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430N RHB - Check Antenna Sys

19K views 26 replies 6 participants last post by  Royalty 
#1 · (Edited)
I've searched with not much luck, so I am guessing this is not a common problem, but my 430N RHB is telling me "Check Antenna Sys" on Sirius and Won't acquire a signal in Nav mode. I took it to the dealer and the replaced the Headunit because it wouldn't load a CD/DVD. That replacement didn't fix the Satellite issue so I gave them them the following to research, but it doesn't say anything about satellite radio not working either. I hope they do the update and it fixes things. I bought the GC used and wonder what the previous owner may have done. Hail repair possibly pulled a wire? Aftermarket headunit used and something cut????? I hope a software update fixes it, but I am not so sure since a headunit swap didn't.

I have two mini coaxials coming off the back. I assume one is for Sirius and the other is for GPS.
This service bullentin indicates the GPS antenna is above the headunit. I have nothing above mine (see last pic). http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_0804612.pdf

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SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 08-057-12
GROUP: Electrical
DATE: October 11, 2012
Updates software to version 33.01.23

SUBJECT:
Flash: RBZ Or RHB Radio Software Enhancements
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves upgrading the software on the RBZ or RHB Radio.
JEEPCMODELS:
2012 (JK) Wrangler
2012 (WK) Grand Cherokee
2012 (KK) Liberty
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with Media Center 430
CD/DVD/MP3/HDD (sales code RBZ) built before November 29, 2011 (MDH
1129XX) or Media center 430N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/NAV Radio (sales code
RHB).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience one or more of the following conditions.
•Digital photos loaded onto the hard drive intermittently get lost (RBZ & RHB).
•CD/DVD will not play (RHB only).
•Navigation accept screen will not clear (RHB only).
•Navigation shows “acquiring signal” for an extended period of time (RHB only).
•New navigation graphics (RHB only).

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My radio back doesn't look like the install instructions: http://www.wk2jeeps.com/manuals/RHB_nav_kit_install_K6861152.pdf
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Same exact thing started happening to me yesterday. I will see if i can find the update to download and let you know if it works

The top is satellite/nav

Bottom one is fm/am radio antenne

just checked and I have same software number as you.
 
#3 ·
#5 ·
theres a place to download the update on here. you then burn it to a cd and pop it in your stereo. going to do it today after work. will post results.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I am baffled now! Updated the radio successfully. I have taken the radio out and verified the connections (pulled off and put back on). Tried the radio while it was out to verify there wasn't pressure causing the antenna not to work. I followed the AM/FM and Sat best I could. I lost the Sat antenna line, but found the AM/FM comes out at the front passenger kick panel. Then I find both at the very back under the panel under the antenna on the roof area.

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#9 · (Edited)
I want to try a theory unless anyone can tell me not to otherwise. There is a GPS antenna part # 5064350AA ANTENNA for 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee|5064350AA

It installs above the radio in a specific spot. I am wondering if I could try this antenna in lieu of the roof combo with success in getting a GPS signal? It would tell me once and for all if it is hardware or software issues.
 
#14 ·
I did the update. while updating i followed the cable from the rear antenna to the front. mine goes down the left rear pillar down the left side under the left lower trim under the door openings all the way to the front under the drivers side dash . if you have a car trim set very easy to follow. haven't put the trim back on trying to find a cut or pinch. will update later
 
#15 ·
well found the culprit. does anyone know if i can just connect this together or solder it? it seems to be copper or similar metal about 12- 14 gauge

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#24 ·
well found the culprit. does anyone know if i can just connect this together or solder it? it seems to be copper or similar metal about 12- 14 gauge

View attachment 24554
Ok, I know this is years after the fact.

Radio antenna cable is high quality cable with special insulation and shielding.

Sure, radio signals are just microvolts going up and down in a signal, any wire or piece of metal could conduct them.

But here's the thing, any old wire has resistance, impedance and capacitance, all of these will alter the radio signal as it travels down the wire, to the point the signal is unrecognizable by the time its travel 10' down a typical wire.

On top of that, its Satellite is extreme/ultra high frequency that would degrade even faster.

That is what the high quality conductor, special insulation and shielding does, it controls the resistance, impedance and capacitance so it preserves the signal and it doesn't degrade.

So splicing a cut satellite antenna cable? This is not a typical power cable, that you just need a good enough of a splice to conduct the total amperage down the cable. Splicing the cable will introduce a lot of that resistance, impedance and capacitance that interferes with the signal.

Hey it's possible, if you do a good enough of a splice, the equipment might still get a strong enough signal to work. A little corrosion in the future might change that. It's more likely a splice, no matter how well you do it, especially a satellite signal at such high frequency it degrades extremely quickly, will result in too much degradation and the equipment at the other end won't be able to decipher the degraded signal.
 
#16 · (Edited)
Wow! Wonder what caused that? What is the location of the cut?

I followed mine from rear and it goes down my passenger side. I couldn't get past the rear seat, so ill be curious to know if yours is at a pinch point.

As for reconnecting, I wonder if a standard coax plier could work that small for striping and then order any connector you want.
 
#17 ·
it wasn't ran along with the other factory wires which makes me think maybe the radio was added at the dealership not factory. i removed the side panel in the cargo area and found it being smashed into a hole where the retaining clip goes. when i pulled it out it broke into two. i stripped it and connected it with a cheap connector i found in my tool box. i now have one to two bars on my gps signal but still won't find any satellites.

i'm going to try and do a better job at connecting the two and see if that works.

my guess is yours probably got pinched or cut somewhere along the line also.
 
#19 ·
ok repaired the cable carefully, now have fully working gps and satellite radio. i also tapped the cable along with the rest of the cables to prevent future incidents

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#22 ·
nice. good job figuring it out.
 
#26 ·
This is the first time on this so I am not sure were I should post my radio issue with my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Latitude.
I am experiencing what sounds like someone hitting on a tin roof at times when listening on AM. This appears intermentantly and drowns out the program. The "tin" sound will very in duration (seconds) and in volume from faint to loud.

I have had it tho three different dealerships during the past two years and no one has been able to correct the situation.

Anyone have any ideas?

MotLB
 
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