Commander 4WD V8-4.7L VIN N (2006)
Antenna, Radio: All Technical Service Bulletins
Audio System - Satellite Radio Mutes While Driving
NUMBER: 08-042-05
GROUP: Electrical
DATE: August 05, 2005
SUBJECT:
Satellite Signal Interference At Antenna Due To Rear Cross Bar Position
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves a discussion regarding possible causes for satellite radio station drop out due to satellite radio signal interference.
MODELS:
2006
(XK) Commander
DISCUSSION:
The customer may experience frequent radio station mute (drop out) while driving and listening to the vehicle satellite radio. This condition may increase
when the vehicle passes under heavy foliage (trees) or when traveling under overpasses. The station mute may be frequent enough to cause an unpleasant
listening experience. Other than the satellite radio mode, no other radio mode (i.e. AM, FM, CD, Video) is affected.
The satellite radio antenna requires sufficient clearance from nearby objects/obstructions in order to not degrade the operation of the satellite radio. This
condition may be caused by additional obstructions to the satellite radio signal besides the normal influences of overpasses and heavy foliage. These
additional objects that may obstruct the antenna signal may be the roof rack rear cross bar or other objects placed on the vehicle roof and are too close to
the satellite antenna.
The positioning of the rear roof rack cross bar may degrade the satellite radio signal if the cross bar is placed too close to the roof mounted satellite radio
antenna. The roof rack allows the rear cross bar to be moved full rearward to a 5th position. When the rear cross bar is positioned in the 5th position the
cross bar is directly above the satellite radio antenna.
When not in use the roof rack cross bars should be positioned in the 1st (front cross bar) and in the 4th (rear cross bar) positions. With the rear cross bar
in the 4th position there remains sufficient distance from the satellite radio antenna so as not to negatively effect satellite signal reception. Also, by
placing the respective cross bars in the 1st and 4th positions the possibility of air turbulence (wind whistle-like sound) is reduced. Adjustment of a cross
bar is easily performed by loosening the adjusters on each end of a cross bar, sliding the cross bar so that roof rack-to-cross bar alignment marks align,
and then tightening both adjusters.
Other objects, especially metal objects, placed close to the satellite radio antenna may also negatively effect the satellite radio signal. The customer must
be careful when using the roof rack to carry various materials, metal or otherwise. Large objects may block satellite signals to the satellite radio antenna.
Close by metal objects to the satellite radio antenna may distort or deflect the satellite signal to the antenna.
A clear area around the satellite radio antenna offers the best opportunity to obtain a quality satellite signal.
POLICY:
Information Only
Disclaimer
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.
