AM Radio Interference from Engine
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Nova Scotia
AM Radio Interference from Engine
Just recently I have noticed that I am getting interference from my engine on AM band of my radio. Yes I still listen to AM radio. The interference goes away when engine is shut off. The FM band sounds fine.
Is there a filter that is supposed to suppress engine electrical noise or do I have a ground problem with the antenna?
Is there a filter that is supposed to suppress engine electrical noise or do I have a ground problem with the antenna?
Last edited by Big Red; Dec 6, 2006 at 11:12 PM. Reason: spelling
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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From: Billings Montana
There is a filter on my stock radio but there's still interference when I listen to AM stations as well. When I use radio supression spark plug wires, it really helps cut down on the noise so you could try that with your next tune up.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Too close to Houston
There's a condensor (capacitor) on the ignition coil and voltage regulator. Make sure they are both still connected and the ground connections are clean. Also make sure all the spark plug wires are seated at both ends.
If you have a small battery powered AM radio you can dial in some static and move it around under the hood to locate where the interference originates. Be careful of the antenna and moving parts while doing this.
If you have a small battery powered AM radio you can dial in some static and move it around under the hood to locate where the interference originates. Be careful of the antenna and moving parts while doing this.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 153
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From: NW Ohio
Another good source for AM radio interference is plug wires. Ignition (plugs, wires, etc.) will show up as a popping noise that varies with engine speed. If the noise is more of a whine that also varies with engine speed, the source is more likely to be the alternator. There are aftermarket filters available, and the capacitor on the coil and filter mentioned by the other guys are also possibilities. Using the portable radio like Sport45 suggested can help isolate the problem as either coming in through the antenna (most likely ignition) or the radio's power supply (probably alternator).
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New User
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So if I call that thing on the coil a "Radio Noise Choke" you won't get mad ...right ?
They are just like the condensor in the dist..they "FILL UP" with static type energy and won't hold anymore..so the energy(ie: noise) from the ignition has no place to go but to the radio antenna.
Good luck finding another OEM radio choke
They are just like the condensor in the dist..they "FILL UP" with static type energy and won't hold anymore..so the energy(ie: noise) from the ignition has no place to go but to the radio antenna.
Good luck finding another OEM radio choke
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Too close to Houston
I'm thinking voltage regulator. Unplug the regulator and start the engine. The battery won't charge, and you'll get a light on the dash (unless you have gauges) but everything else should work. If it quits popping you've found your culprit.
The voltage regulator and instrument voltage regulator are the only things I can think of other than the turn/hazard flashers that make/break connections independent of engine speed. If it was the IVR you would get popping with the key in RUN with the engine off.
The voltage regulator and instrument voltage regulator are the only things I can think of other than the turn/hazard flashers that make/break connections independent of engine speed. If it was the IVR you would get popping with the key in RUN with the engine off.
Last edited by Sport45; Dec 7, 2006 at 09:42 PM.
New User
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Charging systems noises heard on a radio is a "Whine".
"Ignition Pop" comes from ignition parts.
I installed CB Radios and stereos for years.
The most commone reason for ignition pop was from the lack of:
OEM Spark Plug Noise Suppression wires.
Resistor S.Plugs
Noise suppression chokes at VR & coil.
Go to Radio shack and get one.
"Ignition Pop" comes from ignition parts.
I installed CB Radios and stereos for years.
The most commone reason for ignition pop was from the lack of:
OEM Spark Plug Noise Suppression wires.
Resistor S.Plugs
Noise suppression chokes at VR & coil.
Go to Radio shack and get one.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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From: Nova Scotia
Originally Posted by Sport45
I'm thinking voltage regulator. Unplug the regulator and start the engine. The battery won't charge, and you'll get a light on the dash (unless you have gauges) but everything else should work. If it quits popping you've found your culprit.
The voltage regulator and instrument voltage regulator are the only things I can think of other than the turn/hazard flashers that make/break connections independent of engine speed. If it was the IVR you would get popping with the key in RUN with the engine off.
The voltage regulator and instrument voltage regulator are the only things I can think of other than the turn/hazard flashers that make/break connections independent of engine speed. If it was the IVR you would get popping with the key in RUN with the engine off.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
On the fender under and in front of the starter solenoid. But if it pops without the engine running it's probably not the regulator. It could possibly be the IVR. To test you'd have to pull the fuse for the instruments and try again. It's the 5A fuse nearest the kick panel just below the turn signal flasher.
Last edited by Sport45; Dec 8, 2006 at 05:51 PM.