Car audio specialists, got AM static problems.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Car audio specialists, got AM static problems.

Posted: 8/24/2004 8:11:55 PM EDT

Dipping into the ARFCOM well of knowledge....

Problem,
Poor AM reception, lots of static.
Occurs with engine running, but NOT tied to RPM.
Additional static occurs with the fan running.
When I turn the engine OFF, with key in ACC position, audio sounds clear.

I'm guessing I'll add filters to both the 12V power to the radio, and to the antenna lead.

Will that be enough, or do I need to replace the radio (again)?

Posted: 8/24/2004 8:16:48 PM EDT

[#1]

especially on older cars, check for good ground at base of antenna, where it touches car metal. 90 percent of the time this is where problem is. In fact check ALL grounds, battery, batery body/frame ground strap.

Posted: 8/24/2004 8:19:00 PM EDT

[#2]

second checking for good ground. That caused a similar problem in my car.

Remember the Alamo, and God Bless Texas...

Posted: 8/24/2004 8:21:19 PM EDT

[#3]

Third for ground. Just move the ground for your radio to different spots and see if it clears up.

Posted: 8/24/2004 9:12:45 PM EDT

[#4]

Another aspect to consider: As an AM signal gets weaker, static becomes more apparent. One of the mostly likely causes of weak signals is broken antenna connections - often, where the antenna cable goes into the bottom of the antenna mast.

If you have a test meter, unplug the antenna cable from the back of the radio, and use the meter to confirm that the center pin of the antenna cable connector still has continuity to the antenna mast. Next, confirm that the outside pin still has continuity to the vehicle's chassis ground. Finally, measure between the center and outside pins, to make sure that they aren't shorted together.

Posted: 8/24/2004 9:14:12 PM EDT

[#5]

I hear they've got this new thing out, Frequency Modulation, supposed to cut down on that.....

Posted: 8/25/2004 10:13:08 AM EDT

[#6]

The FM bands work fine, its only AM with an issue.

Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity are on AM stations in the Seattle area....

Posted: 8/25/2004 10:18:14 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity are on AM stations in the Seattle area....

So is Dr. Frasier Crane!

Posted: 8/25/2004 10:28:22 AM EDT

[#8]

That's because FM will work without an antenna ground. lots of good advice here. begin your testing as above poster laid out for you.

Posted: 8/25/2004 10:54:19 AM EDT

[#9]

Can't believe no one beat me to this:

USE TANNERITE!

Posted: 8/28/2004 4:06:02 PM EDT

[#10]

Well looks like I fixed it. Found one of the connectors for the lead the right front speaker wasn't crimped, which explains why the right speaker cut out over bumps, and the stereo was only only attached to ground via the chassis with one loose screw instead of two tight ones.

Works mucho better now.

@#$@#$@ aftermarket stereo installers.....

Posted: 8/28/2004 5:02:19 PM EDT

[#11]

Good lesson...great job of troubleshooting! Congrats.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Car audio specialists, got AM static problems.

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