Radio Noise
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New User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Radio Noise
I have a: 2000 Ford Ranger XLT Off-Road 4x4 Super Cab 4-door
Radio: AM/FM CASSETTE w/ CD ( single )
The problem: About six months ago my am radio would not pick up AM stations anymore. All that came through the speakers was engine noise. Has anyone had this problem?
Also FM Stations are a little fuzzy at times with the same engine noise.
I have tried dealers and mechanics. No one can figure it out.
Had battery test done everything is ok.
Please Help
Thanks
Radio: AM/FM CASSETTE w/ CD ( single )
The problem: About six months ago my am radio would not pick up AM stations anymore. All that came through the speakers was engine noise. Has anyone had this problem?
Also FM Stations are a little fuzzy at times with the same engine noise.
I have tried dealers and mechanics. No one can figure it out.
Had battery test done everything is ok.
Please Help
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Hello meeenkya,
Even though it was another vehicle that I had owned, I had a similar situation of relevance w/ my radio. I found that when it rained, the radio wouldn't work properly or when it was just a damp day outside. The antenna wire was the culprit! If the system grounds itself through the antenna wire it will show your symptoms! Hoping this answer has helped. Oh! and welcome to the FTE family!
Even though it was another vehicle that I had owned, I had a similar situation of relevance w/ my radio. I found that when it rained, the radio wouldn't work properly or when it was just a damp day outside. The antenna wire was the culprit! If the system grounds itself through the antenna wire it will show your symptoms! Hoping this answer has helped. Oh! and welcome to the FTE family!
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 39
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Hi meeenkya,
I agree with Ken, it is probably your antenna. Am will not work without an antenna and depending upon how close you are to the station FM will come in but may get staticy depending upon distance from the radio station. I used to instll aftermarket radios, and if a truck came into the shop with your symptoms, the first thing I would do is take another antenna and plug it in to see if it was the problem. If it isn't the antenna or antenna wire, then it is probably the radio. And aftermarket radios, depending upon what toys you want in it are cheaper then factory.
I agree with Ken, it is probably your antenna. Am will not work without an antenna and depending upon how close you are to the station FM will come in but may get staticy depending upon distance from the radio station. I used to instll aftermarket radios, and if a truck came into the shop with your symptoms, the first thing I would do is take another antenna and plug it in to see if it was the problem. If it isn't the antenna or antenna wire, then it is probably the radio. And aftermarket radios, depending upon what toys you want in it are cheaper then factory.
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Thanks all, I do have a newer antenna. Just have to check antenna cable.
My Ford dealer mentioned that it might be a fuel pump sync.
My warranty is up, so it would cost me out of pocket.
Has anyone heard of this?
Meenkya
My Ford dealer mentioned that it might be a fuel pump sync.
My warranty is up, so it would cost me out of pocket.
Has anyone heard of this?
Meenkya
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 943
Likes: 2
From: Randolph, NJ
Fuel pumps are in general a noisy item on cars just like the spark plugs/wires (cause crackle) or the alternator/regulator (cause a whine). The fuel pump can do the same. Anything that can cause a wideband AC noise or a change in the DC voltage the car supplies can affect the radio reception.
-Jim
-Jim
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
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From: Central Kali
If the radio and the antenna are good, something causing noise would only be heard during weak signal reception for the most part. Now I would check the antenna with a ohmmeter to see if the center conductor is good to the antenna and not open. Also check that the outer conductor is grounded and that the center conductor is not grounded. 
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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Antenna
I had the same issue with my 98 Ranger and the stock radio. One day it worked and the next day it would not pick up anything on AM but engine noise. I swapped my radio with another known good Ford radio and this radio was also unable to pick anything in the AM band. I ohmed out the antenna and tested it verses a friends Ford truck and it was major different. On my Ranger the antenna and the cable leading to antenna are two diffent parts. I replaced the cable (which is a pain in the butt to replace). And this solved the problem. I cost like $16.00.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 413
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From: Connecticut
Hi kidder;
If you can possibly remember what the readings + differences / inconsistencies were, we could use these readings as a sort of a standard to at least go by, as to a future referencing point for this type of situation. (Considering there were 2 Fords being used in the testing or something along these lines!)_______________________
The brain is always on the move!!
