AM radio works but FM radio only has static

GREENTRY27

MEMBER
2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
4.6L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
600,000 MILES

Hi, my radio only seems to only have static when it's FM. All of the channels are static FM but when it's on AM, it's not static. I never tested out the DVD player or the tape player either. Even when the car is on the radio never changes, it operates the same way as it does. The Radio Has been doing this for an entire year and I'm wondering how I could fix this on my own. It illuminates as it should, and all the buttons work fine.

If anyone has any advice, please let me know thank you!

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,244 POSTS

Hi,

If you get static when the engine is on or off, and it works properly when changed to AM stations, it sounds like the radio itself has failed.

Do me a favor. Try to perform the test in the attached picture below. See if it provides any information that may help us.

Note: The directions are for a few different circuits in the radio. I feel test three is the most relevant, but you look through them and see what you think.

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Sunday, March 13th, 2022 AT 5:32 PM

GREENTRY27

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Okay, I went through all five of the tests. Now I got the results.

The results are in the pic below!

Thank you!

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Monday, March 14th, 2022 AT 5:57 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,244 POSTS

Hi,

The radio isn't indicating any trouble codes. There are three things to check that are related to frequency interference suppression. If you open the hood of the vehicle, it is easy to check two of them.

If you look at the pic below, I highlighted two ground straps that I need you to confirm are connected, not damaged, and free of corrosion.

In the pic, there are three things shown. Number 1 is a capacitor. Numbers 2 and 3 are simple ground straps. Number 2 is located near the driver's side hood hinge. One side is bolted to the hood and the other to the cowl, number 3 in the pic is the same type of ground strap, but it goes from the cowl to the engine.

Make sure these aren't broken or nearly broken.

If these are good, there are no codes, and you only have interference in the FM mode, it sounds like the radio itself has internal problems.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)