AM Radio performance

coloradocraig · #1 (**permalink**) 05-28-2006, 08:28 AM

Haven't seen many references to AM in the forum - guess I'm one of the few remaining listeners. But my preferred companion when driving, especially at night, is the weak distant AM stations. After spending the last 11 years in a car (BMW) with poor AM radio performance, I am DELIGHTED to say that the AM in the Fit is outstanding. Honda made the right decision with the external antenna rather than one of the lousy in the glass antennas. Absolutely no ignition noise and excellent reception of weak stations. Sun glare on the display sometimes bothersome, but all-in-all, I'm one happy camper.

corey415 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 12:22 AM

People listen to AM??

Packy · #3 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 02:05 AM

Cool, good to know the AM is great! I listen to AM on the way home from work every night.

I thought that AM antennas were always internal loop -type, while FM was always a whip antenna or in-glass antenna?

aziatiklover · #4 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 03:24 AM

wow sorry I never use am so I dont know about it

sw20 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 03:31 AM

I listen to AM on my way to work as well since I like to be aware of any traffic issues to and from work

I do however notice that I get feedback whenever I drive under powerlines. Does anyone else get this? Kinda annoying

watchful one · #6 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 08:35 AM

AM reception is based on an internal ferrit bar antenna, fm uses the external antenna. The fit's radio reception absolutely sucks. My element's was by far superior. I live outside a metro area and can't believe the stations I lost after switching from the element to the fit. Both use the external roof mounted antennas. The BMW radio must have really sucked to consider the fit an upgrade. I also miss the element's subwoofer. For real bass tones and balancing of the equalizer range it was great.

jake95825 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 09:13 AM

My radio reception isnt too great. I read somewhere here that a few others had the same issue. Something about the antenna not being grounded properly. My AM reception is good. Got to listen to Art Bell

.

Wiggles · #8 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake95825

My radio reception isnt too great. I read somewhere here that a few others had the same issue. Something about the antenna not being grounded properly. My AM reception is good. Got to listen to Art Bell

.

You can also download Coast To Coast from their website and burn the shows to CD's which will play in the Fit's radio.

willmax11 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sw20

I listen to AM on my way to work as well since I like to be aware of any traffic issues to and from work

I do however notice that I get feedback whenever I drive under powerlines. Does anyone else get this? Kinda annoying

I told Honda Canada about this problem, I have to hit the off button because it is so loud the spkrs. rattle.

I like the buttons on the stereo and all the other features.

rayzer59 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Packy

Cool, good to know the AM is great! I listen to AM on the way home from work every night.

I thought that AM antennas were always internal loop -type, while FM was always a whip antenna or in-glass antenna?

The first thing a tech looks at when AM reception is poor is continuity to the external antenna. On many cars, FM will seem to be ok if the antenna lead is loose or disconnected, but AM is a disaster without a good external antenna.

If you have a reception issue, get to the dealership and if they try to say it sounds ok to them, have them compare your vehicle to other like vehicles at the dealership. A problem will be easy to spot.

And post your experience in the Warranty section of the Fit Talk section for others to see.

jeandeau · #11 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008, 12:35 PM

I have bad reception with my stock radio. The dealer says "no warranty, listen to your CDs." he does a Db sig noise test in the shop, but won't drive around the block to check for a vibration related loose connection problem. Regional rep says talk to your dealer". I will probably install the longer Toyota Matrix antenna and diaassemble the car to check for loose connections or pinched coax cable. I'm not happy.

FITrunner · #12 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corey415

People listen to AM??

Haha! I listen to am now and then. Traffic, sports, news, some good stations on there if you dont feel like listening to music. When I had my '67 GT500 I could ONLY listen to AM because that was the stock radio on the thing.