2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission AM Radio Reception

[AlSmith]

I enjoy listening to a couple talk shows on AM radio but cannot get a clear reception. The dealer says that diesels cause to much interference for the signal to come in clear. Does anyone know of any way to add a filter or change antenas or any way to get a better AM signal. Thanks!

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by Al Smith

I enjoy listening to a couple talk shows on AM radio but cannot get a clear reception. The dealer says that diesels cause to much interference for the signal to come in clear. Does anyone know of any way to add a filter or change antenas or any way to get a better AM signal. Thanks!

What year is your truck?? I did not see a signature. My AM works perfect as long as I stay away from power lines, CB radios, variable frequency drives (used in factorys to regulate electric motor speeds), going under and stopping under overpasses. Listening to AM at night is also not good if the stations antenna is more that 40 miles away. My radio is the stock one installed by Dodge. Also make sure your antenna is fully extended. (Check the antenna cable connections. ) Am requires a longer aerial than FM.

A diesel does not produce radio interference. That dealer does not know what they are talking about. You may also have a alternator with a leaking diode or a bad filter. Hope this was of some help.

 

[willyslover]

never ceases to amaze me what horse crap a dealer will spout not to have to look into a problem... repeat after me. . I am my own warranty station ... no matter what

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by willyslover
never ceases to amaze me what horse crap a dealer will spout not to have to look into a problem... repeat after me. . I am my own warranty station ... no matter what

OK. You are your own warranty station... no matter what.



Fest3er

 

[gitchesum]

This might sound strange but if you have a cell phone charger in one of the power outlets, try taking it out. Mine causes a noise when it is plugged in. It does it with every type of charger I've used.



Also, moving to 2nd Gen forum.

 

[Shovelhead]

Al,

I'm kinda surprised the dealer didn't suggest changing to resistor spark plugs and wires.

 

[klenger]

How can a diesel cause radio interference? There is no ignition system. The OEM radios are pretty much junk. There are times that I cannot even receive an FM station in my truck with the Infininty radio system, but the Sony stereo in my camper picks it up just fine.

 

[AlSmith]

A new set of resistor plugs and wires along with a new distributor cap took care of the problem! Now, I'm listening to AM stations overseas! Can anybody understand Chinese

Ha! Ha! Actually, my truck is a 1996 2500 SLT Turbo B6 that is about as stock as you could imagine. Over 98K miles and running like a diesel should. I'm just tired of the AM stations not coming in clear enough to understand. Maybe the stock radio needs to be chunked and install the Sony replacement. Any suggestion as to which one. Living near Atlanta could be part of the problem with traffic jams and overhead wires everywhere. Of course, I might ask my dealer to tweek my carberator! I'm sure that could be causing interference!

 

[pm720]

Damn, everyone beat me to the ignition jokes! Gitchesum is right on track with the cell phone adapter. Mine gives me fits on AM all the time.



Scott

 

[Slow Six]

You might want to check out the lead from the base of the antenna to the connection under the right kick panel. I was getting poor reception in my 94. I checked out the lead and it was severely corroded. I think moisture works its way down the lead from the outside and eventually causes problems. I got the replacement lead from my dealer. It is not a hard job. Hope this helps.

 

[Roger Ledbetter]

AM Signal

Can you hear the stations and what does it sound like?

If They are weak they will fade, can you hear any stations OK?

Or do you get a buzzing noise across the dial?

AM reception requires a strong signal and also picks up noise interference. My AM works fine.

 

[fest3er]

Re: AM Signal

Originally posted by Roger Ledbetter
Can you hear the stations and what does it sound like?
If They are weak they will fade, can you hear any stations OK?
Or do you get a buzzing noise across the dial?
AM reception requires a strong signal and also picks up noise interference. My AM works fine.

What Roger said. If you get noise across the dial, that might lead me to think your alternator is generating noise - it's about the only thing on a 12V that *could* generate interference in the 1MHz vicinity. An oscilloscope would quickly verify this.

Fest3er

 

[DuallyDean]

Al--

I'm a talk radio-aholic and listen to AM extensively.



1) Most AM stations are required to cut their signal power at sundown by law by the FCC and can't bring it back up untill sunup. Keep that in mind when evaluating signal strength.



2) Numerous mobile electronics shops have told me that the AM sections in most OEM radios outperform aftermarket radios (FM is a different story)



3) The consensus of these dealers is that of the aftermarket radios, the Pioneer supertuner III and the Alpine head units have the best performance.



4) Antennas, and good antenna grounding have more to do with good reception than the head unit does.



5) If you have interference that is being caused by your truck, it has to be either the alternator or an accessory, because, obviously there is no ignition system.



One odd thing I have to note: The background static level decreases significantly if I turn the headlights ON. I have no explanation for this, just that I know it does.



Hope some small piece of this information helps you out in some way.



Good Luck!



"Dually" Dean

 

[jzaremski]

Pay a visit to the local car stereo shop and pick up a signal booster. It's installed between the antenna and the radio,

the problem is that if he's not pulling in a good signal, the booster's just going to amplify noise.



Al, has this recently started, or has it always had poor reception? if it only recently started acting up, I'd have the antenna cable checked.

Numerous mobile electronics shops have told me that the AM sections in most OEM radios outperform aftermarket radios

That's generally true.