AM radio static

[thebat]

So why does my daughter's Roque's AM radio sound fine on AM. Same with my old piece of crap Toyota Corolla. But my 05 Trailblazer LT with premium sound works like s***. Nothing but hiss, static, buzz buzz, the weather has to be perfect for me to listen to AM. BUT I LIKE AM.
I didn't know if this has been discussed before, if so, Mods please move.

 

[Sparky]

Could just be a broken tuner? Mine was fine tho I rarely used it (or FM for that matter)

 

[Mooseman]

Maybe check your antenna connection or the antenna itself. It can work itself loose on the mast.

 

[wags69]

Maybe check your antenna connection or the antenna itself. It can work itself loose on the mast.

Also check:
antenna wire for pinching or breaks
all radio grounds
any add on devices, like amps or car chargers that can induce static

 

[thebat]

Thanks, I will check these things. But, tell me, does all of your AM radios sound OK?

 

[cornchip]

Does it work with the engine off? Alternators and ignition systems (bad or non-resistor spark plugs) have been past AM radio killers for me . FYI, my AM works fine.

 

[thebat]

Does it work with the engine off? Alternators and ignition systems (bad or non-resistor spark plugs) have been past AM radio killers for me . FYI, my AM works fine.

I just tested, it works fine with engine off. But the static doesn't seem to increase if I rev the engine.
It has improved somewhat thanks to Mooseman. The large, black nut holding the antenna mast was a half turn loose. I snugged it up good, I notice an improvement.

 

[wags69]

You could also try a ferrite choke to put over the positive wire going to the radio.

 

[thebat]

Do you know off the top of your head how difficult it is to access the + wire to the radio on 05 TB LT?

 

[Blckshdw]

Do you know off the top of your head how difficult it is to access the + wire to the radio on 05 TB LT?

Difficult is a relative term. In a nutshell, you have to remove the knee bolster panel below the steering column first. Then you have to remove the dash surround, that covers the instrument cluster, and radio stack. At that point you'll have access to the 3 screws holding the radio in place. Removing that gives you access to the wiring harnesses attached to the back.

You'll need a 7mm socket/nut driver, and phillips head screw driver.

 

[thebat]

Difficult is a relative term. In a nutshell, you have to remove the knee bolster panel below the steering column first. Then you have to remove the dash surround, that covers the instrument cluster, and radio stack. At that point you'll have access to the 3 screws holding the radio in place. Removing that gives you access to the wiring harnesses attached to the back.

You'll need a 7mm socket/nut driver, and phillips head screw driver.

Thanks so so much for that detailed report. Unfortunately it sounds like it beyond my ability. I could probably take all that stuff off, but I would never get it back together.

 

[Blckshdw]

Thanks so so much for that detailed report. Unfortunately it sounds like it beyond my ability. I could probably take all that stuff off, but I would never get it back together.

Putting it back is actually the easy part, since you already know where the little push clips and screws go. Honestly, the hardest part is getting the dash surround off, since you have to lower the steering wheel to it's lowest position to clear it, and then get the face section in front of the radio, over the gear shift handle. All the other stuff is as simple as turning a screw driver.

Before you throw your hands up, just eyeball it first, now that you know what to look for.

 

[Ilikemy3s]

following as my radio does the same thing .. but i will also check every thing mentioned above.