Radio static when outside of city

[mjlmjl]

Hi,

I have a 2007 V6 4Runner.

The radio has been working well in the city and outside of the city (2 hrs outside of city).

Until now.

Problem came up a few days ago - when traveling about 2 hrs outside of the city. All previously working radio stations (FM and AM) has static now. As I got closer to the city - the radios stations start come on OK. A bit static at beginning - then eventually receives the stations very well - like before.

My gut feeling was an loose antennae connection or something. BUT my truck doesn't seem to have an external, metal whip antennae. I don't see it anywhere on the chassis.

Then I checked for a possible antennae embedded in the front and back windshield. I didn't see any wires/metal strips there neither.

I checked the fuses (there are 2 listed for "radio") - and they are both good.

Can someone assist?

1) What could cause a bad static radio reception outside of a metropolitan area? (NOTE: radio works perfectly in the city!)

2) Where is this mystery radio antennae located?

3) I read on these threads that static reception problems could be related to the rear defrost wires on the back window. Could this be related?

Thanks in advance,

Michael

 

[Bossman]

Your radio antenna is located in the two back side windows.

See parts location - window glass antenna wire.

http://4runnerclub.com/i/4r_files/f...toyrm/07toypdf/07rmsour/4runnerr/05300110.pdf

As for possible problems with reception:

http://4runnerclub.com/i/4r_files/f...07toyrm/07toypdf/07rmsour/4runnerr/053002.pdf

And troubleshooting reception problems:

http://4runnerclub.com/i/4r_files/f...7toyrm/07toypdf/07rmsour/4runnerr/0530027.pdf

 

[Trumpet]

The 4runner has a 'diversity' antenna. It is powered with the radio.

Something to consider, atmospheric conditions can, and do effect AM/FM radio reception. Before tearing into your 4runner, I'd wait until you travel those areas again and see if the same problem occurs.

Further thought; perhaps you were outside their effective range? As evidenced by the stations coming in better as you got closer to the transmission points?

 

[mjlmjl]

Thanks Bossman - for the pages from the mechanics manual.

I thought those wires were for the side window defog - now I know! I've done a quick visual inspection - and the wires all look in contact. Nothing broken nor scratched. I'll have to do a more thorough check with an ohm meter later. It's +35C outside right now!

And thanks to Trumpet for your comments.

I will be going back to the cottage area in a few days and will see if the reception has improved. The thing is - I've been doing this route for many years and reception has always been decent to good. Even right at the cottage - which is 200km (120miles) from Ottawa, ON. OK - so maybe in a few places along the road in the mountains - the static was bad. But now - it's along the entire route until I get close to the city. And it's bad for ALL the stations.

Initially I thought the radio stations had "booster towers" to amplify their signals. There was a bad thunderstorm and lots of hydro trucks were out repairing powerlines, etc. So I thought - maybe storm related...

I'm guessing - but maybe it makes more sense that an amplifier circuit in my radio went bad. Because, as I get closer to the city (80km or 50mi) - all the stations come back online static free.

Any other thoughts from Internet and things to look for - before I start taking things apart? (It's been hot, humid and unbearable outside).

Thanks.

Michael

 

[Bossman]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...ssories/1169-radio-station-problems-help.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...io-accessories/8518-poor-radio-reception.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/221753-poor-radio-reception.html

 

[mjlmjl]

Thanks again Bossman, some really good info to work with.

Looks like accessing the radio and checking the antennae connections is the next logical step. I found a good video on it - doesn't seem too difficult:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfECle3VqOI

My best hope it to find a loose connection or something ...

 

[riceandpho]

if you are still using stock radio, its time for an upgrade, treat yourself to something good. now everything should have bluetooth and usb, also since you like to listen to the radio, there is hd radio. it just plays it clear like a CD.

 

[mjlmjl]

Got an update....

All the radio stations (FM) work fine now at the cottage and along the highway.

I did not change anything or take anything apart on my truck.

We drove up, passed the same spots along the road - and there was good reception, as before the problem appeared.

Thanks again for your feedback last week.

Michael