AM Radio :(

RyanZ71 · September 20, 2006

Two weeks ago the AM side of my Radio started cutting in and out bad, seems like there is a loose connection somewhere, I checked the antenna, it is on good and tight, I guess the next step is to start pulling the dash apart to see if the radio cable has come loose. This is the OEM radio (AM/FM/Cassette/W CD player below) and while I don't need some fancy dancy sound system (I usually listen to AM Talk Shows and sports) the thought has crossed my mind to step up to a different type. Anyone have problems like this before?

drumset5994 · September 20, 2006

What's AM?

drumset5994 · September 20, 2006

What's AM?

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Sorry, just bustin' your chops.

I used to have a problem like this back when i would listen to the ol' 1520 WKBW on my AM side and my CB radio...any type of interference being given out somewhere?

Wingnut · September 20, 2006

Two weeks ago the AM side of my Radio started cutting in and out bad, seems like there is a loose connection somewhere, I checked the antenna, it is on good and tight, I guess the next step is to start pulling the dash apart to see if the radio cable has come loose. This is the OEM radio (AM/FM/Cassette/W CD player below) and while I don't need some fancy dancy sound system (I usually listen to AM Talk Shows and sports) the thought has crossed my mind to step up to a different type. Anyone have problems like this before?

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If you listen to talk shows and sports, AND you're looking to upgrade. You should look into getting XM. Lots of talk and sports on there, and it'll never be out of range

WindyCityPilot · September 20, 2006

Two weeks ago the AM side of my Radio started cutting in and out bad, seems like there is a loose connection somewhere, I checked the antenna, it is on good and tight, I guess the next step is to start pulling the dash apart to see if the radio cable has come loose. This is the OEM radio (AM/FM/Cassette/W CD player below) and while I don't need some fancy dancy sound system (I usually listen to AM Talk Shows and sports) the thought has crossed my mind to step up to a different type. Anyone have problems like this before?

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Had the same problem on my other vehicle. The car was in a small fender bender and the car was hit in the left rear quarter panel right where the amp was located. FM worked fine and AM would cut out. Dealer ended up replacing the head unit, antenna, and the cabling for the antenna....nothing fixed it. Then they replaced the amp. Worked like a charm after that. Not sure if that is your problem but that fixed mine. Hope it helps!

HyperBuzzin · September 20, 2006

If I'm not mistaken, AM does not work off of the regular mast antenna. It works off an internal antenna.

Atleast, that's how portable AM/FM radios usually are.

RyanZ71 · September 21, 2006

I can't see updating to XM because, well, the regular AM/FM is free and it suits me just fine, add to that I like to listen to the local talk shows and not the national stuff. Like to keep up to date with the local News and Traffic too! I was unaware that the AM band worked off of a sepertate antenna. It only does it while the vehicle is in motion, it gets very staticy and choppy, especially noticable around power lines, where is it did not used to do that before, it was always a clear crisp signal (The two stations I listen to the most are a 50,000 watt (850 KOA, which most of you folks in the USA might be able to pick up at night and a 25,000 watt station (630 KHOW) so the signal is VERY strong

I guess I'll do a stereo upgrade to the truck, 3 of the 4 speakers are blown (stupid cheap factory speakers)

Mr. Smith · September 21, 2006

I can't see updating to XM because, well, the regular AM/FM is free and it suits me just fine, add to that I like to listen to the local talk shows and not the national stuff. Like to keep up to date with the local News and Traffic too! I was unaware that the AM band worked off of a sepertate antenna. It only does it while the vehicle is in motion, it gets very staticy and choppy, especially noticable around power lines, where is it did not used to do that before, it was always a clear crisp signal (The two stations I listen to the most are a 50,000 watt (850 KOA, which most of you folks in the USA might be able to pick up at night and a 25,000 watt station (630 KHOW) so the signal is VERY strong

I guess I'll do a stereo upgrade to the truck, 3 of the 4 speakers are blown (stupid cheap factory speakers)

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I used to say the same thing about satellite radio untill I got XM. I will never go back to FM again. It sure is nice though to listen to the same station no matter where you are in the country.

Wingnut · September 21, 2006

I can't see updating to XM because, well, the regular AM/FM is free and it suits me just fine, add to that I like to listen to the local talk shows and not the national stuff. Like to keep up to date with the local News and Traffic too! I was unaware that the AM band worked off of a sepertate antenna. It only does it while the vehicle is in motion, it gets very staticy and choppy, especially noticable around power lines, where is it did not used to do that before, it was always a clear crisp signal (The two stations I listen to the most are a 50,000 watt (850 KOA, which most of you folks in the USA might be able to pick up at night and a 25,000 watt station (630 KHOW) so the signal is VERY strong

I guess I'll do a stereo upgrade to the truck, 3 of the 4 speakers are blown (stupid cheap factory speakers)

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With you listening mostly to talk and sports...That's going to be a nice and cheap upgrade

mmmikkke · September 21, 2006

I junked my junk GM AM/FM/CD radio and put in a Pioneer instead. The crappy AM reception of the GM radio was a big part of the reason. And mine wasn't even malfunctioning yet!

The Pioneer has far superior AM reception, and can pull in a lot more stations, clearly. Rush comes in great! Check my "view vehicles" link.

pm26 · September 22, 2006

Two weeks ago the AM side of my Radio started cutting in and out bad, seems like there is a loose connection somewhere, I checked the antenna, it is on good and tight, I guess the next step is to start pulling the dash apart to see if the radio cable has come loose. This is the OEM radio (AM/FM/Cassette/W CD player below) and while I don't need some fancy dancy sound system (I usually listen to AM Talk Shows and sports) the thought has crossed my mind to step up to a different type. Anyone have problems like this before?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you listen to talk shows and sports, AND you're looking to upgrade. You should look into getting XM. Lots of talk and sports on there, and it'll never be out of range

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Yes, the XM radio is nice, except for that pesky $ 40 something bill that keeps showing up every three months.

Wingnut · September 22, 2006

I said LOOK into it, not run out and buy it

I used it for the 3 months that it was free and hated it. No way would I pay for it.

But as far as I can tell...People who like talk and sports radio are generally pretty pleased with XM.

MS3DALE · September 22, 2006

I love my XM and I don't mind paying 13 bucks a month for it.

Rolandd · September 24, 2006

AM and FM both use the mast antenna on your fender. Make sure the antenna is screwed in tight and that all the other connections between it and the back of the radio are tight. You might also want to check your ignition wires as these can generate niose when they start to fail. If you are getting noise related to engine rpm, a bad diode in the alternator can also be the cause.

If you only listen to AM, you may want to see if there is an aftermarket upgrade for the antenna, even if you end up replacing the radio. Most antennas are optimized for FM, the AM antenna will be a different length (usually longer).

98GMCClubCab · September 24, 2006

Not to jump subjects, but nobody has mentioned sirrius radio. Does everyone like XM better? Just curious. My truck came with an aftermarket radio and is set up for sirrius. The last owner took the module with him. Thought about getting another module and getting hooked up.