I have a 94 F-150 I bought new when I retired. It has about 35000 miles on it. Just noticed the other day static on AM stations of the radio and it goes away when the motor is not running. I remember back in the old days of regular points and standard distributors when you had static and the ant. was OK normally it was the condenser was going bad. Anyone know if there is anything on the later distributers or electrical that causes static????
Thanks

 

spark plug wires can cause it... u need special wires

Matt

 

Spark plug wires are most likely the cause of this. You just need a good set of new wires and you should be set.

 

I have the same problem with my 2000 EXPY and posted a request for help in that forum. I got a few responses, most of which suggested cleaning the antenna connection. I have not tried that yet. Also, i believe that there are a couple of noise supressors built in somewhere. Here are a couple of other posts from the EXPY Forum:


Join Date: Feb 2005
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It sounds like you may have corrosion on or in your antennae. I had the same problem, I pulled the radio and at the back of the radio where the antennae connects, was all rusted. I pulled the antennae out of the radio and cleaned all the rust off and got my AM back. If its not rusted there, it could be rust in the cable itself...so you may have to replace the cable. I got my info about this problem from a guy who works at www.radiosandmore.com. He was pretty well informed on how to deal with that particular problem.


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AM radio is tough to cure. The antenna pulls the signal in and needs to be in good shape AND have a very good ground. I would try one of a couple of things. First make sure you have a good ground to your radio chassis, this is important for any radio. Make it at least 10 gauge wire. The antenna can become 'worn' out due to oxidation. Remove the antenna and clean the mounting area as this is were older antennas grounded, often the ground area is on the innerside of the fender. A better fix is to replace the antenna with one that allows you to attach a ground wire to the threaded mount. Using a round wire end that fits, you can mount the antenna and connect the ground wire to a chassis point. Also make sure your battery ground connects to the motor, rad support(for the headlights) and to the firewall. Use at least 10 guage or heavier wire. This will help with grounding issues.
Aftermarket radios usually have whimpy ground wires which are marginal at best. It is a good idea to add a heavy ground wire to the chassis and on your amp(s). One reason radios of any type pick up stray electrical signals is because of poor grounds