Lost AM reception

I experienced same problem with radio in a 1997 Mountaineer. The AM reception severely deteriorated over a four-year period to the point that AM band was practically useless when car was running. Dealer attempted to repair under ESP coverage, including a TSB fix to correct for fuel pump interference. It did not solve the problem.

Eventually I queried a technician at an independent Ford-authorized electronics installer when I took the vehicle in to get the remote-entry system repaired. This person immediately knew what the problem was; apparently there was/is a corrosion problem that affects the antenna connections on this era "explorer-class" vehicles. I ended up having to go back to the dealer as there was an open ESP repair order; however, service advisor called installer and got low-down on what needed to be done and/or replaced.

The AM reception improved to almost "new" quality; however, as luck would have it, the dealer technican failed to secure a strap or harness behind the radio that resulted in a constant rattle while vehicle was in motion. Also, the fix turned out not to be permanent as the AM reception had deteriorated again by the time I traded in the vehicle 10 months later.

Good luck!

Bill Lav