Ham radio caused truck to quit. When transitting RF. It took me a year of changing trying to get this fixed. The solution was to mount antenna high as possible, quality coax, swr must be 1.1.
I installed a high powered ham radio system in the truck. (licensed amateur radio allows up to 1500 watts). Whenever the output power reaches 300-400 watts on voice peaks, the electrical system of the truck is interfered with, and the engine loses power. I've tried everything including following GM's (very basic) recommendations for such things. In fact they don't recommend high power radio gear be used in the truck. Very annoying since the truck has a 100 amp alternator and with the additional battery, there is more than enough 12-volt power to operate this gear. I spent the money on a 1200 watt station so I could talk globally and I have to keep it mostly turned down. Works fine of course with the engine off.. It just seems to affect the engine's running. Does not seem to mess with the idiot lights, gauges, FM radio, etc. just kills the engine, as if the ignition were disconnected or the fuel injectors stopped. Now, I realize this is a pickup truck and not a military aircraft, and does not have to be resistant to radio interference, but it would help to know from GM what to look for, in more detail than the one-page sheet.
- opcom,
Dallas, TX, US
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Ham radio caused truck to quit. When transitting RF. It took me a year of changing trying to get this fixed. The solution was to mount antenna high as possible, quality coax, swr must be 1.1.
- Jeffrey W., Musella, GA, US