FM Radio OK, AM Radio = Noisy

99 Passat V6 Factory radio/tape/CD=20

FM Reception is perfectly clear.

AM has machine-gun static even on nearby stations. Turning headlights/dashlights on adds a high-pitched constant whine to = the mix.

I suspect antenna (power? connection?), as others have mentioned it and = this problem did not exist from purchase through 2nd year of ownership.

Dealership garage & authorized local mechanic have failed to ID/fix.

Reply to
Patchy Groundfog
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Did they pull the radio and check the antenna plug?

Reply to
Donald Sherwood

so many things can affect the radio sound. I tested voltage at the battery and at the alternator on my Audi 4KS. There was a difference! I cleaned up the grounding connection of an alternator, got 1 extra volt out of it and it cleared up some of the noise that was coming out of the radio/speakers too. :-)

just passing that tidbit of info on! later, dave Reminder........ Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. Frieda Norris

Reply to
dave

The amplifier in the "bee-sting" antenna is not getting power, or is faulty. When this happens, FM reception will be okay (although not as good as before), but AM reception will become much worse. Check the connections on the back of the radio, and all fuses. If everything is fine, then you might have to replace the antenna's signal amplifier. (It uses an amplifier because the bee-sting antenna is too short to get good reception all by itself.)

Also, excessive bending may have broken the coiled wire inside the antenna itself. In that case you should be able to get a replacement "bee-sting" mast.

Reply to
WBRW

your close but let me help out. First of all the power for the antenna amplifier is sent down the same center wire in the coax that also carries the signals for the radio. Yes it could be just the antenna but from all the ones I had, the fix was replacing the antenna and complete cable running to the radio. Don't feel bad... my personal 99 GLX Passat has the same problem and soon will get fixed.

Reply to
Woodchuck

I did not think that was possible ....

sd

Reply to
sd

I've got the same problem (99 Passat). Is there an easy way to remove the antenna without pulling loose the headliner? How is the cable routed? I suspect I need to replace my antenna but hate to plunge in and make a mess of the headliner and interior in the process. thanks.

Mike

"Woodchuck" wrote:

Reply to
Mike Adams

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