AM Radio Issue

[Jim F.]

This is my first time posting, so hopefully I am posting in the correct category.

I will start by saying my wife loves our 2009 Genesis, since she is the main driver of it. The only time I drive it is when we go on a trip, but I too like most everything about it.

Here's the issue I don't like. The AM radio seems to have very poor reception. A lot of time as close as 10-15 miles out from when the reception was good. These are large stations so it isn't some little station. I am aware that AM does not get the reception that FM does, but there seems to be something really wrong.

In addition, it also is picking up the engine sound as static.

Has anyone had an issue such as this? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Jim F.
SW Florida - USA

 

[TJPark01]

Welcome aboard. Did you tint the windows?

 

[dataguy]

Welcome aboard. Did you tint the windows?

My thought as well.

In general, AM has much long reception range than FM, especially at night. So unless there's some interference (metallic window tint) or signal obstruction (tunnels, maybe a lot of trees), you should not be having a problem with AM.

 

[bueller555]

In a different car, we had an aftermarket stereo installed. The installers didn't connect the blue power antenna wire since the antenna was in the rear glass. AM reception was horrible until I learned that the blue wire from the stereo needed to be connected. Once I fixed that, reception was perfect.

 

[Hghwy52]

I've noticed poorer AM reception in areas where my last car, an Avalon, had no static at all. I especially notice the difference on the road leading to the dealership which is somewhat hilly. When I have the car in for an oil change I will ask to drive another Genesis on the same road to see if it has the same problem.

 

[Jim F.]

Thanks to everyone that replied to this issue. Yes, we did have the windows tinted, but still within the legal limits and not mirrored tint.

One thing I failed to mention was we had an Infinity M35 that had a Bose system (not nearly as good as this Lexicon in my opinion) and we tinted the windows, with no problems whatsoever.

Bueller555, I will check out your idea and see if that could be the problem. If not, back to the dealer it goes.

Again, thanks for the help.

Jim F.
SW Florida - USA

 

[Jim F.]

I don't think that could be the issued because we live in Florida and there are no hills, just flat.

Jim F.
SW Florida - USA

I've noticed poorer AM reception in areas where my last car, an Avalon, had no static at all. I especially notice the difference on the road leading to the dealership which is somewhat hilly. When I have the car in for an oil change I will ask to drive another Genesis on the same road to see if it has the same problem.

 

[dataguy]

Sounds like an antenna problem or some sort.

Tint is suspicious since unless you're sure it's not a metallic-based tint. Metallic tints do not necessarily appear to be mirrored or reflective. Metallic-based tint may interfere with the performance of the terrestrial antennas in the rear window glass.

 

[Mark_888]

Sounds like an antenna problem or some sort.

Tint is suspicious since unless you're sure it's not a metallic-based tint. Metallic tints do not necessarily appear to be mirrored or reflective. Metallic-based tint may interfere with the performance of the terrestrial antennas in the rear window glass.

Dataguy is correct. You need to find out the exact name of the tint film used (not just the brand).

With regard to any other cars you have owned, it just depends on where the AM antennae is located as to whether a tint job will interfere with your radio, and not all tint films are the same, so it might have been a little different.

 

[Jim F.]

Thanks so much to both of you for the suggestion about the type of tint. I will definitely look into that.

Jim F.
SW Florida - USA

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[mongo]

Just picked up my car yesterday and I noticed the same, inferior AM reception when compared to what I got in my old car, a Jaguar XJ8L.

Both AM and FM HD stations would have the "HD" drop in and out as well, giving really uneven reception. It was somewhat aggravating. So I ended up turning HD "off".

Even with the HD off the basic AM and FM reception was still spotty. This was driving on !95 from NY to CT, so the airwaves are out there.

When everything is working fine (surround and/or HD) the stereo sounds pretty darn bueno after the equalizer settings are tweaked. But otherwise it's too hit and miss for a car that trumps it's sound system they way Hyundai brags about this 17-speaker system.

And no tinting of my windows.

 

[Jim F.]

Thanks Mongo for the information. That's good to hear that you are having the same problem without tinted windows.

I think I will schedule a trip to the dealer and see what they can find.

Jim F.
SW Florida - USA