Any car Radio Experts?

[blackthorn]

Are there any car radio experts out there or anyone that might know the answer to the problem I`ve got.
I`ve bought a used car (Clio with the standard radio in it, the warranty doesnt cover the radio).
FM and AM are fine while I`m sitting in the car with the engine off but as soon as I start the engine I cant listen to any stations on the AM waveband. It`s all crackly. FM is ok while I`m driving. Been told it cant be the aerial because the reception would be crap when the engine was off as well. I was told to do a test by taking a ordinary battery radio into the car and tune into an Am station and then start the engine. Results are the same with that.

Theres lots of electrically noisy equipment under the bonnet of a car. I guess you need suppressors on the power and possibly aerial inputs of the radio. Halfords should do them. Does the noise change as you accelerate?
It used to be a regular problem when I was a lad and AM was more popular.

[blackthorn]

Thanks for reply and yes it does appear to get worse when accelerating.

[Chris W]

Xaccers and Paulyoung666 and SMHarman helped me loads when i posted a question about mine... hopefully they will see this thread in a minute...

MB

Originally Posted by blackthorn

Thanks for reply and yes it does appear to get worse when accelerating.

Thats your alternator, and maybe ignition system, you need suppressors adding to the radio, as I said Halfords should be able to advise and supply what you need.

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by Proppinupthebar

Thats your alternator, and maybe ignition system, you need suppressors adding to the radio, as I said Halfords should be able to advise and supply what you need.

on the mark i reckon , mind you i would seek out a reputable independant ice dealer and see what they say , from experience halfords might try and sell you a new system before sorting the problem out

Originally Posted by paulyoung666

on the mark i reckon , mind you i would seek out a reputable independant ice dealer and see what they say , from experience halfords might try and sell you a new system before sorting the problem out

Not many people use AM these days in their cars.
A reputable ICE dealer may well laugh!! But may be able to help. In Car Entertainment (ICE) has moved on a lot in the last 10 years.

[swoop101]

It could just be faulty or even dirty plugs/leads that is causing sparks therefore the interference.
Check them for muck or cracks in the HT lead cases.

Originally Posted by swoop101

It could just be faulty or even dirty plugs/leads that is causing sparks therefore the interference.
Check them for muck or cracks in the HT lead cases.

The petrol combustion engine relies on sparks!!!

The AM radios were always noisy, its a limitation of AM, they are susceptible to noise. A suppressor will help, but FM will always be better at noise rejection.

[swoop101]

They rely on sparks inside the engine where they are encased in a metal shield, not outside the said shield and emitting electromagnetic interference all over the flipping place.

Originally Posted by swoop101

They rely on sparks inside the engine where they are encased in a metal shield, not outside the said shield and emitting electromagnetic interference all over the flipping place.

The battery is also contained within this metal shield (the body work). The engine block is earthed but so is everything else within the body work.

A suppressor on the electrical system to the radio will improve the problem.

fit the radio in a diesel car, no sparks

[swoop101]

You could also buy an i-pod and just listen to your own stuff.

Originally Posted by swoop101

You could also buy an i-pod and just listen to your own stuff.

If you get the illegal FM transmitter!!!

Get Winamp and record your own CD's. Oh, and get an in car CD player!!!!

[Chris W]

Originally Posted by swoop101

You could also buy an i-pod and just listen to your own stuff.

you are not allowed to wear headphones while driving though (except for handsfree kit for phone)