FM signal worse than AM?!

[rumblecloud]

Yes, you read that right. 94 Ford Ranger Splash. This is the original factory radio. Never been messed with. This just started a few days ago. Prior to this it was fine. Now I can barely pull in any FM stations. AM works loud and clear. I don't know where to start. I recently installed new heads and removed the hood - which meant I disconnected one of the braided ground straps. There were two, but the driver's side strap (from the hood to the basckside of the engine) was corroded and not connected. I replaced it. The passenger side was clipped from the cowl to the hood. I replaced this one as well. I don't even know if ground straps can cause this.
I know it's something I did but the timing doesn't add up.

Any ideas or direction would be a big help. Thanks in advance.

 

[RobbieD]

Hood grounding is mainly to reduce electronic interference static on the AM side. I can't think of anything external to the radio which would cause loss of reception on the FM side. If it was antenna problem it would affect AM side more than FM. I'm trying to remember; doesn't the factory radio have an FM1 and FM2 preset selection? If so is there any difference between the two?

 

[RonD]

It is most likely a radio issue if AM is working OK

Do ALL the AM stations work fine?

Does the radio have a scan feature, if so does it pick up the local FM stations but you just can't hear them very well or does it not find them?

AM and FM use separate "local oscillators" to "see/tune" stations, so FM can fail but AM works fine
And it just happens, not related to anything else, just breaks one day


You can pull radio and test antenna using an OHM meter, but if AM is working on all stations antenna is most likely OK

 

[tw205]

Hood grounding is mainly to reduce electronic interference static on the AM side. I can't think of anything external to the radio which would cause loss of reception on the FM side. If it was antenna problem it would affect AM side more than FM. I'm trying to remember; doesn't the factory radio have an FM1 and FM2 preset selection? If so is there any difference between the two?

OMG. People may think your serious. Nah. It’ll be fine.

 

[tw205]

Dude. Sounds like your radio just broke.

 

[rumblecloud]

Hood grounding is mainly to reduce electronic interference static on the AM side. I can't think of anything external to the radio which would cause loss of reception on the FM side. If it was antenna problem it would affect AM side more than FM. I'm trying to remember; doesn't the factory radio have an FM1 and FM2 preset selection? If so is there any difference between the two?

Yep. Factory radio has FM1 and 2. Both are the same lousy. However, I went out for a test drive this evening. I switched to the FM band and tuned to an FM station to listen to nothing. About five minute later, it just came on, loud and clear. SO there's a gremlin somewhere. So maybe tw205 is right.

To RonD: All AM stations work great - well at least the ones I can pull in - quite a few. The scan feature seeks and finds FM stations. I just just can't hear them very well.

I need to go to the SOS and get me a gremlin permit. Thank you all for your help - especially tw205 . I will update if it's worthy.

 

[RonD]

The scan feature seeks and finds FM stations. I just just can't hear them very well.

You need a new radio

 

[pjtoledo]

put a 3 foot or longer piece of wire in the antenna connector. does it work now?

 

[Dirtman]

Back in my day we didn't even have "FM"

Suck it up!

 

[rumblecloud]

You need a new radio

I know you're serious. But, a new radio is a luxury item right now. I have to take it easy for a few days...or a few paychecks... or one or two VISA bills.

 

[Weasel]

AM can work OK without a good antenna, but FM usually won't. Check to see that the antenna is properly grounded.

 

[racsan]

am has a longer range, my favorite fm signal is only good for a 30 mile range of where I live, am radio I can get anywhere in the state, but it sucks-mostly talk shows and sports programs. The escape can get a few free sirius satellite stations, those are great, theres a 80’s classic rock staion thats really good. And except for bad weather the reception is always good, even out of state.