S60 AM radio problems!

rdealy · Post by **rdealy** » 29 Sep 2004, 08:09

My 2001 S60 has problems picking up AM radio stations. Sometimes it's clear and other times I can't hear the program due to the static, even on open road with no power lines or overpasses. Will an AM booster help? Why does my Dodge get perfectly clear reception but the Volvo doesn't? I feel like I'm missing something.

wally lynn · Post by **wally lynn** » 10 Oct 2004, 20:29

I have the same problem with my 99 s80. It's AM antenna that keeps disconnecting. I get it fixed and a month later it's the same thing.

Post by **matthew1** » 10 Oct 2004, 22:47

Just tonight my wife and I got back from a 40-minute-each-way drive to a memorial fund raiser event, and sure enough I was trying to find something on the AM band and ended up cursing quietly the Volvo radio engineers (Blaupunkt engineers perhaps?).

My 97 850 will stop on static when scanning, thinking it's a station. Also, it picks up engine rpms.

I was thinking about a different head unit, but then that attracts thieves.

mperez · Post by **mperez** » 24 Mar 2005, 19:39

I too am experiencing am radio reception problems. I do not notice an antenna on my car. Where is the antenna?

steves · Post by **steves** » 14 Oct 2005, 15:12

I am haveing the same problem as well. Has anybody determined a good fix for this?

I notice that whenever I go over a bump, the quality of the AM reception will change, if it is good, it will go bad, and if it is bad, often it will clear up. It certainly seems like a "loose antena connectio".

Just curious what others have done to solve this.

Steve

steves · Post by **steves** » 02 Nov 2005, 16:07

Just an update on my AM radio situation if anyone cares....

I took it to the dealer and they fixed it, the work order states:
"Installed Brass strip to help improve reception as per tech note 39-35".

Not sure what tech note 39-35 states, but evidently this is a known issue by Volvo and they have a "fix" for it. I will let you know if I have any further issues with it.

Steve

Mike C · Post by **Mike C** » 04 Nov 2005, 14:18

steves wrote:Just an update on my AM radio situation if anyone cares....

I took it to the dealer and they fixed it, the work order states:
"Installed Brass strip to help improve reception as per tech note 39-35".

Not sure what tech note 39-35 states, but evidently this is a known issue by Volvo and they have a "fix" for it. I will let you know if I have any further issues with it.

Steve

Thanks Steve for the info. My car goes in next week for the fix and it even is covered under warrenty.

Viper · Post by **Viper** » 07 Nov 2005, 14:52

Aye the S60 has no visible external Aerial. Although with FM, you don't really need an external aerial ( I forget the physics of it) but you do with AM in general..hence the poor reception. The Brass plate fix volvo speak of is to provide a larger aerial area to pick AM up better.

Some motor's actually use the element in the rear window as the aerial.
Can use the carbody, but this can be prone to interference.

Would be Interesting to know how it's done on the S60..will investigate!

Vipes

OrignlCin · Post by **OrignlCin** » 28 Mar 2006, 09:33

steves wrote:Just an update on my AM radio situation if anyone cares....

I took it to the dealer and they fixed it, the work order states:
"Installed Brass strip to help improve reception as per tech note 39-35".

Not sure what tech note 39-35 states, but evidently this is a known issue by Volvo and they have a "fix" for it. I will let you know if I have any further issues with it.

Steve

See Brass strip tech note at http://www.usenet-replayer.com/groups/a ... volvo.html

FrogPilot · Post by **FrogPilot** » 12 May 2006, 07:13

My radio problem seems a little different, on a S 60 2006 model - brand new!....on AM, there is engine noise static - a whining sound, like a siren would sound if it's very far away...the static noise increases as the RPM increases...sometimes worse than others. I called the dealership and they said they it was power line/airport interference - yea, right !!
So how come it doesn't do it when the car is only turned to the accessory position on the ignition, and only happens when the engine is running?
Well, they finally took it in - and they've had it for 2 days now -- they gave me a 2006 S60 loaner, and it does it also !!! Not as loud but definately there. I'm skeptical that they will be able to fix it - but perhaps the service bulletin referenced on this site will prove to be the FIX ... My kids make fun of me because I only listen to AM ...