Customer states poor AM radio reception or static on all channels.

AR(1) 04794048AA Ground Strap, Engine To Fender
AR(1) 04793411 Ground Strap, Strut To Body
AR(1) 04469334 Ground Strap, Engine Mount
AR(1) 05269216 Antenna Lead To Radio
AR(1) 04798290 Antenna Base and Bracket Assembly Package
AR(1) 04783990 Hinge Assembly, Hood (Right Side)

This bulletin involves performing a diagnostic procedure to determine the cause of poor AM radio reception by examining body/engine grounds, antenna installation/connections,speaker connections/operation and radio connections.

NOTE: POOR AM RECEPTION/STATIC WILL AFFECT ALL SPEAKERS EQUALLY WITH THE SYSTEM EQUALLY BALANCED FRONT TO REAR AND SIDE TO SIDE.AUDIO DIAGNOSTICS WILL NOT BE COVERED IN THIS BULLETIN.

1. Open the hood and secure.

2. Verify that the right side (passenger) strut to body clip on ground strap is secure (See Figure 1). If the ground strap is damaged or missing, install new ground strap (P/N4793411).

3. Verify that the engine to fender ground strap is secure. If the ground strap is damaged or missing, install P/N 04794048AA. Figure 2

4. Inspect the right side hood hinge assembly and verify the riveted on ground strap across both halves of the assembly is in place. If the assembly is not in place, replace the right side hinge assembly ( P/N 04783990).

5. Unlatch the two clips holding the Power Distribution Center to the battery thermoguard and lift it out of the way. Verify that the engine mount ground strap is secure. If damaged or missing install a new engine mount ground strap (P/N 4469334). Figure 3

6. With the hood closed, inspect the antenna mast to see that it is secured to the antenna assembly post. If the mast is loose, remove the mast and apply Mopar Lock N' Seal Adhesive (P/N 4318031) to the threads. Install the mast into the antenna assembly post until the mast bottoms on antenna assembly post.

7. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not start. Do not use the accessory position.

8. Remove the right side cowl trim panel and confirm that the antenna cable connector between the antenna lead and radio-to-antenna lead in wire is secure. If static or "popping" sound when the cable leads are wiggled, determine which cable
is at fault. If it is the extension cable, replace it with (P/N 5269216). If the noise is due to the antenna lead in wire, the antenna base and bracket will have to be replaced. Proceed to the next step.

9. If it was determined in step 8 that the antenna base and bracket requires replacement, replace the assembly (P/N 04798290) as given in the 1997 Neon Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-7025) on page 8F-7 to 8F-8.

NOTE: DO NOT USE PUSH PINS IN THE BOTTOM TWO HOLES THAT RETAIN THE INNER FENDER SHIELD TO THE FENDER. USE THE TWO SCREWS AND U-NUTS PROVIDED IN THE ANTENNA BASE AND BRACKET PACKAGE.

10. If the static or popping noise was not heard in preceding diagnostic procedure and AM reception is still poor, remove the radio, as outlined in the 1997 Neon Service Manual(Publication No. 81-270-7025) on page 8F-8, to examine the rear electrical connections.

11. Confirm the following connections at the rear of the radio.

A. The antenna cable is securely fastened to the radio and the connection is functional. Repair or replace radio-to-antenna lead (P/N 5269216)

B. The radio ground terminal is secure to the radio and the ground circuit to the terminal is functional and the terminal is not spread. Repair as necessary.

C. Confirm that the two 7-way (C209-black and C21 0-gray) connectors are functional and that the terminals are not pushed out or spread. Repair as necessary.

If items A through C check out okay, remove the radio and exchange it through the Mopar Authorized Service Centers as outlined in Section 6-F in the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual.