Car radio will not pick up radio stations.
I have a car radio issue that seems to be beyond my comprehension. The radio itself will play CDs and will pick up an FM transmitter that is right beside the actual radio. I have all the wires exposed and connections are tight. I check the antenna to make sure it is snug for grounding purposes. Tight. Signal booster was installed before I bought the car and with and without the box inline the AM/FM will not work. I even bought a new antenna with a new cable to replace the old one and the radio will still not pick up radio stations. Sounds great when the transmitter is near it and when the CDs
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
There are multiple issues that could cause a radio to not pick up an AM / FM signal. In most cases it’s due to faulty wiring, a loose ground wire or the wiring running to and from the antenna. However, it’s also possible that an internal component inside the radio such as an electrical relay has been damaged. It might be best to purchase a new tuner; as diagnosing and fixing this issue would most likely be more expensive than the cost of buying and installing a new one.
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There are multiple issues that could cause a radio to not pick up an AM / FM signal. In most cases it`s due to faulty wiring, a loose ground wire or the wiring running to and from the antenna. However, it`s also possible that an internal component inside the radio such as an electrical relay has been damaged.
Causes of Poor FM Radio Reception
Distance: You may be too far from a station transmitter to receive a good signal. If you`re too close to a transmitter, the signal may overpower your radio. Stationary obstacles: Radio signals can be affected by physical obstacles such as hills, buildings, and trees.
Some of the most common issues include a blown fuse, bad or damaged wiring, and anti-theft modes that are often triggered when the battery dies. In order to track down the reason that your car radio won`t turn on, you`ll want to tackle each of these potential issues one at a time.
If the antenna is mounted at the right location, and if the radio says `no signal`, then it could be a bad antenna. Replacing it usually does the trick. The antenna cable might also be the problem.
The most common problems with radio reception are weak signals or interference. Interference can be caused by anything with an electrical or magnetic current. Changing weather patterns can also cause problems with radio reception. The radio antenna is the most important factor in achieving good reception.
The most common reason for a car radio to stop working after the battery has gone completely dead is that the radio has an anti-theft “feature” that kicks in whenever battery power is removed.
Radio waves are received by another antenna attached to a radio receiver. When radio waves strike the receiving antenna they push the electrons in the metal back and forth, creating tiny oscillating currents which are detected by the receiver.
A radio frequency test is performed by taking the device and placing it in an isolated area. The area is controlled to minimize electromagnetic interference with the device. From there, the device is monitored closely for any emissions that would interfere with the operation of other devices in the area.
Turn your car on, but do not start the engine. Turn the radio off. Hold the radio power button down for a few minutes until it resets.
Vehicle handbook – You might find the code in your vehicle handbook under the stereo or security section. Alternatively, some codes are printed on a small paper or plastic card, found inside the handbook. Manufacturer website – The manufacturer`s website should give you more information about how to retrieve the code.
It`s very simple. To reset your Chevy MyLink system entirely, hold down the Home and Fast Forward buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. Doing so should reboot the system and resolve any problems that you`re having.
Radio communication failure can occur due to several reasons, such as technical issues with onboard equipment, interference from other sources, or environmental factors such as weather conditions.
A Fuse Needs to be Replaced
If too much current is sent to the audio system, this fuse will blow out and disconnect the circuit to save the main radio. On newer models, there are a variety of fuses for the entertainment system.
Remove the faceplate from your car stereo. Press the RESET button on the front panel using a pointed object, such as a ball-point pen.
Tip: GM has multiple dealer access codes, some of which are assigned to different dealerships for different vehicles. If the first code doesn`t work, hang up and try again using one of the following codes: 620529, 139010, 206053, or 202108. Punch in your vehicle`s 6-digit radio identification number when instructed.
Location is said to be one of the most important things for radio reception. Steel and concrete can have a noticeable effect on radio reception. It`s most ideal if your radio is higher up, without obstruction, and closer to the transmitter.
Blown Fuse
The most likely reason for your radio`s sudden death is a blown fuse. All car radios have at least one fuse that protects it from power surges coming from somewhere else in the vehicle. The first thing you should do when your radio stops working is check its fuses and replace any that have blown.
The interior fuse box is underneath the steering column. The under-hood fuse box is in the engine compartment next to the battery. If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse.
Yup. The power to run the radio has to come from somewhere and if the engine isn`t running, the battery is the only option. Normally that isn`t a problem because a car battery stores quite a bit of electrical power and running the radio for a while draw it down to the point where it will cause starting problems.
Even if your lights, radio or accessories turn on, your battery may still be dead or undercharged. These components require a lot less power than the starter. Therefore, your battery may have enough ability to turn the radio/lights on, but not enough to turn on the starter.
It`s great you asked because the answer is yes; you always need to disconnect the battery when installing a car stereo. When working with anything electrical in your car, you want to ensure the battery is disconnected to avoid electrocution.
Generally, a `no signal` message signifies an issue with reception; the TV is not receiving anything from the cables or the antenna. In a nutshell, this simply means that your service (satellite or cable) is not able to display movies and shows.
Your display device may be too far from your sensor or there may be something, such as a wall or water, between your sensor and your display device. Smartphone settings, like certain battery optimization options, can also cause Signal Loss.
The practice of citing a source and not preceding it with a signal. This is done by making a statement and citing a source (e.g., a judicial opinion, book, or website) without first including a word or phrase to indicate the relevance of that source.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Car radio will not pick up radio stations.
ANSWER : There are multiple issues that could cause a radio to not pick up an AM / FM signal. In most cases it’s due to faulty wiring, a loose ground wire or the wiring running to and from the antenna. However, it’s also possible that an internal component inside the radio such as an electrical relay has been damaged. It might be best to purchase a new tuner; as diagnosing and fixing this issue would most likely be more expensive than the cost of buying and installing a new one.
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Car radio wont turn on.
ANSWER : Hi there. Sometimes when major mechanical work is completed, a mechanic will forget to reattach some accessory switches; assuming they were removed. It’s also possible that during the service, a fuse that powers the radio or electrical relay was damaged and needs to be replaced. The best way to diagnose this problem is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a radio is not working inspection at your location.
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I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you
Read Full Q/A … : Car radio will not pick up radio stations.
Replaced alternator on car 2 times each time shows it’s charging 14v let car run for a little bit then test drive and car voltage
ANSWER : There are reports that the replacement alternators will not communicate with the engine computer and will not charge correctly. I recommend using only the manufacturer approved replacement part. It can be new or remanufactured but approved for use in the vehicle. Some lower cost alternators on the aftermarket will have charging problems since they will not communicate with the ECM on the vehicle and will stop charging.
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Battery and oil light come on when trying to start car, take keys out try again car starts no problem and lights go away
ANSWER : Of course, don’t switch gears without being fully stopped, unless your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer has alternative advice. However, the gear shift issue has no relation to the no-start problem you are describing. Inasmuch as you only have 6,000 miles on the car, the "constant on and off" that you believe has occurred is meaningless in comparison to the expected total vehicle service life. That is, assume what you perceive as "constant on and off", during merely 6,000 miles, might be equivalent to using the car "normally" for three years. A new car should be trouble free for at least 5 years, unless there is a defect, so your "constant on and off" is not a causal factor for any fault on the vehicle. What you might have is a defect in the ignition switch, or perhaps the immobilizer system, but if the problem is not in the switch itself, clearly there is an electrical problem.
If your vehicle is under warranty, by law the dealer MUST repair the issue you are describing within a prescribed time frame and number of "attempts", otherwise the dealer will run afoul of Federal and state Lemon Laws that give you very specific rights, and recourse (contact an Attorney; we are Mechanics, NOT attorneys). Consequently, if the vehicle is still under warranty, to save yourself money do be sure to seek a resolution from the dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, obviously a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could identify the electrical fault and resolve this for you. If you want to go that route, please simply request a no start diagnostic -electrical system and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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Should I buy this car for $1700
ANSWER : Prior to buying any car, drive the car around and listen for any noises. Then do an inspection on the vehicle to make sure that it is safe to drive. All cars will need maintenance, but if the car was kept up, then the maintenance should be to a minimum.
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Radio stays on after key is removed and car exited
ANSWER : Hello. If this is the factory radio then you more than likely have an issue with the retained accessory power system. This is what allows the system to retain power when the key is off until the door is open. It may be a relay failure or a failure in the module that controls this. I typically take a voltage meter to see if it is the relay or the module. If you need to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you home or office to diagnose the issue with your radio and help you repair it.
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My car will not start Intermittently. I purchased a new battery 2 weeks ago and yesterday the car wouldn’t start. Got a jump and
ANSWER : The issue you are having is probably due to an intermittent fault in the starter motor itself or a deficiency in the starter electrical circuit, for example a large voltage drop due to a poor ground or a high resistance connection. These issues can be readily diagnosed and resolved on a mobile basis if you request a hard starting diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. Based on Toyota’s Factory Service Manual, the battery should not be disconnected if the vehicle engine is running. The battery acts as a large resistive voltage sink and consequently taking the battery out of the circuit, while the alternator is still running, can create a voltage spike on the car’s electrical system which is not good for voltage sensitive components such as the engine computer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Car radio will not pick up radio stations.
