Radio Reception Problem - Any Ideas

[MJB]

Hi all,

I drive an imported Japanese spec SC430 here in the UK. The radio was fitted with an expander to pick up UK stations when I first got the car (almost 3 years ago).

For the first 2.5 years, all was fine. FM reception was not perfect, but definitely acceptable, while AM reception was excellent.

Over the last 6 months, however, there has been a gradual deterioration. FM is now un-listenable - so full of crackle and pop. Only one BBC station - a particularly high-powered one - can actually be enjoyed 'properly'. Some AM stations are OK but most are swamped in background hiss.

I have had the system inspected 3 times now by different people (Lexus dealers and independent audio specialists).

The expander and the aerial have both been replaced, and the problem is no different.

The friendly Lexus dealer (who didn't charge me for the new aerial) is completely baffled. His only suggestion now is to replace the entire head unit, which would cost me £975 (about $1700 PLUS LABOUR).

And even then, he says he is unable to guarantee that this will fix the problem.

Does anyone here have any ideas?

How can radio reception just gradually deteriorate? And why wouldn't a new aerial and expander fix the problem? Is there anything else I can try?

One more piece of info:- reception is OK when the car is stationary with the engine off.

Any ideas?!?!?

All the best,

Martin

[Steve ( West Mids )]

That last bit of info points to interference. In the old days coil, alternator etc had to have suppressors fitted to prevent the problem you are getting. Others will be able to point to modern components that may cause it.

Have you changed anything on the car in the last 6 months?

[Whitebeam]

Also check for corrosion in connectors & damaged cables. Commercial radio frequencies will (literally) carry through damp string, but the downside is that they can be 'shorted' to ground by water, dirt etc.

[MJB]

Thanks guys,

Yes the supessor thing crossed my mind. I just don't know what technology there is dealing with this in the SC (and I don't think the dealer does either!).

Also agreed about the corrosion/earthing. I think I have to make the dealer check everything all over again - but he will complain, say he already has and charge me a fortune.

Really annoying!

Thanks for the replies, though.

Martin

[rygod20]

Hi, i have recently replaced my lexus standard cd player (IS200 sport 2001) to an after market stereo. the cd player on my new unit works perfectly, but the radio reception is quite poor. the guys at a specialist place said that the radio was amplified? i then investigated and decided to fit a completely new aerial lead from my unit to the antenna. however this has not solved the problem and i dont know what could be wrong as its a new aerial lead? :duh: as with above, the reception is very clear when stationary and ignition off? any ideas ppl

thnx,

ryan.

[bribarb]

Hi all,

I drive an imported Japanese spec SC430 here in the UK.  The radio was fitted with an expander to pick up UK stations when I first got the car (almost 3 years ago).

For the first 2.5 years, all was fine.  FM reception was not perfect, but definitely acceptable, while AM reception was excellent.

Over the last 6 months, however, there has been a gradual deterioration.  FM is now un-listenable - so full of crackle and pop.  Only one BBC station - a particularly high-powered one -  can actually be enjoyed 'properly'.  Some AM stations are OK but most are swamped in background hiss.

I have had the system inspected 3 times now by different people (Lexus dealers and independent audio specialists).

The expander and the aerial have both been replaced, and the problem is no different.

The friendly Lexus dealer (who didn't charge me for the new aerial) is completely baffled.  His only suggestion now is to replace the entire head unit, which would cost me £975 (about $1700 PLUS LABOUR).

And even then, he says he is unable to guarantee that this will fix the problem.

Does anyone here have any ideas?

How can radio reception just gradually deteriorate?  And why wouldn't a new aerial and expander fix the problem?  Is there anything else I can try?

One more piece of info:- reception is OK when the car is stationary with the engine off.

Any ideas?!?!?

All the best,

Martin

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[bribarb]

I have a converted radio in my V8 soarer with naff reception.

My solution was to use a Genus DU1 DAB adaptor. This required using a voltage converter to give me 7volts dc. The right and left outputs go to the amplifier and the antenna I use is a stick on type on the passenger side of the windscreen.

If you are in a reasonable DAB coverage area you will get good reception perfect sound and many new channels. Also come with a neat remote control and can store 20 stations.