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Participant

Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1

AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/08/2010 9:03 AM

how do I fix Radio Static in my 2005 Volvo S60R. the rear window antenna seem to be inadequate and static increases with engine on.

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Guru

Join Date: Feb 2008
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#1

Re: AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/08/2010 9:58 AM

If you can gain access to the antenna connection, temporarily connect a known good antenna.

Embedded window antennas can develop breaks that are hard to see.

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#2

Re: AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/08/2010 11:36 AM

In the old days, there was a piece of spring steel mounted to the firewall. When the hood was closed, it would make contact with the hood. Without it the engine would create a lot of static in the radio. I do not know if this feature is still on todays cars.

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Guru

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/08/2010 4:50 PM

My Dad detected a bad wheel bearing by the noise it made on the AM radio in his Hudson, the noise would change with the speed.

I thought he was joking, until he pulled the wheel. Sure enough, one of the rollers had a sharp edge that would penetrate the grease and ground the static charge!

How's that for old days?

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#4
In reply to #2

Re: AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/08/2010 5:42 PM

I always wondered what that thing was for. Thanks for the info.

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Guru
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#5

Re: AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/09/2010 6:15 AM

You can also run some extra ground straps to various places. Engine to frame and engine to body, doors, trunk lids, hood - use a ground strap near the hinges. Also ground the exhaust system to the body by a ground strap connected via a hose clamp around the pipe. This is what I use as a standard operation when installing ham radios in vehicles and it can increase the reception quite a lot. (We use AM radios to detect electrical "static" leaks in transmission lines, they are quite good for that!)

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Member

Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Brisbane qld Australia
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#6

Re: AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/09/2010 6:55 AM

Go to your local Auto elec technician and ask him for a static filter, it is installed in series on the + wire to your head unit. It filters out the frequency that your alternator generates. modern cars come equipped with this filter. who listens to am radio these days anyway? Go digital brother.

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Power-User

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#7

Re: AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/09/2010 1:37 PM

Many have already been addressed previously, I would accomplish all of these:

Install a short flexble braided wire between the hood and body near the firewall.

Verify proper ignition loom and spark plugs. If resistor types are recommended alternatives, change as appropriate. If the loom is dated, replace it.

If it doesn't exist, install a #10 insulated wire between the engine block and firewall.

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Associate

Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
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#8
In reply to #7

Re: AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/09/2010 5:24 PM

There is a static suppression device in every car's iginition system. Yours has probably gone bad. Try to find its location from the dealer / service manual and replace with a working one.

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Guru
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#9
In reply to #8

Re: AM Radio Static in Volvo S60R

06/13/2010 2:18 AM

These are usually located on the coil that changes 12 volts to 25-30,000 volts. Usually connected to the positive side of the coil. Good luck.

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