Factory-installed radio noise suppression is accom-
plished primarily through circuitry or devices that
are integral to the factory-installed radios, audio
power amplifiers and other on-board electrical com-
ponents such as generators, wiper motors, blower
motors, and fuel pumps that have been found to be
potential sources of RFI or EMI. External radio noise
suppression devices that are used on this vehicle to
control RFI or EMI, and can be serviced, include the
following:
• Underhood silencer to body ground strap -
This hood silencer has foil integral to it. At either
side near the hood hinge is a braided ground strap
that has an eyelet terminal connector crimped to
each end. The left side has two eyelets. Each ground
strap is fastened to the plenum area.
• Resistor-type spark plugs - This type of spark
plug has an internal resistor connected in series
between the spark plug terminal and the center elec-
trode to help reduce the production of electromag-
netic radiation that can result in radio noise.
OPERATION
There are two common strategies that can be used
to suppress Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and
ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) radio noise. The
first suppression strategy involves preventing the
production of RFI and EMI electromagnetic signals
at their sources. The second suppression strategy
involves preventing the reception of RFI and EMI
electromagnetic signals by the audio system compo-
nents.
The use of braided ground straps in key locations
is part of the RFI and EMI prevention strategy.
These ground straps ensure adequate ground paths,
particularly for high current components such as
many of those found in the starting, charging, igni-
tion, engine control and transmission control sys-
tems. An insufficient ground path for any of these
high current components may result in radio noise
caused by induced voltages created as the high cur-
rent seeks alternative ground paths through compo-
nents or circuits intended for use by, or in close
proximity to the audio system components or circuits.
Preventing the reception of RFI and EMI is accom-
plished by ensuring that the audio system compo-
nents are correctly installed in the vehicle. Loose,
corroded or improperly soldered wire harness connec-
tions, improperly routed wiring and inadequate audio
system component grounding can all contribute to
the reception of RFI and EMI. A properly grounded
antenna body and radio chassis, as well as a shielded
antenna coaxial cable with clean and tight connec-
tions will each help reduce the potential for reception
of RFI and EMI.
REMOVAL
The underhood ground straps are integral to the
underhood silencer (Refer to 23 - BODY/HOOD/SI-
LENCER PAD - REMOVAL).
SPEAKER
DESCRIPTION
The speaker system features seven speakers in
seven locations. One 20 millimeter (.787 inch) diam-
eter speaker is located on each end of the instrument
panel top pad. One 160 millimeter (6.5 inch) speaker
is located in each front door. There is also one 70 mil-
limeter (2.5 inch) diameter speaker located behind
each headrest. Also included in this system is a 160
millimeter (6.5 inch) ported subwoofer located
between the passenger seats. The speaker system
includes a power amplifier mounted below the pas-
senger seat.
OPERATION
Two wires connected to each speaker, one feed cir-
cuit (+) and one return circuit (–), allow the audio
output signal electrical current to flow through the
voice coil. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPEAKER
Any diagnosis of the Audio system should
begin with the use of a scan tool and the appro-
priate Diagnostic Service Manual.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
8A - 8 AUDIO/VIDEO ZB
RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION COMPONENTS (Continued)
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