Bad Radio Reception, Especially AM

[peterk9]

olivia442, I was going to recommend going to an automotive audio shop to have the issue checked out if the dealer is unable to help you. The antenna on the roof is actually 2, perhaps 3 antennas. I never thought about the phone before. The antenna for the GPS (navigation) is under the dash on the driver's side. Good luck.
FYI, I have not had any issues with AM or other reception on my previous 2011 Limited or my current vehicle. Signals are strong on all bands.

Peter

 

[FordServiceCA]

...they told me that was as good as it gets and its very poor in am mode

My colleague on FordIVTteam will be happy to give you insights, imbett. Please use this link to reach out to them: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/member.php?u=181992 I’ll be here if you need me.

Kwasi

 

[wjfawb0]

Jason, when you say it didn't have an antenna, I assume you are referring to just the 'stick' type antenna that is for AM/FM and screws into the base. The base itself is your antenna for SIRIUS.

Peter

Yes, it didn't have the kHz and MHz stick antenna for AM and FM.

 

[brianboyle1]

Yes, I have a 2013 Explorer with bad AM radio reception. I have listened to AM Talk Radio, New, Sports for 30 years in my cars. However, this radio has the worse AM reception of them all. Will be taking it to the shop for an oil change soon and will have them check out the radio.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum brianboyle1.:wavey:
Poor reception is usually the fault of the antenna or bad connection but you could have an issue with the radio itself unrelated to reception. It would be helpful if you added the model of your Explorer to your profile so that it shows in the margin. The models don't all have the same radio.

Peter

 

[dudefish]

I also have very poor AM reception. Has anyone found an aftermarket antenna that improves this?

 

[bltshzr]

my 2013 has the exact same problem, have you found out what the problem is?

 

[peterk9]

my 2013 has the exact same problem, have you found out what the problem is?

Welcome to the Forum.:wavey:
It would be very helpful if you added the 'model' of your Ex to your profile so it always appears in the margin when you post.

Peter

 

[CorryBasler]

My new 2015 Explorer base has horrible radio FM reception. I've checked the antenna and its plenty tight, i took it off and re-installed it still get a lot of static in stations (Local) that I used to get on my 2012 mustang with a shorty antenna just fine in the same areas.

Sitting right next to each other, my Explorers radio is filled with static and my step dads 2001 f-250 and my moms 2013 edge same station is crystal clear.

Any simple fixes? Don't want to go to my local dealer they are a joke. Even for a simple oil change your not seeing your car for at least a day or more. They often need to keep it overnight, when you had a oil change appointment at noon the day before lol.

 

[peterk9]

My new 2015 Explorer base has horrible radio FM reception. I've checked the antenna and its plenty tight, i took it off and re-installed it still get a lot of static in stations (Local) that I used to get on my 2012 mustang with a shorty antenna just fine in the same areas.

Sitting right next to each other, my Explorers radio is filled with static and my step dads 2001 f-250 and my moms 2013 edge same station is crystal clear.

Any simple fixes? Don't want to go to my local dealer they are a joke. Even for a simple oil change your not seeing your car for at least a day or more. They often need to keep it overnight, when you had a oil change appointment at noon the day before lol.

If you have the option, you can take your Explorer to any Ford dealership.

Peter

 

[CorryBasler]

If you have the option, you can take your Explorer to any Ford dealership.

Peter

I was going to try that as a last resort, my local ford service department is a joke, they keep your car for days for things most home mechanics could do in 20 minutes, and the next closest dealership is around an hour away.

 

[Lewisra]

I was going to try that as a last resort, my local ford service department is a joke, they keep your car for days for things most home mechanics could do in 20 minutes, and the next closest dealership is around an hour away.

If they're keeping it overnight they should provide a loaner, per your warranty.

 

[peterk9]

If they're keeping it overnight they should provide a loaner, per your warranty.

Unless the Warranty Guide has been changed, Ford is under no obligation to provide a loaner vehicle.

Ford and your dealer are not responsible for any time or income that
you lose, any inconvenience you might be caused, the loss of your
transportation or use of your vehicle, the cost of rental vehicles, fuel,
telephone, travel, meals, or lodging, the loss of personal or commercial
property, the loss of revenue, or for any other incidental or
consequential damages you may have.


Peter

 

[Lewisra]

Unless the Warranty Guide has been changed, Ford is under no obligation to provide a loaner vehicle.

Ford and your dealer are not responsible for any time or income that
you lose, any inconvenience you might be caused, the loss of your
transportation or use of your vehicle, the cost of rental vehicles, fuel,
telephone, travel, meals, or lodging, the loss of personal or commercial
property, the loss of revenue, or for any other incidental or
consequential damages you may have.


Peter

Should not obligated.

 

[peterk9]

Should not obligated.

???

 

[KonaExplorer]

AM reception repaired!!

My AM reception has been absolutely terrible since I received my vehicle in March 2011. FM and Sirius were always fine. All hookups were fine. I had given up.

So last week I had a dead battery. Testing revealed only 7v and at least one dead cell. I replaced the battery. Ever since the new battery my radio has been crystal clear on all modes!!! Looks like my fix was to get rid of the factory battery!!

 

[CajunFordEx]

AM reception repaired!!

My AM reception has been absolutely terrible since I received my vehicle in March 2011. FM and Sirius were always fine. All hookups were fine. I had given up.

So last week I had a dead battery. Testing revealed only 7v and at least one dead cell. I replaced the battery. Ever since the new battery my radio has been crystal clear on all modes!!! Looks like my fix was to get rid of the factory battery!!

I can not see how the battery could possibly make the AM radio have bad reception, but if you say so....

 

[peterk9]

I can not see how the battery could possibly make the AM radio have bad reception, but if you say so....

I agree. I found it rather strange. A battery just supplies power and should have nothing to do with reception unless of course it was so bad that it was creating some kind of interference (static) which AM is especially susceptible to.

Peter

 

[KonaExplorer]

I would agree with you guys. It is quite the coincidence though after 41/2 years. The only thing I can think of is that some New batteries have electronics in them. Not just lead and acid. I dunno but happy my radio is 100%, coincidence or not.

 

[newfordy]

same problem

I have a ford explorer LTD 2012 and have asked the dealer on two separate occasions to check the AM radio. They told me that is the best it gets. I don't get in any stations on AM - while my old car and my husbands car can get it in crystal clear in the same location. My brother's explorer gets it in fine too.

It was an certified used car - the owner's wife's car - and the touchpad didn't even work.... I feel that it wasn't really checked.

Any ideas on the radio would be greatly appreciated. thanks.