Car radio problem

Traq

Just wondering if anybody had any idea what the following problem might be, before I end up admitting defeat and leaving it in to be serviced!

Basically my car radio works perfectly on AM, and play CDs no problem, the issue is that it only works about half the time on FM. When it does work on FM, it's perfect, but then I'll go over a bump or a pothole or something and FM will lose volume and tuning. The stations are still able to be found, as it stops at all the correct frequencies, however I have to turn the volume up full blast to hear anything, and even then it's very staticy and low (until I go over another bump and it comes on fine again, deafening everyone in the car!)

I've removed it and checked all wiring and everything seems to be synched up ok, and unfortunately right about there is where my limited knowledge of car radios ends, so was wondering if anybody here would be able to shed some light on it?

colm_mcm

What's the car? Is it the original factory radio?

Traq

Sorry, the car's a Mistubishi Verada and it is indeed the original factory radio, can't remember offhand the make of the radio but can check later this evening.

colm_mcm

problem is most likely to be the band expander fitted to the aeriel. this is a device that converts Japanese spec narrowband FM headunits to accept European wideband FM stations (Japanese wavelength is much lower than European)

Unless it's a fancy multi disc stereo, you're better off just getting a regular CD player for around €100.


Check that the 12v wire going to the band expander is secure, it could be a bad connection.
You can check if the band expander is working by removing it and just connecting the aeriel directly to the radio, the only station you'll be able to get is Radio 1. if the problem doesn't persist you can put it down to the expander.

Band expander looks like this

and is usually hanging from the back of the headunit.

Traq

Cool, thanks for that. Will definitely check that out when I get a chance. Cheers.

colm_mcm

Just spotted your location. Japan broadcasts from 76.0 to 90.0

I'm pretty sure Australia is the same as us (roughly 87 to 106)

Traq

Yeah, the fm frequency range here is from 87.5 to 108 I think, pretty much the same as at home, so that expander could well be the issue. If not, it's given me a place to start looking anyway!
I'll have a look after I get in from work this evening, cheers.