Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Diagnosis and testing

Jeep Cherokee (XJ) 1984 - 2001 Service Manual > Audio systems > Diagnosis and testing

Audio system

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY

Audio System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
NO AUDIO.
  1. Fuse faulty.
  2.  Radio connector faulty.
  3.  Wiring faulty.
  4.  Ground faulty.
  5.  Radio faulty.
  6.  Speakers faulty.
  7.  Amplifier faulty (if equipped).
  1. Check radio fuses in junction block. Replace fuses, if required.
  2. Check for loose or corroded radio connector. Repair, if required.
  3.  Check for battery voltage at radio connector. Repair wiring, if required.
  4.  Check for continuity between radio chassis and a known good ground. There should be continuity. Repair ground, if required
  5.  See Radio in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group.
  6. See Speaker in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group.
  7.  See Speaker in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group.
NO DISPLAY.
  1. Fuse faulty.
  2. Radio connector faulty.
  3.  Wiring faulty.
  4.  Ground faulty.
  5.  Radio faulty.
  1. Check radio fuses in junction block. Replace fuses, if required.
  2.  Check for loose or corroded radio connector. Repair, if required.
  3.  Check for battery voltage at radio connector. Repair wiring, if required.
  4.  Check for continuity between radio chassis and a known good ground. There should be continuity. Repair ground, if required.
  5.  See Radio in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group.
CLOCK WILL NOT KEEP SET TIME.
  1. Fuse faulty.
  2.  Radio connector faulty.
  3.  Wiring faulty.
  4.  Ground faulty.
  5.  Radio faulty.
  1. Check ignition-off draw fuse. Replace fuse, if required.
  2.  Check for loose or corroded radio connector. Repair, if required.
  3.  Check for battery voltage at radio connector. Repair wiring, if required.
  4.  Check for continuity between radio chassis and a known good ground. There should be continuity. Repair ground, if required.
  5.  See Radio in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group.
POOR RADIO RECEPTION.
  1. Antenna faulty.
  2.  Ground faulty.
  3.  Radio faulty.
  1. See Antenna in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group.
  2.  Check for continuity between radio chassis and a known good ground. There should be continuity. Repair ground, if required.
  3.  See Radio in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group
NO/POOR TAPE OPERATION.
  1. Faulty tape.
  2.  Foreign objects behind tape door.
  3.  Dirty cassette tape head.
  4.  Faulty tape deck
  1. Insert known good tape and test operation.
  2.  Remove foreign objects and test operation.
  3.  Clean head with Mopar Cassette Head Cleaner.
  4.  Exchange or replace radio, if required.
NO COMPACT DISC OPERATION
  1. Faulty CD.
  2.  Foreign material on CD.
  3.  Condensation on CD or optics.
  4.  Faulty CD player.
  1. Insert known good CD and test operation.
  2.  Clean CD and test operation.
  3.  Allow temperature of vehicle interior to stabilize and test operation.
  4.  Exchange or replace radio, if required.

Radio

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to 8W-47 - Audio System in Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: The speaker output of the radio is a "floating ground" system. Do not allow any speaker lead to short to ground, as damage to the radio may result.

(1) Check the fuse(s) in the junction block and the Power Distribution Center (PDC). If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse(s).

(2) Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the PDC. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the battery as required.

(3) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the ignition switch as required.

(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Remove the radio, but do not unplug the radio wire harness connectors. Check for continuity between the radio chassis and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open radio chassis ground circuit as required.

(5) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (accessory/ run) circuit cavity of the left (gray) radio wire harness connector. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.

(6) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the left (gray) radio wire harness connector.

If OK, replace the faulty radio. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse as required.

Speaker

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to 8W-47 - Audio System in Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: The speaker output of the radio is a "floating ground" system. Do not allow any speaker lead to short to ground, as damage to the radio may result.

(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Turn the radio on. Adjust the balance and fader controls to check the performance of each individual speaker. Note the speaker locations that are not performing correctly. Go to Step 2.

(2) Turn the radio off. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the radio from the instrument panel. If the vehicle is equipped with the Infinity speaker package, also unplug the wire harness connectors at the amplifier. Check both the speaker feed (+) circuit and return (-) circuit cavities for the inoperative speaker location(s) at the radio wire harness connectors for continuity to ground. In each case, there should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the shorted speaker circuit(s) as required.

(3) If the vehicle is equipped with the Infinity speaker package, go to Step 6. If the vehicle is equipped with the standard speaker system, check the resistance between the speaker feed (+) circuit and return (-) circuit cavities of the radio wire harness connectors for the inoperative speaker location( s). The meter should read between 2 and 12 ohms (speaker resistance). If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, go to Step 5.

(4) Install a known good radio. Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Turn on the radio and test the speaker operation. If OK, replace the faulty radio. If not OK, turn the radio off, turn the ignition switch to the Off position, disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable, remove the test radio, and go to Step 5.

(5) Unplug the speaker wire harness connector at the inoperative speaker. Check for continuity between the speaker feed (+) circuit cavities of the radio wire harness connector and the speaker wire harness connector. Repeat the check between the speaker return (-) circuit cavities of the radio wire harness connector and the speaker wire harness connector.

In each case, there should be continuity. If OK, replace the faulty speaker. If not OK, repair the open circuit(s) as required.

(6) For each inoperative speaker location, check for continuity between the speaker feed (+) circuit cavities of the radio wire harness connectors and the amplifier wire harness connectors. Repeat the check for each inoperative speaker location between the speaker return (-) circuit cavities of the radio wire harness connectors and the amplifier wire harness connectors. In each case, there should be continuity.

If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.

(7) Check for continuity between the two ground circuit cavities of the amplifier wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, repair the open circuit(s) as required.

(8) Check the amplifier fuse in the junction block.

If OK, go to Step 9. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.

(9) Install the radio. Connect the battery negative cable. Check for battery voltage at the amplifier fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 10. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the PDC as required.

(10) Check for battery voltage at the two fused B(+) circuit cavities of the amplifier wire harness connector. If OK, go to Step 11. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the fuse in the junction block as required.

(11) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Turn the radio on. Check for battery voltage at the radio 12 volt output circuit cavity of the amplifier wire harness connector. If OK, go to Step 12. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the radio as required.

(12) Turn the radio off. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. For each inoperative speaker location, check both the amplified feed (+) circuit and the amplified return (-) circuit cavities of the amplifier wire harness connectors for continuity to ground. In each case there should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 13. If not OK, repair the short circuit as required.

(13) For each inoperative speaker location, check the resistance between the amplified feed (+) circuit and the amplified return (-) circuit cavities of the amplifier wire harness connectors. The meter should read between 2 and 12 ohms (speaker resistance). If OK, replace the faulty amplifier. If not OK, go to Step 14.

(14) Unplug the speaker wire harness connector at the inoperative speaker. Check for continuity between the amplified feed (+) circuit cavities of the speaker wire harness connector and the amplifier wire harness connector. Repeat the check between the amplified return (-) circuit cavities of the speaker wire harness connector and the amplifier wire harness connector. In each case there should be continuity.

If OK, replace the faulty speaker. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.

Antenna

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

The following four tests are used to diagnose the antenna with an ohmmeter:

  •  Test 1 - Mast to ground test
  •  Test 2 - Tip-of-mast to tip-of-conductor test
  • Test 3 - Body ground to battery ground test
  •  Test 4 - Body ground to coaxial shield test.

The ohmmeter test lead connections for each test are shown in Antenna Tests (Fig. 1).

NOTE: This model has a two-piece antenna coaxial cable. Tests 2 and 4 must be conducted in two steps to isolate a coaxial cable problem; from the coaxial cable connection under the right end of the instrument panel near the right cowl side inner panel to the antenna base, and then from the coaxial cable connection to the radio chassis connection.

Fig. 1 Antenna Tests
Fig. 1 Antenna Tests

TEST 1

Test 1 determines if the antenna mast is insulated from the base. Proceed as follows: (1) Unplug the antenna coaxial cable connector from the radio chassis and isolate.

(2) Connect one ohmmeter test lead to the tip of the antenna mast. Connect the other test lead to the antenna base. Check for continuity.

(3) There should be no continuity. If continuity is found, replace the faulty or damaged antenna base and cable assembly.

TEST 2

Test 2 checks the antenna for an open circuit as follows: (1) Unplug the antenna coaxial cable connector from the radio chassis.

(2) Connect one ohmmeter test lead to the tip of the antenna mast. Connect the other test lead to the center pin of the antenna coaxial cable connector.

(3) Continuity should exist (the ohmmeter should only register a fraction of an ohm). High or infinite resistance indicates damage to the base and cable assembly. Replace the faulty base and cable, if required.

TEST 3

Test 3 checks the condition of the vehicle body ground connection. This test should be performed with the battery positive cable removed from the battery.

Disconnect both battery cables, the negative cable first. Reconnect the battery negative cable and perform the test as follows: (1) Connect one ohmmeter test lead to the vehicle fender. Connect the other test lead to the battery negative post.

(2) The resistance should be less than one ohm.

(3) If the resistance is more than one ohm, check the braided ground strap connected to the engine and the vehicle body for being loose, corroded, or damaged.

Repair the ground strap connection, if required.

TEST 4

Test 4 checks the condition of the ground between the antenna base and the vehicle body as follows: (1) Connect one ohmmeter test lead to the vehicle fender. Connect the other test lead to the outer crimp on the antenna coaxial cable connector.

(2) The resistance should be less then one ohm.

(3) If the resistance is more then one ohm, clean and/or tighten the antenna base to fender mounting hardware.

Radio frequency interference

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

For complete circuit diagrams, see Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams. Inspect the ground paths and connections at the following locations:

  •  Blower motor
  •  Electric fuel pump
  •  Engine-to-body ground strap
  •  Generator
  •  Ignition module
  •  Radio antenna base ground
  •  Radio receiver chassis ground wire or strap
  •  Wiper motor.

If the source of RFI or EMI noise is identified as a component on the vehicle (i.e., generator, blower motor, etc.), the ground path for that component should be checked. If excessive resistance is found in any ground circuit, clean, tighten, or repair the ground circuits or connections to ground as required before considering any component replacement.

For service and inspection of secondary ignition components, refer to the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8D - Ignition Systems. Inspect the following secondary ignition system components:

  •  Distributor cap and rotor
  •  Ignition coil
  •  Spark plugs
  •  Spark plug wire routing and condition.

Reroute the spark plug wires or replace the faulty components as required.

If the source of the RFI or EMI noise is identified as two-way mobile radio or telephone equipment, check the equipment installation for the following:

  •  Power connections should be made directly to the battery, and fused as closely to the battery as possible.
  •  The antenna should be mounted on the roof or toward the rear of the vehicle. Remember that magnetic antenna mounts on the roof panel can adversely affect the operation of an overhead console compass, if the vehicle is so equipped.
  •  The antenna cable should be fully shielded coaxial cable, should be as short as is practical, and should be routed away from the factory-installed vehicle wire harnesses whenever possible.
  • The antenna and cable must be carefully matched to ensure a low Standing Wave Ratio (SWR).

Fleet vehicles are available with an extra-cost RFIsuppressed Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This unit reduces interference generated by the PCM on some radio frequencies used in two-way radio communications.

However, this unit will not resolve complaints of RFI in the commercial AM or FM radio frequency ranges.

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