AM not working

ridder1705 · #1 10-19-2010, 10:08 AM

I was curious what would make my AM radio not work, but my FM and CD works fine.
When i switch from FM to AM I get nothing but fuzz...
Is something not hooked up right?
I thought the FM and AM were in one wire?

Clinton · #2 10-19-2010, 10:10 AM

could just be you have no close local am radio stations in your area....but why the hell do you want am anyway?

ridder1705 · #3 10-19-2010, 10:20 AM

I have tons close, but no reception.....
I listen to talk radio in the morning on the way to my job site.
Don't even.... haha

Clinton · #4 10-19-2010, 10:23 AM

haha!! That is a weird one though. You would think if you get fm, am should work too

ridder1705 · #5 10-19-2010, 12:08 PM

Yeah, that's what i figured too.
Maybe it's something with my aftermarket head.
I'm putting a stock Mazda one back in( if I can get the right harness), so maybe that'll clear it up.
Hopefully...

nvr_done · #6 10-19-2010, 01:35 PM

Your antenna ground is bad most likely. Check that and the radio ground. AM requires a good ground FM not so much

ridder1705 · #7 10-19-2010, 03:50 PM

Where exactly is my antenna ground at?

Thanks!

mickblock · #8 10-19-2010, 04:17 PM

What about trying to clean the screw connection on the antenna?
I have no recommendation on how to clean the female threaded part.

I believe it bottoms out, but that's why it can hold moisture. Gotta tap and die set?

nvr_done · #9 10-20-2010, 06:28 AM

I'm not 100% sure as I've never looked at the antenna on the ranger but if it is a screw on then the base should be able to be removed. Otherwise a tap and die set would work, also make sure that someone didn't teflon tape it on.

INebre8ted · #10 10-22-2010, 10:01 PM

aftermarket radios are made for sound quality, AM, on its best day cant do that, therefore aftermarket companys put no $ in makin it work. if you notice almost all aftermarket radios dont have as good of FM either, but it sounds so much better noone cares.almost all factory radios are a mono signal on radio, sounds like s#@t but gets great reception.

demon54 · #11 10-25-2010, 10:39 PM

Probably the first RF amplifier in the am receiver circuit has been blown. This can be caused by static electricity generated by the vehicle passing through the air.

It happens all the time....

ridder1705 · #12 10-31-2010, 07:58 AM

Does anyone know how to get to the bottom of the antenna to look and make sure the wire is connected okay?
I can't figure out how to get to it from underneath??