RAM 3500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1998)
Antenna: Description and Operation
SYSTEM OPERATION
All models use a fixed-length stainless steel rod- type antenna mast, installed at the right front fender of the vehicle. The antenna mast has a spiral
groove cut down its length to reduce wind noise.
The antenna mast is connected to the center wire of the coaxial antenna cable, and is not grounded to any part of the vehicle. To eliminate 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 disconnect, located on the outboard side of the right instrument panel end bracket and hidden beneath
the passenger side instrument panel end cap. This additional disconnect allows the instrument 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.
