How do you test the antenna in a 1970 cutlass to know it is working? I know it is a windshield antenna, the old radio doesn't work, I want to get a new one, but before I do that I want to know the antenna works.

What is the resistance value I should get if a check that, measured from the tip of the coax plug to the the side of the plug correct?

andy

 

That's a really good question.

I think the only way to test it is to connect a known good radio and see if it works.

There may be more in the Chassis Service Manual.

- Eric

 

The windshield antenna is just a piece of wire, so it will likely measure open with an Ohm meter. You would have to check its impedance at RF frequencies to get a meaningful reading. I think all you really need to do is inspect the coax to make sure it's not broken and the connectors are OK.

 

You can test for short circuit.

Run a 12 v test light from source to center pin, no light means no short.
Light means short. Then remove antenna from lead in socket. If light goes out,
there was the short, so insulate. If light stays on, remove lead in, repair or replace.

That's paraphrasing the CSM. Nothing about resistance, because the circuit is not complete, it's just a wire of a given length.