Static on AM Radio

[firepa63]

I know I have seen several posts during the last couple of years concerning static on the AM radio of the 04 Prius (FM comes in fine). However, I have not seen anything which specifies what the fix was. I have been having the same problem with my 04 (standard radio). It’s been to the dealer several times. However, they have not been able to correct the problem. They also claim that Toyota has not documented any radio static problems.

My question to the group is: Have you had static problems with your AM radio of the 04, and maybe early 05, Prius and what exactly was done to correct the problem?

[GeoGeek]

First off, I don't have an '04 nor do I have the AM static issue you describe; however, in researching the static issue I was having on my Sirius sound, I did run across several posts describing the AM static issue.
If I recall correctly, some folks had luck correcting the problem by replacing the antenna wire.
Apparently there was some issue with chaffing of the insulation on the antenna lead where it passed through some sheet metal. Not sure why this wouldn't also affect the FM reception, but apparently replacing the antenna wire fixed the problem for some. Not sure it would work for you.

To avoid all the trouble of completely replacing the whole antenna wire & routing it (and end up having it not fix the problem), I'd suggest that you try hooking up a different antenna to the plug in on the back of the radio without mounting the antenna (just hold it outside the car)....this will require accessing the back of the radio. If that does fix the problem, then go ahead and do the complete install.

It's something to try and should be fairly cheap. The next step would be trying a new head unit (not so cheap).

Good Luck!


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(firepa63 @ Nov 5 2007, 10:58 AM) [snapback]534938[/snapback]</div>

I know I have seen several posts during the last couple of years concerning static on the AM radio of the 04 Prius (FM comes in fine). However, I have not seen anything which specifies what the fix was. I have been having the same problem with my 04 (standard radio). It’s been to the dealer several times. However, they have not been able to correct the problem. They also claim that Toyota has not documented any radio static problems.

My question to the group is: Have you had static problems with your AM radio of the 04, and maybe early 05, Prius and what exactly was done to correct the problem?
[/b]

First off, I don't have an '04 nor do I have the AM static issue you describe; however, in researching the static issue I was having on my Sirius sound, I did run across several posts describing the AM static issue.
If I recall correctly, some folks had luck correcting the problem by replacing the antenna wire.
Apparently there was some issue with chaffing of the insulation on the antenna lead where it passed through some sheet metal. Not sure why this wouldn't also affect the FM reception, but apparently replacing the antenna wire fixed the problem for some. Not sure it would work for you.

To avoid all the trouble of completely replacing the whole antenna wire & routing it (and end up having it not fix the problem), I'd suggest that you try hooking up a different antenna to the plug in on the back of the radio without mounting the antenna (just hold it outside the car)....this will require accessing the back of the radio. If that does fix the problem, then go ahead and do the complete install.

It's something to try and should be fairly cheap. The next step would be trying a new head unit (not so cheap).

Good Luck!


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(firepa63 @ Nov 5 2007, 10:58 AM) [snapback]534938[/snapback]</div>

I know I have seen several posts during the last couple of years concerning static on the AM radio of the 04 Prius (FM comes in fine). However, I have not seen anything which specifies what the fix was. I have been having the same problem with my 04 (standard radio). It’s been to the dealer several times. However, they have not been able to correct the problem. They also claim that Toyota has not documented any radio static problems.

My question to the group is: Have you had static problems with your AM radio of the 04, and maybe early 05, Prius and what exactly was done to correct the problem?
[/b]

[kcmoore@adelphia.net]

I have a problem with recurring static on my AM radio (2004 Prius).
Symptoms:
• Occurs only on AM; never on FM
• Occurs only when the car is in motion; never when it is stopped.
• Static increases on acceleration.
• Static increases on braking.
• Static increases anytime you drive under anything; underpass, etc.
• Sometimes the radio works fine and there is no static present at all. Most of the time, however, the static is present.
• Radio worked fine for the first 2-3 years.

I took the car into Thousand Oaks Toyota (CA) in early June 2008. They claimed they went over the car and checked all the connections. Everything was fine. They called Toyota HQ and were told they had other similar reports. They are working on a fix and will let me know when and if they find one. Meanwhile, I'd like to buy a new Camry Hybrid and give the Prius to my wife, but she won't take it until I get the radio fixed.

[KayakerNC]

Originally Posted by kcmoore@adelphia.net

Meanwhile, I'd like to buy a new Camry Hybrid and give the Prius to my wife, but she won't take it until I get the radio fixed.

Didn't know anybody still listened to AM, much less would consider it a deal-breaker.
In the interests of family harmony, I'll take the car.