Hi everyone,
I've been settling into driving my new 2013 Fit (Sport, non nav) and overall it's going well. Granted the dealership are a bunch of ass hats but that's another story.

Anyway, I noticed a few days after I got my Fit that sometimes when I turn my radio on (and I normally have it on so it's a matter of just turning the car on) that the radio doesn't work. The radio display lights up as if it's on (so I don't think it's a power issue) and AM and USB transmit just fine but the FM just won't work. It's dead silence. It's been happening more frequently and most times (key word most, not all) if I completely stop, shut the engine off, turn it back on into first position for a few seconds and then turn the car all the way it will come back on. There does not seem to be a rhyme or reason as to when this happens but it's driving me bonkers.

I did get an after market bluetooth kit installed but this problem was actually happening before I got it done and I really don't think it has anything to do with it.

I have contacted the dealer (multiple times, they love me) and basically until it happens in front of their face they can't diagnose it. I was there for another issue and had them check the radio out too and they tested it (the stations were all reset so I'm guessing they killed the power to the radio to test it) but still of course it was fine when the vehicle was in the service department.

Has this happened to anyone before? Any suggestions? This is really driving me nuts and it bums me out as it's a new car and this whole experience hasn't been that awesome (thanks to the crappy service dealer) and I just want my little teal Fit to work.

I appreciate any help!
Dawn

 

Many times radio "in and outs" for reception are due to antenna damage. While this may not be your direct problem, look at the antenna ontop of your car, check it's tightness, then unscrew it and inspect the metal contacting surface, and lastly, flex the antenna slightly (gently) and see if an dry-rot cracks are in the black plastic covering of the mast (usually occurs at the base section right where the main bending point is). Good luck.

 

Thanks, I'll check it out. The car is only 3 months old so I would hope it's not already damaged. Silly question - if the antenna was damaged wouldn't something come through the stereo instead of dead silence? I appreciate the help and I'm trying to learn.

Dawn

 

The answer to your question depends on the damage the antenna may have sustained. Automatic car washes beat the heck out of antennae. One is best served to step out of the car, remove the antenna, go through the wash, step out again and re-attach. At 3 months age for your Fit (new information), I would say this is most likely not your FM radio problem.

 

Lol no automatic car wash for me - I may be short as hell but I'll wash it myself