Audio Systems: Honda Civic Radio, honda civic ex, noise filters

Question
Tom,

I have a 2003 Honda Civic EX with a CD/AM/FM stereo.  Starting about a year ago, the AM radio began to have extreme "static".  It's not really static like you have when a station is not clear, but rather, and especially when I go over a bump, even a small one, the speakers seem to pop and crackle.  The station is also very weak after that.  I drive in and around New York City and the signal strenth should not be an issue.  Worth noting that the FM and CD player funtion perfectly.  I've had the radio replaced by the dealer and that did not solve the problem.  Is there a contection to any part of the suspension that causes the breakup?

Answer
Kevin,
On some makes of vehicles they will use an active suspension system that will automatically adjust according to the road conditions. What does the AM radio sound like when you tune to a know good station with the key in the ACC position? In many cases the electronics along with the small motors that drive the suspension system may have defective noise filters in them. This fault will cause all kinds of noise to be heard in the AM radio reception. The engine computer can also cause noise to be heard in the speakers when receiving AM radio stations.


TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net