steering wheel adjustment CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2002 Service Manual

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL ALIGNMENT.......46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION
AND STEERING......................49
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL
ALIGNMENT.........................51STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT......................54
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT (EXPORT)..............55
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT...................56
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Vehicle wheel alignment is the positioning of all
interrelated front and rear suspension angles. These
angles affect the handling and steering of the vehicle
when it is in motion. Proper wheel alignment is
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity, and proper tire wear.
The method of checking a vehicle's front and rear
wheel alignment varies depending on the manufac-
turer and type of equipment used. The manufactur-
er's instructions should always be followed to ensure
accuracy of the alignment, except when
DaimlerChrysler Corporation's wheel alignment spec-
ifications differ.
On this vehicle, the suspension angles that can be
adjusted are as follows:
²Front Camber (with camber bolt package and
standard procedure)
²Front Toe
Check the wheel alignment and make all wheel
alignment adjustments with the vehicle standing at
its proper curb height specification. Curb height is
the normal riding height of the vehicle. It is mea-
sured from a certain point on the vehicle to the
ground or a designated area while the vehicle is sit-
ting on a flat, level surface. Refer to Curb Height
Measurement in this section for additional informa-
tion.
Typical wheel alignment angles and measurements
are described in the following paragraphs.
CAMBER
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the top of
the tire and wheel assembly (Fig. 1). Camber is mea-
sured in degrees of angle relative to a true vertical
line. Camber is a tire wearing angle.
²Excessive negative camber will cause tread wear
at the inside of the tire.²Excessive positive camber will cause tread wear
on the outside of the tire.
Fig. 1 Camber
1 - WHEELS TILTED OUT AT TOP
2 - WHEELS TILTED IN AT TOP
2 - 46 WHEEL ALIGNMENTRS
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
3. Incorrect front wheel camber 3. Check and reset front wheel camber
4. Power steering gear imbalance 4. Replace power steering gear
5. Wheel braking 5. Correct braking condition causing lateral
pull
Excessive Steering Free
Play1. Incorrect Steering Gear Adjustment 1. Adjust Or Replace Steering Gear
2. Worn or loose tie rod ends 2. Replace or tighten tie rod ends
3. Loose steering gear mounting bolts 3. Tighten steering gear bolts to specified
torque
4. Loose or worn steering shaft
coupler4. Replace steering shaft coupler
Excessive Steering Effort 1. Low tire pressure 1. Inflate all tires to recommended
pressure
2. Lack of lubricant in steering gear 2. Replace steering gear
3. Low power steering fluid level 3. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
correct level
4. Loose power steering pump drive
belt4. Correctly adjust power steering pump
drive belt
5. Lack of lubricant in ball joints 5. Lubricate or replace ball joints
6. Steering gear malfunction 6. Replace steering gear
7. Lack of lubricant in steering coupler 7. Replace steering coupler
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL ALIGNMENT
PRE-WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Before any attempt is made to change or correct
the wheel alignment, the following inspection and
necessary corrections must be made to ensure proper
alignment.
(1) Verify that the fuel tank is full of fuel. If the
tank is not full, the reduction in weight will affect
the curb height of the vehicle and the alignment
angles.
(2) The passenger and luggage compartments of
the vehicle should be free of any load that is not fac-
tory equipment.
(3) Check the tires on the vehicle. All tires must be
the same size and in good condition with approxi-
mately the same amount of tread wear. Inflate all
the tires to the recommended air pressure.
(4) Check the front wheel and tire assemblies for
excessive radial runout.
(5) Inspect lower ball joints and all steering link-
age for looseness, binding, wear or damage. Repair as
necessary.(6) Check suspension fasteners for proper torque
and retighten as necessary.
(7) Inspect all suspension component rubber bush-
ings for signs of wear or deterioration. Replace any
faulty bushings or components before aligning the
vehicle.
(8) Check the vehicle's curb height to verify it is
within specifications. Refer to Curb Height Measure-
ment.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SETUP
(1) Position the vehicle on an alignment rack.
(2) Install all required alignment equipment on
the vehicle per the alignment equipment manufactur-
er's instructions. On this vehicle, a four-wheel align-
ment is recommended.
NOTE: Prior to reading the vehicle's alignment
readouts, the front and rear of vehicle should be
jounced. Induce jounce (rear first, then front) by
grasping the center of the bumper and jouncing
each end of vehicle an equal number of times. The
bumper should always be released when vehicle is
at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(3) Read the vehicle's current front and rear align-
ment settings. Compare the vehicle's current align-
RSWHEEL ALIGNMENT2-51
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
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ment settings to the vehicle specifications for camber,
caster and toe-in. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIFICATIONS)
(4) If front camber and caster are not within spec-
ifications, proceed to CAMBER AND CASTER below.
If caster and camber are within specifications, pro-
ceed to TOE which can be found following CAMBER
AND CASTER. Rear camber, caster and toe are not
adjustable. If found not to be within specifications,
reinspect for damaged suspension or body compo-
nents and replace as necessary.
CAMBER AND CASTER
Camber and caster settings on this vehicle are
determined at the time the vehicle is designed, by
the location of the vehicle's suspension components.
This is referred to as NET BUILD. The result is no
required adjustment of camber and caster after the
vehicle is built or when servicing the suspension
components. Thus, when performing a wheel align-
ment, caster and camber are not normally considered
adjustable angles. Camber and caster should be
checked to ensure they meet vehicle specifications.
If front camber is found not to meet alignment
specifications, it can be adjusted using an available
camber adjustment bolt package. Before installing a
camber adjustment bolt package on a vehicle found
to be outside the specifications, inspect the suspen-
sion components for any signs of damage or bending.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the vehicles
wheel alignment by heating, bending or by perform-
ing any other modification to the vehicle's front
suspension components or body.
If camber readings are not within specifications,
use the following procedure to install the front cam-
ber adjustment bolt package and then adjust front
camber.
CAMBER ADJUSTMENT BOLT PACKAGE INSTALLATION
The camber adjustment bolt package contains 2
flange bolts, 2 cam bolts, 2 dog bone washers, and 4
nuts. This package services both sides of the vehicle.
Use the package to attach the strut clevis bracket to
the steering knuckle after the strut clevis bracket
has been modified. To install and adjust the camber
adjustment bolt package, follow the procedure below.
(1) Raise the vehicle until its tires are not support-
ing the weight of the vehicle.
(2) Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies.
CAUTION: When removing the steering knuckle
from the strut clevis bracket, do not put a strain on
the brake flex hose. Also, do not let the weight of
the steering knuckle assembly be supported by the
brake flex hose when removed from the strutassembly. If necessary use a wire hanger to sup-
port the steering knuckle assembly or if required
remove the brake flex hose from the caliper assem-
bly.
CAUTION: The knuckle to strut assembly attaching
bolt shanks are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Remove the nuts while holding the
bolts stationary.
(3) Remove the top and bottom, strut clevis
bracket to steering knuckle attaching bolts (Fig.
7)and discard. Separate the steering knuckle from
the strut clevis bracket and position steering knuckle
so it is out of the way of the strut.
CAUTION: When slotting the bottom mounting hole
on the strut clevis bracket, do not enlarge the hole
beyond the indentations on the sides of the strut
clevis bracket (Fig. 8).
(4) Using an appropriate grinder and grinding
wheel, slot the bottom hole in both sides of the strut
clevis bracket (Fig. 8).
CAUTION: After slotting the strut clevis bracket
hole, do not install the original attaching bolts when
assembling the steering knuckle to the strut assem-
bly. Only the flange bolts, cam bolts, and dog bone
washers from the service package must be used to
attach the steering knuckle to the strut after the
mounting hole is slotted.
Fig. 7 Clevis Bracket To Steering Knuckle Attaching
Bolts
1 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
2 - ATTACHING BOLTS
3 - TIE ROD END
4 - ROTOR
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 52 WHEEL ALIGNMENTRS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
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NOTE: The strut clevis-to-knuckle bolts are installed
differently on each side of the vehicle. Left-hand-
side bolts are installed from vehicle rear to front
(Fig. 9). Right-hand-side bolts are installed from
vehicle front to rear.
(5) Position the knuckle back into the strut clevis
bracket. Using the direction indicated in the above
note, install a flanged bolt from the service package
into the upper mounting hole. Using the direction
indicated in the above note, install a cam bolt into
the bottom mounting hole (Fig. 9).(6) Install a dog bone washer on the steering
knuckle to strut clevis bracket attaching bolts, then
install the nuts onto the bolts from the service pack-
age (Fig. 10). Tighten the bolts just enough to hold
the steering knuckle in position when adjusting cam-
ber, while still allowing the steering knuckle to move
in clevis bracket.
(7) Repeat the procedure to the other side strut
clevis bracket.
(8) Reinstall both front tire and wheel assemblies
and tighten to specifications.
(9) Lower the vehicle. Jounce the front and rear of
vehicle an equal amount of times.
(10) Adjust the front camber to the preferred set-
ting by rotating the lower eccentric cam bolt against
the cam stop areas on the strut clevis bracket (Fig.
11). When camber is set, tighten the upper strut cle-
vis bracket bolt and lower cam bolt. Again jounce
front and rear of vehicle an equal amount of times
and verify front camber setting. Torque both front
strut to steering knuckle attaching bolts to 81 N´m
(60 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 1/4 (90É) turn after the
required torque is met.
(11) If toe readings obtained are not within the
required specification range, adjust toe to meet the
preferred specification setting. Toe is adjustable
using the following procedure.
TOE
(1) Center the steering wheel and lock in place
using a steering wheel clamp.
Fig. 8 Strut Clevis Bracket Bolt Hole Grinding Area
1 - UPPER STRUT TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHING HOLE
2 - CAMBER ADJUSTMENT SLOT INDENTATION AREA ON
CLEVIS BRACKET
3 - LOWER STRUT TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHING HOLE
4 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
Fig. 9 Package Bolts Correctly Installed
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - FLANGED BOLT IN TOP HOLE
3 - CAM BOLT IN BOTTOM HOLE
4 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
Fig. 10 Dog Bone Washer And Nuts Installed
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - DOG BONE WASHER
3 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
4 - ATTACHING NUTS
RSWHEEL ALIGNMENT2-53
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
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CAUTION: Do not twist front inner tie rod to steer-
ing gear rubber boots during front wheel Toe
adjustment.
(2) Loosen front inner to outer tie rod end jam
nuts (Fig. 12). Grasp inner tie rods at serrations and
rotate inner tie rods of steering gear (Fig. 12) to set
front toe to the preferred toe specification. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIFI-
CATIONS)
(3) Tighten tie rod jam nuts (Fig. 12) to 75 N´m
(55 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at the
inner tie rod.
(5) Remove steering wheel clamp.
(6) Remove the alignment equipment.
(7) Road test the vehicle to verify the steering
wheel is straight and the vehicle does not wander or
pull.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignmentrack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle
for bent or weak suspension components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the
coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
(1) Measure from the inboard edge of the wheel
opening fender lip directly above the wheel center
(spindle), to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, the maximum left-to-right
differential is not to exceed 12.5 mm (0.5 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to the specifica-
tions listed in the following Curb Height Specifica-
tions charts.
Fig. 11 Camber Adjustment Cam Bolt
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - CLEVIS BRACKET CAM STOP AREAS
3 - LOWER ECCENTRIC CAMBER ADJUSTMENT BOLT
Fig. 12 Front Wheel Toe Adjustment
1 - INNER TIE ROD SERRATION
2 - OUTER TIE ROD JAM NUT
3 - OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - INNER TIE ROD
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 54 WHEEL ALIGNMENTRS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
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(3) Install the disc brake caliper over the brake
shoes on the brake caliper adapter.
(4) Align the caliper guide pin bolt holes with the
guide pins. Install the caliper guide pin bolts and
tighten them to a torque of 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.) (Fig.
51).
(5) Install the tire and wheel assembly. Tighten
the wheel mounting nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Pump the brake pedal several times before
moving the vehicle to set the shoes to the brake
rotor.
DRUM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
vehicle
(3) Remove the rear brake shoe adjusting hole
cover plug.
(4) Insert a thin screwdriver into brake adjusting
hole and hold adjusting lever away from notches of
adjusting screw star wheel.
(5) Insert another thin screwdriver into brake
adjusting hole and engage notches of brake adjusting
screw star wheel. Release brake adjustment by pry-
ing down with adjusting tool.
(6) Remove rear brake drum from rear hub/bear-
ing assembly.
NOTE: It may be necessary to insert M8 X 1.25 MM
bolts into the two removal holes on the drum to
force the drum off the hub.
INSTALLATION
(1) Adjust brake shoe assemblies so as not to inter-
fere with brake drum installation.
(2) Install the rear brake drums on the hubs.
(3) Adjust drum brake shoes as necessary per pro-
cedure found in the Adjustment section of this ser-
vice manual group (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DRUM -
ADJUSTMENTS).
(4) Install wheel and tire assembly.
(5) Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in
proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half
specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to
the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Indications of fluid contamination are swollen or
deteriorated rubber parts.
Swollen rubber parts indicate the presence of
petroleum in the brake fluid.
To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If fluid sepa-
rates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid.
If brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush system. Replace master cylinder, propor-
tioning valve, caliper seals, wheel cylinder seals,
Antilock Brake hydraulic unit and all hydraulic fluid
hoses.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL CHECKING
Check master cylinder reservoir fluid level a mini-
mum of twice annually.
Fluid reservoirs are marked with the words FULL
and ADD to indicate proper brake fluid fill level of
the master cylinder.
If necessary, add brake fluid to bring the level to
the bottom of the FULL mark on the side of the mas-
ter cylinder fluid reservoir.
Use only Mopartbrake fluid or equivalent from a
sealed container. Brake fluid must conform to DOT 3
specifications (DOT 4 or DOT 4+ are acceptable).
DO NOTuse brake fluid with a lower boiling
point, as brake failure could result during prolonged
hard braking.
Use only brake fluid that was stored in a tightly-
sealed container.
DO NOTuse petroleum-based fluid because seal
damage will result. Petroleum based fluids would be
items such as engine oil, transmission fluid, power
steering fluid etc.
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform
to DOT 3 specifications (DOT 4 and DOT 4+ are
acceptable) and SAE J1703 standards. No other type
of brake fluid is recommended or approved for usage
in the vehicle brake system. Use only MopartBrake
Fluid or equivalent from a tightly sealed container.
CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid
from an container which has been left open. An
open container of brake fluid will absorb moisture
from the air and contaminate the fluid.
RSBRAKES - BASE5-35
DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS (Continued)
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(5) Install wiring harness connector to brake fluid
level switch mounted in brake fluid reservoir (Fig.
57).
(6) Install battery, clamp and nut.
(7) Install battery shield.
(8) Connect positive battery terminal.
(9) Connect negative battery terminal.
(10) Fill master cylinder with clean, fresh Mopart
Brake Fluid or equivalent.
(11) Road test vehicle to ensure proper operation of
brakes.
INSTALLATION - RHD
CAUTION: Different types of master cylinders are
used on this vehicle depending on brake options. If
a new master cylinder is being installed, be sure it
is the correct master cylinder for the type of brake
system the vehicle is equipped with.
CAUTION: When replacing the master cylinder on a
vehicle, a NEW vacuum seal MUST be installed on
the master cylinder.
(1) Install a NEW vacuum seal on master cylinder
making sure seal fits squarely in groove of master
cylinder casting.
(2) Position master cylinder on studs of power
brake booster, aligning booster push rod with master
cylinder piston.
(3) Install the two master cylinder mounting nuts
(Fig. 59). Tighten both mounting nuts to a torque of
25 N´m (225 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: When tightening the primary and sec-
ondary brake tube nuts at master cylinder, be sure
brake tubes do not contact any other components
within the vehicle and that there is slack in the flex-
ible sections of the tubes. This is required due to
the movement between the ABS ICU and the master
cylinder while the vehicle is in motion.
(4) Connect primary and secondary brake tubes to
master cylinder primary and secondary ports (Fig.
59). Brake tubes must be held securely when tight-
ened to control orientation of flex section. Tighten
tube nuts to a torque of 17 N´m (145 in. lbs.).
(5) Install wiring harness connector to brake fluid
level switch mounted in brake fluid reservoir (Fig.
55).
(6) Install battery, clamp and nut.
(7) Install battery shield.
(8) Connect positive battery terminal.
(9) Connect negative battery terminal.
(10) Fill master cylinder with clean, fresh Mopart
Brake Fluid or equivalent.(11) Road test vehicle to ensure proper operation of
brakes.
PEDAL - ADJUSTABLE
DESCRIPTION
The Adjustable Pedals System (APS) is designed to
enable the fore and aft repositioning of the brake and
accelerator pedals. This results in improved ergonom-
ics in relation to the steering wheel for taller and
shorter drivers. Being able to adjust the pedal posi-
tions also allows the driver to set steering wheel tilt
and seat position to the most comfortable position.
The effort required for pedal application will not
change regardless of pedal position.
The adjustable pedal system allows the pedals to
adjust up to 3 inches (75 mm) at a rate of approxi-
mately 0.4 in./sec. (9 mm/sec.). An adjustment switch
is located on the left side of the steering column
lower shroud.
If the vehicle is equipped with Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE), an optional memory feature is avail-
able.
The serviceable components of the APS are:
²Adjustable pedal assembly (includes motor,
cables, pedals, gear box, sensor and module)
²Adjustable pedal module (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
ADJUSTABLE PEDAL MODULE)
²Adjustable pedal switch
²Pedal position sensor
OPERATION
Change of pedal position is accomplished by means
of a motor driven screw. Operating the adjustable
pedal switch activates the pedal drive motor. The
pedal drive motor turns a screw that changes the
position of the accelerator pedal. The motor also
drives a cable connected to a gear box that changes
the brake pedal position the same distance as the
accelerator pedal. The pedals can be moved rearward
(closer to the driver) or forward (away from driver).
Each pedal is moved on its activating lever to a posi-
tion where the driver feels most comfortable. The
position and operation of the activating levers are not
changed.
Pedal adjustment is inhibited when the vehicle is
in reverse or when cruise control is engaged. The
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) will
display a message when the Adjustable Pedal Module
(APM) is disabled. i.e.:9Adjustable Pedal Disabled -
Cruise Control Engaged9or9Adjustable Pedal Dis-
abled - Vehicle in Reverse9.
Foot pressure or debris can stall pedal adjustment.
In order to avoid damage to system components dur-
5 - 42 BRAKES - BASERS
MASTER CYLINDER (Continued)
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ing pedal adjustment, the APM will monitor pedal
position sensor voltage. If the APM does not detect
expected voltage change within 3 seconds, it will cut
power to the adjustable pedal motor.
An optional memory feature is available. This
allows storing of one or two preferred pedal positions
in the APS. A preferred position can be stored and
recalled using the door-mounted switches. A stored
pedal position can be recalled (but not stored) using
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) if equipped with
the memory feature.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ADJUSTABLE
PEDAL SYSTEM
Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, review all Steering Col-
umn and Airbag Warnings and Cautions. (Refer to
19 - STEERING/COLUMN - WARNING)(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - WARNING)
(1) Remove battery ground cable terminal from
battery negative post and isolate.
(2) Under instrument panel, remove silencer panel
below lower steering column cover.
(3) Remove screws securing lower steering column
cover/knee blocker, then remove it (Fig. 62).(4) Disconnect parking brake release link at
release handle.
(5) Compress tabs on sides of data link diagnostic
connector and remove it from knee blocker reinforce-
ment plate.
(6) Remove screws securing knee blocker reinforce-
ment plate in place, then remove reinforcement plate
(Fig. 62).
(7) Remove screws securing instrument panel
lower left reinforcement in place, then remove rein-
forcement (Fig. 63).
(8) Remove brake lamp switch. Discard the origi-
nal switch; it must not be reused (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE
LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove screws fastening upper and lower
steering column shrouds to steering column (Fig. 64).
(10) Remove the lower shroud with adjustable
pedal switch; disconnect switch wiring connector
along left side of column as shroud is removed (Fig.
65).
(11) Disconnect traction control off switch wiring
connector; Remove upper shroud with traction con-
trol off switch.
(12) Disconnect wiring harness connectors (as
equipped) from clockspring, multi-function switch,
halo lamp, SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI
solenoid (Fig. 65).
(13) Disconnect column wiring harness routing clip
from column.
Fig. 62 Lower Steering Column Cover And
Reinforcement
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - REINFORCEMENT PLATE
3 - LOWER STEERING COLUMN COVER/KNEE BLOCKER
Fig. 63 Instrument Panel Lower Left Reinforcement
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER REINFORCEMENT
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - LOWER LEFT REINFORCEMENT
RSBRAKES - BASE5-43
PEDAL - ADJUSTABLE (Continued)
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ANTENNA BODY AND CABLE
DESCRIPTION
All models use a fixed-length stainless steel rod-
type antenna mast, installed at the right front fender
of the vehicle. The antenna mast is connected to the
center wire of the coaxial antenna cable, and is not
grounded to any part of the vehicle.
OPERATION
To minimize static, the antenna base must have a
good ground. The coaxial antenna cable shield (the
outer wire mesh of the cable) is grounded to the
antenna base and the radio chassis.
The antenna coaxial cable has an additional dis-
connect, located near the right end of the instrument
panel. This additional disconnect allows the instru-
ment panel assembly to be removed and installed
without removing the radio.
The factory-installed Electronically Tuned Radios
(ETRs) automatically compensate for radio antenna
trim. Therefore, no antenna trimmer adjustment is
required or possible when replacing the receiver or
the antenna.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ANTENNA BODY
AND CABLE
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
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 ohmmeter test lead connections for each test
are shown in (Fig. 1).
TEST 1
Test 1 determines of the antenna mast is insulated
from the base. Proceed as follows:
(1) Unplug the antenna coaxial cable from the
radio chassis and isolate. Remove the antenna mast.
(2) Connect an ohmmeter test lead to the inside
center of the antenna base. Connect the other test
lead to a metallic portion on the outside of 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. Remove the antenna mast.
The painted mast prevents measurement directly
through the mast.
(2) Connect an ohmmeter test lead to the inside
center of the antenna base. 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 ground between
the antenna base and the vehicle body as follows:
(1) Connect one ohmmeter test lead to the fender
on an exposed metal area (paint and e-coat must be
penetrated to obtain continuity). Connect the other
test lead to the outer crimp on the antenna coaxial
cable connector.
(2) The resistance should be less than (1) ohm.
(3) If the resistance is more than (1) ohm, clean
and/or tighten the antenna base to the fender mount-
ing hardware.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove glove box from instrument panel,
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE
BOX - REMOVAL).
Fig. 1 Antenna Test Points
8A - 4 AUDIORS
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