warthog

Have googled, Binged, troubleshot and researched. I can't figure this one out. 98 Xj stock radio. Started out in the mornings my radio reception wouldn't work. The evenings were ok. Didn't matter if the lights were on or off. Now it's all day. The radio reception is horrible,almost nonexistent if at any point I do get reception, the minute I turn on my blinker or wipers. It goes off. 70% of the time I can then switch over to cd and play for 10 seconds. The switch back to fm and it will play again. I am stumped. I've checked every ground I can. Checked the c4 junction box and the terminals under the fuse box under the hood.

CCKen

Sounds like a radio or radio antenna ground issue.


If you had a 1998 XJ Factory Service Manual, Section 8F gives the procedures for checking the grounds.


See if you can download a pdf FSM from Pacific Coast Manuals ($7.95) and look up the procedures.


http://www.pacificcoastmanuals.com/jeep_cherokee_service_manuals.html


I the mean time visually inspect the antenna cable connector and the radio ground connection at the radio.

warthog

Ok I'll check those. I pulled the dash apart earlier looking for ground wire g108 and could never find it. I will check the antenna connections a little more tomorrow. Does the antenna ground to the body panel?

warthog

Also I don't know if this is factory or from the previous owner. It is secured to the kick panel

Turbo X_J

Are you sure the antenna cable is connected to the antenna mast in the fender?

rzldzl

my non stock HU cut off for a split sec if i turned on the wipers, or if they moved if they were on delay

re did grounds....https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/98-...rs-run-156049/

didnt work

ran new power wire to HU, solved

warthog

My antenna connection in the passenger side kick panel is connected. When I take it apart the small white plastic piece falls out. I just put it back in every time. I'm not sure if it's suppose to do that.

warthog

Rzldzl, did your whole unit cut off or just your fm? It's my fm that's cutting out

warthog

Turbo, I just reread your question. I have looked inside the fender without taking it off. It looks secure. I guess I could pull the fender off just to make sure. How much of a pita is that

rzldzl

dunno....all i listen to is usb in...

warthog

I may have fixed it. I ran a new ground wire to the back of the radio. Now it's not cutting out like it use too. The only thing now is I can't pick up to many channels. I think I have a bad antenna or bad ground around the mast.

Jeep Driver

Have you considered you might just have a bad radio/unit?

warthog

Yeah that's crossed my mind. But I wanted to try everything Elise first. I just like the looks of the stock radio and they are hard to come by