanks for watching!

@WPGinterceptor460Interceptor 5 жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto if out all the way in your video then you are incorrect.. those antennas can pull out almost 3 feet long!

@sagramsagram4632 3 жыл бұрын

Mine is just a stock antanna the short model

@johncooper3874 Жыл бұрын

Ham fisted

@J.L.123 3 жыл бұрын

QUESTION, PLEASE -- UNCLEMARKS DIY AUTOMOTIVE FIX IT CHANNEL -- Thanks for the video. Q U E S T I O N , P L E A S E -- One of our brand new boomboxes (QFX J22U) fell from a chair, but it was still working perfectly. However, a week later on two stations there's been annoying but almost tolerable rumbling noises (my two favorite AM stations, but no problem with the other stations, really). Our other radios: No problem. I checked inside of the problem boombox: There's a 7 inch white wire from the motherboard; the opposite end is loose. And the rod antenna I checked is not connected/soldered to any wire from the motherboard. I'm not sure if the loose end of the white wire should be soldered to the antenna (at the base) or the white wire is supposed to be loose on one end and the other end connected/soldered to the motherboard, which wouldn't make sense? I reckon the loose end of the wire should be soldered to the antenna, otherwise the antenna would be unconnected to any wiring from the motherboard, etc. The boombox is working perfectly in every other way, and the repair guys said that I should take the radio to the shop to check (that's the cost of the price of a new boombox! The repair people said, "bring it to the shop, and we'll take a look." However, or course, the repair fee would be the cost of the brand-new radio! A couple of repairers didn't answer the following question: MUST THE ROD ANTENNA OF AN AM/FM/SW RADIO DEFINITELY BE CONNECTED/SOLDERED BY MEANS OF A WIRE CONNECTING FROM THE MOTHER BOARD, OR THE ANTENNA NEED NOT BE SOLDERED TO ANYTHING INTERNALLY AND IT WOULD STILL FUNCTION OPTIMALLY)? Thanks in advance.

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

I am NOT a electronics repair person, but the antenna has to be hooked up to something! Depending on how close the radio stations are to you, will also effect your reception. Computer speakers can pickup radio stations without having any tuner or source plugged in other than power, if they are within blocks of a radio stations transmitter. Lol.

@J.L.123 3 жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto -- Thanks for the most expeditious response. Tomorrow I'm to speak with the manufacturer's tech support. He didn't respond to my phone call today because he went home early, I was told. Thanks, again, and good luck with your videos and your KZfaq endeavors....

@russiandoll5858 Жыл бұрын

I’m not doing all that on my car

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

It is a bit much. I guess you could always pay a shop to test it for you or just put up with it not working, Russian Doll. Thanks for watching.

@russiandoll5858 Жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto thank you for the reply, I man is nice to have around for these kinds of things only :)-

@jngfitness2001 3 жыл бұрын

THE DUDE HAS MORE DISLIKES THAN LIKES! BRUHHHHHHHHH! LOL...

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

Actually I have more likes! LOL. Many complain that once it was established that the antenna was fine, they wanted ways to test the radio to see what was wrong with it. The point of the video was to show what to rule out. Once that is established, you could move in the right direction. (It was only my 20th video. I now have over 240 videos posted, & hoping all aspects of the new ones show I have improved)

@jngfitness2001 3 жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto Indeed!! Keep pumpin’ out the great content, my man!! 💯

@JeffMedved 3 жыл бұрын

OMG. That steering wheel rim is filthy! Get a good degreaser and clean the filth and oil off of that rim.

@unclemarksdiyauto 3 жыл бұрын

Floor was crazy bad too! Had just bought if from auction & had not cleaned it up yet. Whole car was spotless for next owner & they love it!

@imrevarga8968 2 жыл бұрын

Mark, your video was not too clear. You are testing what I think was the cable end of the antenna ... but the item you are testing is in a dark hole ... then your hands are blocking what you are doing ... on top of all that your volt meter is flopping all over the place so the viewers of your video can't see the volt meter display. Did you watch your video before you published it ???

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 жыл бұрын

Imre, it is a very old video of mine as I was still learning the video process. Sorry it is not up to the same standards that all of yours are that you have created! When is your next video coming out? Let me know so I can compare your style.

@phuocminhbui 4 жыл бұрын

Bad video I can’t see meter

@unclemarksdiyauto 4 жыл бұрын

Học Hỏi Thêm, if your not deaf, you could hear the audible beep, if you are deaf i apologize. Next time i will be more aware of the possibility some may need the visual. I was hard balance camera on roof and shoot video. If was one of my early videos and i was learning proper video techniques.

@MATMANPRO Жыл бұрын

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz snore.......zzzzzzzzzz

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I see, what, you had a channel for 17 years, and only what, 65 subscribers find you stuff interesting?

@MATMANPRO Жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto only 65 subs.. yep.. but many thousands of bums on seats over those years. anyway not criticizing the content, just the presentation, as others in the comments have.

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

@@MATMANPRO I apologize too. It is video # 20. I have learned a lot since then about presentation and camera angles and such. Some of my new videos can take 1-2 days of edits in production. Hope you stay well. If I still owned the car I would redo the video!

@howsatbitch 2 жыл бұрын

you dont know what your doing..

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your opinion. You should have giving the solution which would add cred to the comment. We did prove that the antenna is fine. So I did not have to wait time and money replacing that to find out later it is the radio. I did peek at your channel but I see you are not a electronic expert either.

@artfte Жыл бұрын

What a compleat waste of time

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

Thanks Tony. It was one of my very first videos. It did show how to check if the antenna is good or not. It is harder to make a good video that a person thinks, probably why you have never made one?