Radio Station Problems

I am currently working on our 2005 Prius that has the JBL package with GPS, fog lights and those tiny speakers in the back doors. We are experiencing an issue where when listening to several AM stations, the quality of the station isn't great as it is riddled with a lot of static noise, this also seems existent on several FM stations such as NPR, though not as bad, it is pretty bad. But other stations such as the local news seem to work good enough.

I at first tried a new antenna, it didn't work, then I tried an antenna from another Gen 2 Prius (that has no issues with radio) and it didn't solve the problem. I even tried the antenna that was originally attached to this 2005 Prius on the other Gen 2 Prius and it didn't experience any of these issues. So I assume this problem has to be bigger then just the antenna itself... is there anyway I can resolve these problems without having to tear up much of the car or if anything? All other things such as the cassette, CD work fine. We have a bluetooth ad FM adapter hooked up and that works fine as well. I assume this may require opening of the MFD, but was hoping of alternative ideas or solutions should be considered first.

 

Sorry, to be clear, I was swapping the atenna stick/screw thing, nothing else. I then tried a Shark Fin one as well which also didn't seem to work.

I should've been a bit more clearer, but I switched the stick with a screw (not sure what it is entirely called). I tried a Shark Fin antenna that also doesn't seem to work. As for the adapter, all it really does work exactly as an FM transmitter, you setup a station, it then allows you tp plyay media to this station via Bluetooth. Though the problem existed prior to the start of using this. If it it can be a grouunding problem, or alike, would this require the tear down of the head unit to figure out the problem I suppose?

 

So it is simply an FM Transmitter with Bluetooth function ability, basically this.

The problem ha existed prior to when we started using this, but there is definitely no effect when we the device out as the static remains.

Are there instructions on how the cable and mounting base can be replaced? I am also not sure if this would be a big tear down like project. As for the grounding, I have no idea where the mounting points or where the harness connectors would be, any instructions or pointers that I can look into/

I ultimately want to leave opening up the actual head unit as a last resort as every time I have done so in the past, it easily consumes hours of my time and really am hoping something a lot faster can solve this problem...

 

Nothing on that end, literally the only thing that has been done as of recent has been an oil change in terms of maintance, but that is about it. It will eventually need new brake pades (not because of wear, but they are dusty as heck, but I doubt that'd be a problem?

Thank you for this link! I will go through this and share if it works!

I have removed the Head Unit, and I definitely can agree it is just such an annoyance... especially when you esaily spend what feels like an entire day narrowing things down. I have had to replace multiple ECU's and harnesses and its just an absolute annoyance with the Prius unfortunately.