Problem with radio in 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan

[Jon Noring]

We have a 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan with about 45,000 miles.

We recently noticed that the factory standard radio/CD player (made by
Clarion) is not pulling in AM very well. We notice the sensitivity is
significantly reduced (even strong local AM stations are coming in
weakly), and when the signal is weak enough, we hear a lot of ignition
noise. Since I listen to the AM radio often, something definitely
changed. I don't know if its something with the ignition system
(filter gone bad?) or with the radio itself, or both.

What are the possible problem(s)? Otherwise, the car drives fine (so
whatever the problem(s), they have not affected the ignition system.)
Do note the radio is now out-of-warranty.

Thanks in advance.

Jon Noring

 

[Tony Hwang]

Hi,
Generally AM reception is not as good as FM. Think manufacturers
don't put too much emphasis on AM side. Also AM is more suceptible
to ign. noise because AM signal is vertically polarized. Make sure
your antenna connection is good and tight. And one option maybe
adding an in-line low noise amplifier module. Or replacing the unit
with another with better specs.
Good luck,
Tony, VE6CGX

 

[Jon Noring]

Jon Noring wrote:

Generally AM reception is not as good as FM. Think manufacturers
don't put too much emphasis on AM side. Also AM is more suceptible
to ign. noise because AM signal is vertically polarized. Make sure
your antenna connection is good and tight. And one option maybe
adding an in-line low noise amplifier module. Or replacing the unit
with another with better specs.

Please reread my original message.

As I noted in my original message, something has changed since I listen
to the AM radio often, and in cross-country trips used it for DX (it was
reasonably sensitive.) It's now useless for DXing.

Something definitely has changed. And I want to make sure that there's
not a problem elsewhere (isn't there a filter in the ignition system?)
contributing to this noticeable problem. I don't want to buy a new radio
and find the problem lies elsewhere.

(I'll check the antenna connection. Thanks for the reminder.)

Thanks.

Jon Noring

 

[Tony Hwang]

Hi,
When received signal level is low for decreased sensitivity or just
weak signal pick up, noise becomes more noticeable. In this case, I
suspect something inside the radio is causing it then, such as poor
connection by cold solder, etc. If filter is bad, it'll affect FM
as well to a lesser degree. Looks like you'll have to remove the unit
to check it out.
Tony

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Along with Greg's idea, installation of METALLIZED window tint film has
been blamed for affecting reception in some Subarus. Does you model have
the antenna wiring incorporated in a window?

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[Lon Stowell]

Approximately 8/23/03 21:18, Jon Noring uttered for posterity:

We have a 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan with about 45,000 miles.

We recently noticed that the factory standard radio/CD player (made by
Clarion) is not pulling in AM very well. We notice the sensitivity is
significantly reduced (even strong local AM stations are coming in
weakly), and when the signal is weak enough, we hear a lot of ignition
noise. Since I listen to the AM radio often, something definitely
changed. I don't know if its something with the ignition system
(filter gone bad?) or with the radio itself, or both.

Could be a filter, could be a loose ground. Could also be the
connection to the antenna has come a bit loose or is crudded
up. On a cassette combo, you could usually reach the antenna
trim adjust by opening the front flap, biggest effect is on
AM. With a bright flashlight, if there is a cassette or CD
flap, pop it open and see if you see a small trimmer screw
easily reached from the front. If not there, they are usually
reachable near where the antenna enters the chassis.

Bad plug wires annoy AM as does a noisy alternator due to a
poor ground or worn out filter [at the alternator]. Alternators
tend to cause whine, plug wires are staccato and both vary
with engine speed.

If you can reach the antenna input, remove it, [usually an RCA
type plug], twist a few times in the socket, then bend the ears
in *very* gently and replace. If you have a power antenna, make
sure it is tight and the cable entry at the bottom is clean
and tight.

Since is out of warranty, a friendly local aftermarket radio
dealer might take a quick fix attempt reasonably cheap...otherwise
it is likely cheaper to put in a new radio.

 

[Ariel]

Along with Greg's idea, installation of METALLIZED window tint film has
been blamed for affecting reception in some Subarus. Does you model have
the antenna wiring incorporated in a window?

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

Check the radio user manual. The reception level on some radio models
can be adjusted (there are few levels of reception sensitivity). Maybe
your battery was replaced or disconnected and does changing to factory
default level reception.