Hi, sorry I'm sure this has been asked and discussed a hundred times but I did the search and couldn't find anything exactly pertaining to my little problem. For no apparent reason, when I tune to local FM stations and the engine is running I get lots of noise/interference. Once engine is off, reception is crystal clear. Problem first notice a few weeks ago.

I did check some of the ground connections and they are fine (I don't have a detailed repair manual so I don't even know where all the grounds are).

Anyone with an idea where I should start looking?

Oh, spark plug wires are pretty new and the engine is in generally excellent shape (01' XLT, 70k miles).

Thanks folks,

Moe

 

you check the speaker wire connections/grounds. maybe a wire rubbed up against something it shouldn't have and lost it's shield.

your antenna threads clean and tight?

 

Hi Travis,

no, didn't check the speaker wires but the antenna is clean and the thread looks good. If I'm not mistaken, if the speaker wires would be affected, I would have the same problem playing a CD (the noise must be radio signal interference). I will unscrew the antenna and look for cleanliness but again, if the engine is OFF, no static, only clear reception. The static stays at the same level, idle or driving... I'm sure some wire somewhere picks up interference but - LOL - that could be a needle in the haystack... appreciate your reply :)

Cheers,
Carsten

 

in that case.......

did you unplug then replug in the fm antenna jack?

check the wire back to the cowl antenna adaptor look for pinching and rubbing(good luck w/that)



i think you'd be better off calling an exterminator.
sounds like you got a lil gremlin in there =]

 

Hehe, I'll try that first and call Ghostbusters :) Thanks again, Travis, appreciate it!!

Carsten

 

In the Two Way Radio business, if something like this happens, the first thing you do is check the antenna. Next, you check the Coax coming from said antenna to the radio. Third, you check the connection of said coax to said radio.

The same principles apply here. Check the ENTIRE run of the coax from the FM antenna to the radio and make sure that the cable hsa not been punctured, or the shield has not been cut away or destroyed in a certain spot.

 

Hi Russ,

of course that makes a lot of sense, my problem is I am not too familiar with automotive audio and don't even know where to look for the wire going to the antenna. Worse yet, I don't have the metal brackets to get the darn radio out of its housing

 

The Coax from the antenna will come down the inner fender wal, then through the firewall behind the glove box, and then come along the dash to the radio. As far as the keys to remove the head unit, you can get them at Wally World for like 5 bucks I think.