Radio Interference

[Greta]

2002 Impreza - purchased used - Is it normal for the heater or A/C fan to
cause static in the radio? This is the first Subaru that I have owned (Saab
previously) and I like it but am surprised at how poor the paint job is -
black color.
Greta

 

[bgd]

I can't help you to fix it, but that problem is not normal. Subaru used to
have shared grounds on the radios, I do not know if they still have that
crazy setup or not.

 

[Bonehenge]

I like it but am surprised at how poor the paint job is -
black color.

Was it hit before you bought it?

The paint on my '01 Outback was quite good, maybe not up to Lexus
standards, but very good.

 

[Steve Parker]

Greta,
Is it the factory radio? If it is not a filter can be put on it to help
eliminate noise.
Sparky

 

[nobody >]

2002 Impreza - purchased used - Is it normal for the heater or A/C fan to
cause static in the radio? This is the first Subaru that I have owned (Saab
previously) and I like it but am surprised at how poor the paint job is -
black color.
Greta

IS the antenna fully extended? Does the noise happen on both AM and FM?

Try reaching out the window and wrapping your hand around the antenna.
Does the noise go away? Do the radio stations come in better?

The heater and A/C use the same fan. it's rare but bad brushes in the
blower motor can cause a staticy noise in the radio. Does the sound of
the static change when you change speeds on the blower? Does it change
with engine RPM?


This one would be fairly easy to diagnose *if* the car was parked in my
driveway, but it isn't.

 

[D&SW]

If it is mainly on the AM band, I had same problem on 1999 Impreza and 2000
Forester.

It is 1. lousy grounding, 2. lously anntenna plug, and 3. lously Clarion
radio.

I fixed mine by removing the Clairion radio and reseating the antenna
connector and power/speaker connector and tightening the mounting screws.
This lasted for about two months...the second time I fixed it, I removed
the Clarion radio and replaced it with a Pioneer. Have done this routine on
both vehicles.

 

[Greta]

Thanks all for the information. Regarding the paint job - it appears to be
original.
The radio interference is only on the am as D&SW has said. Touching the
antenna makes no difference. The static becomes higher as the speed of the
fan increases.
Greta

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

2002 Impreza - purchased used - Is it normal for the heater or A/C fan to
cause static in the radio? This is the first Subaru that I have owned (Saab
previously) and I like it but am surprised at how poor the paint job is -
black color.
Greta

Some after-market window tinting may block reception on cars with
in-glass antennas.

Carl