Radio station problems?? HELP!!!

[4runnerChick]

We have an 03 4Runner and we don't seem to be getting very many stations that come in clearly. We have had an Xterra and we currently have a BMW and they don't seem to have any difficulties with that. (Xterra had external antenna, BMW has it built in)
Has anyone noticed this in their 4Runners?? And if so, has anyone seen anything that could fix that?? I'm kind of getting sick of my CD's fast!
Thanks!

 

[T4RLTD03]

I too have a low radio signal problem with my 03' runner. No one seems to be reporting this same issue though.

 

[my04runner]

I am having the same problem with my 04 4runner. But I thought it was because I replaced the radio. I did not give the factory radio much of a chance.

 

[Ken Briggs]

I paid so much for the 6 disc CD changer that I can't afford to listen to the radio!!!

 

[toy4run]

Radio, reception

I just picked up an 04 Limited, loaded with nav. I did notice that the reception on the radio is awful. Is there an aftermarket upgrade for the antenna. I think those window mounted antenna are the problem. If anyone knows of anything that will help me get better reception it would save my life. I talked my wife into this truck and the stations that fade badly are the ones she listens to. Please, I am sick of "I told you so".

 

[spyderdoc]

Well, I just removed my radio and put in a factory nav system. The thing I noticed is that there are 2 plugs for the antenna, and during the install, they came out really easy. In fact, just a slight tug and they were out. Perhaps you should remove your stereo and see if both af the plugs are in correctly. I get great reception from both the old regular stereo and now the factory nav unit. Good luck!
Mark

 

[Iman74]

I personally do not notice the problem, however I have something that might help. Back when my wife owned a VW she has an after market radio put in but it picked up radio stations horribly. So what he did was put in a device between the radio and the antenna that boosted the signal and made a HUGE improvement.

So now that you are aware that something like that exists, see if you can find it for the stock or after market radio you have and post your findings.

I wish I could help more.

 

[gonzo]

just dug out this thread because i am having reception problems as well. as compared to my maxima, the 4runner's reception is awful. anyone else have poor radio reception? any updates on this?

 

[spyderdoc]

Actually, I learned, thanks to this forum, that there is a power wire that runs along with the 2 antenna wires. This is the power wire for the signal amplifier. you must supply power to this or your reception will be bad. There is a link in the "here's some help with the navigation installation" thread in this section that links you to pictures.... I had bad reception as well when I first changed my HU to the NAV, but once I supplied power to the signal amplifier, my reception was crystal clear. Good luck.
Mark

 

[gonzo]

i have not replaced my stereo, just have the factory one. i don't want some service guy messing around with my dash if i don't have to, just seems that i have problems picking up stations and i want to know if this is normal.

 

[Mark86]

I also noticed that my 4Runner does not pick up many clear stations. One day it would not pick up one station without static so I brought it to the dealer. Their answer to me was sunspots and any radio would do that.

 

[sisu]

Hi I've been working on this problem for years. I have no solution but maybe this will help you to work on your problem. Static:? If this is your reception problem do you get it on AM or FM? Do you get it when the W.W. are on or some other device? do you get it driving along near electrical wires? Here is a tip. Get a hand held AM transitor radio turn on everything and then move the radio around various components in the engine compartment. If your radio goes crazy you know where the problem is being caused. My problem comes from the W.W. motor. Here is the other problem if you don't have an A1 mechanic they will be swapping out this item, and then another item, then the antennae then the radio itself. I will tell you this, last year I got an email from a mechanic and radio/instrumentation/electronic geek. He told me a I needed to put a capacitor on the problem component he lost me with the tech terms on how to size it ... so there is another idea. I spoke to one of the old toyota mechanics and he confirmed some of the early 2000's have a "few" 4 runners with the problem. If you get a constant buzz static hum near the same area of that is tied into high tension wire I was told that is common of a weak signal reception and the weakness is shown by the nasty static buzz that blocks out just about everything until you turn a corner and get away from the troublesome stretch of road and electric wires. If I could find a technician that I could trust I would set him free on my 4runner. I can't afford just pay someone to swap out components hoping to find the solution, I could do that. My problem is I don't listen to FM anymore I'm a AM geek and AM is notorious for having this static problem. Good luck.