Audio Problem 2006 Wagon

[grander]

Hey guys, before I start I know what a lot of you are going to say but I cant stand many FM radio stations...

I have a problem with my AM radio in my 2006 Liberty Wagon that seems to have started in the last month or so.

I've found that I have to turn the volume at times up to 40 to be able to hear it depending on where I'm driving. Mostly though I have the volume at about 31. It's not like the AM recepetion is full of static it just seems really soft.

Strange thing is that the FM band is fine and comes through very well with the volume at about 22... same goes for CD's.


Thoughts ??

[garbo41610]

It may have something to do with the broadcast or even the signal probably depending on how far you are from the nearest tower and the geography of the area you are in. However, I will be the first to admit that I am no expert on radio frequencies. All's I know is that AM and FM signals are quite different.

[grander]

Cheers for the reply.

I'm certain its specific to my car as my brother-in laws liberty of the exact same age and my wifes 08 forester are both working perfectly

[garbo41610]

Could it have something to do with the tint on the rear window affecting the antennae?

[grander]

Don't think so as this is a problem that has just started of late.... hmmm

[SegR]

I might be completely off target here, Isn't here an RF amplifier at the back of the car which boosts the signal from the antenna before it reaches the head unit? If so, maybe it's shot but FM signals are strong enough not to need it?

I'm sure there was a thread around here somew/ere about checking the amp and its power supply.

[solongaudi]

AM is a lower on the FREQ spectrum that FM also, therefore more prone to outside interferences, but I'd be checking the amp and the antenna first, then comparing your car to your wifes at the same physical location.

[grander]

This sounds more possible. Where is the amp located at the back of the car ?? And the antenna runs off the amp ?

[solongaudi]

I'm not 100% sure on the 06, I have a manual for that year if you want it, but I know in my wifes 1996 station wagon the amp is located right next to the antenna at the rear of the car, I had to remove the rear trimming to expose it. Also discovered the antenna was auto extend too, but some idiot prevoius owner had disconnected the power to it and the amp... There should be 4 wires going in and out of the amplifier. +12V, Ground, Antena in (from the physical antenna) and Signal out (to the head unit). Idealy too the +12V should only come on when the radio unit is on. If not, at least when the ignition is on. Bah silly me, come to think of it now, have you checked the fuses? (Doh).

[Ric]

+1 for the problem being the antenna amplifier in the back door.

[grander]

Check the fuses for the amplifier ? Is it an amplifier for AM only ? Because FM is clear as a bell.

Come to think of it, when it first started happening, if I ran over the cat's eyes lane dividers and therefore gave the car a bump, it would come on for a little

[Ric]

For most models, the amp power comes directly frmo the head unit, so there is no seperate fuse.
Here's a page from the MY05 service manual.

antenna-amp.gif (38.33 KiB) Viewed 2750 times