Excess radio static

[chipster1952]

Has anyone got an idea about how to eliminate excess static in an AM radio? I have had this problem in my 94 Ranger, and now in my 2003 Ranger. it is so bad, I can not hear the broadcast. It is a factory AM/FM radio with the CD player.

 

[Spott]

Has anyone got an idea about how to eliminate excess static in an AM radio? I have had this problem in my 94 Ranger, and now in my 2003 Ranger. it is so bad, I can not hear the broadcast. It is a factory AM/FM radio with the CD player.

1. The little antenna on your truck is enormously shorter than a good antenna length, relative to the wavelength of an AM radio wave (averaging 300 meters), so it doesn't pick up the signal very strongly in the first place.

2. Do you live within 100 miles of the station you're trying to listen to? AM radio doesn't carry very well or very far during the day.

3. Have you tried listening to the same station at night? AM radio has unbelievable range at night.

4. Maybe the radio station you're listening to has a weak signal. Do other AM stations come in better?

5. Maybe there's some interference source that you use in your vehicle. Try unplugging and turning off all accessory items, including GPS and cell phones, and see if that helps.

6. Maybe there's some interference source in your town. Try driving out into the lonely country and see if that helps.

7. Maybe your antenna has become disconnected from your radio. Do local FM stations work well?

 

[ricardoguitars]

I have a similar problem when connecting my phone to an aftermarket amplifier to use Spotify, it picks static, it amplifies when the engine is revving. The amplifier is connected straight to the battery, and the charging on the cigarette lighter port.