GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Radio/Audio System Description Chevrolet

Chevrolet radios include the following components and features:

    • An electronically tuned receiver (ETR)
    • A vacuum fluorescent display
    • An AM/FM stereo
    • Seek and scan tuning
    • A digital clock display

Radio Description


Object Number: 290010  Size: SH
    • ETR AM/FM Stereo/Cassette

Object Number: 65126  Size: SH
    • ETR AM/FM Stereo/Cassette with Theftlock™

Object Number: 65127  Size: SH
    • ETR AM/FM Stereo/Compact Disc with Theftlock™

FM Stereo

The following actions occur when a factory-equipped audio system with an FM stereo radio receives an FM stereo broadcast:

    • The radio switches to stereo operation.
    • An indicator on the radio illuminates.

Stereo operation means that the radio is separating the stereo broadcast back into the two original channels. The two channels are the LEFT channel and the RIGHT channel. Stereo sound is more realistic than non-stereo sound.

FM is normally static-free, but any of the following factors may limit reception:

    • Terrain
    • Atmospheric conditions
    • Station strength
    • Distance from the transmitter

Buildings or other obstructions may cause the following conditions:

    • Momentary static
    • Flutter
    • Station swapping

If reception is poor, turning to a different station that is stronger will bring improvement.

AMAX Stereo Certification

All optional radios are AMAX certified. AMAX certified receivers can reproduce the fidelity sound that is transmitted by all AM stations but not received on all AM radios.

AMAX certification includes some of the following improvements:

    • High fidelity
    • Adjustable receiver bandwidth:
       - Wide bandwidth for high fidelity
       - Narrow bandwidth for cutting out interference
    • Noise cancellation
    • Full stereo sound
    • Reception of more frequencies
    • External antenna capability

The range of most AM stations is greater than FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM is also subject to noise pickup from storms or power lines. AMAX certification reduces many of these types of conditions.

Radio/Audio System Description Pontiac

Pontiac radios include the following components and features:

    • An electronically tuned receiver (ETR)
    • A vacuum fluorescent display
    • An AM/FM stereo
    • The seek and scan tuning
    • A digital clock display

Radio Description


Object Number: 290019  Size: SH
    • ETR AM/FM Stereo/Cassette with Graphic Equalizer and Theftlock™

Object Number: 290017  Size: SH
    • ETR AM/FM Stereo/Compact Disc with Graphic Equalizer and Theftlock™

FM Stereo

The following actions occur when a factory-equipped audio system with an FM stereo radio receives an FM stereo broadcast:

    • The radio switches to stereo operation.
    • An indicator on the radio illuminates.

Stereo operation means that the radio is separating stereo broadcast back into the two original channels. The two channels are the LEFT channel and the RIGHT channel. Stereo sound is more realistic than non-stereo sound.

FM is normally static-free, but any of the following factors may limit reception:

    • Terrain
    • Atmospheric conditions
    • Station strength
    • Distance from the transmitter

Buildings or other obstructions may cause the following conditions:

    • Momentary static
    • Flutter
    • Station swapping

If reception is poor, turning to a different station that is stronger will bring improvement.

AMAX Stereo Certification

All optional radios are AMAX certified. AMAX certified receivers can reproduce the fidelity sound that is transmitted by all AM stations but not received on all AM radios.

AMAX certification includes some of the following improvements:

    • High fidelity
    • Adjustable receiver bandwidth:
       - Wide bandwidth for high fidelity
       - Narrow bandwidth for cutting out interference
    • Noise cancellation
    • Full stereo sound
    • Reception of more frequencies
    • External antenna capability

The range of most AM stations is greater than FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM is also subject to noise pickup from storms or power lines. AMAX certification reduces many of these types of conditions.