I've decided to keep my '97 for a little while longer, but it's time to replace the head unit. But while I'm at it, I want to get rid of that AM radio whine. Now, I don't recall if it was a problem with the radio or the A/C controls

I'm sure Ford fixed it eventually, but of you're listening to the low-end of the AM dial, you can get a strong overpowering whine/groan/squeal that's made worse in places of electrical/RF intereference -- near power lines, etc. Turn signals and brake lights case the whine to change pitch. It's entertaining to a point to hear your turn signal go "WEEEEE-OOOOOO-WEEEE-OOOO..."

OK, it's entertainment only for a couple minutes.

By fiddling with the Temperature control on the A/C you can dial out the whine. Maybe. FM and cassette (yes, I need a CD player bad) are just fine.

Anyone know if Ford put out a TSB on this?

Or will it "magically" go away when I replace the head unit?

Thanks much,
-W-

 

My stock unit worked just fine, but the JVC cassette/CD changer controller/head unit picks up everything on AM channels: turn signals, some sort of interference on my temp control **** (goes away when I fiddle with it), something from the engine when I accelerate, etc. Drives me nuts! Put in new plug wires and that didn't cure it.

I just put in a new JVC CD unit, and it's not so bad, but still there. What I found when I replced the head unit was corrosion where the antenna lead plugs into the head unit. Cleaned it off and it was much better. But, I think the antenna lead is actuall an extension plugged into the factory antenna lead, and I haven't gotten around to tracing it back to see if I have corrosion in THAT connection, too. Anyway, corrosion in the antenna cable really makes AM channels sound crappy, so you might see what your situation is.

 

If it's a whine, you might check your passenger seat. It might be your wife or girlfriend. I know I've had that problem a few times in the past.

GOOD LUCK!

RP

 

The experts always say it's a bad ground connection at the antenna or a bad ground connection at the head unit using the antenna wire as the ground cable.

You can run a better ground from the radio to a metal part of the vehicle chassis. That might work. You can check the ground connection at the fender where the antenna fits in. Use an ohmmeter. Or get an isolator for the antenna which plugs into the stereo and the antenna plugs into the isolator.



Scroll down this page: http://www.installer.com/acc/ and you'll see the above pictured isolator for $12.95.

There are many different brands. Just search for "car antenna isolator" or something along those lines.

I have the same problem after installing a Sony deck. I've just been too busy to pull it out of the dash to fix it. I never listen to the radio anyhow. Maybe this weekend as I'm pulling the interior for sound deadening install.

 

Just the kind of thing I'm looking for. Thanks!

 

Have had similar problem with my 97 stock radio.....small interference, whine at first...then after about a year it got worse fast.......NO am radio reception while engine is running.....works fine in acc. position..........had water leaking thru antenna wire to corrode back of radio.......changed antenna base, antenna cable.....no change...........changed noise reducer on coil pack....no change.......added inline antenna noise reducer....no change. FINALLY....tried new radio/head unit.................no change.
Several of our work trucks (also fords 95-97) have the same problem....fellow employee's 99 mountaineer has same problem.
Please don't tell me it's because of the "fast lane" reader on the Mass. turnpike........i work there.

still searching.......darylll

 

Well , my 97 just started to do this. Has anyone found a fix or a work around.

 

I had heard a long time ago that this was a problem with the A/C temp control, and Ford had a filter they'd put on it and that would block the interference. I know I can generally dial out the interference by fiddling with the temp control, even if the A/C or heater is OFF.

-W-

 

Yup, my 97 is the same way; fiddle with the temp control to get rid of the interference.

But still lots of other interference, even after getting the temp control "tuned."

 

AM? What's that??,,,,,98

 

Is there antone out there who has the filter

 

You can get an electronic noise eliminator from radio shack or jcwhitney. Cost less than 20 bucks.

 

97-13-18 Radio - Whining Noise on AM Band With A/C ON

Of course now I'd just need to see if I can get a dealer to show me the TSB.

-W-