Audio Systems: Ford Focus w FM/AM/CD no radio reception, ford focus wagon, factory antenna


Question
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Followup To
Question -
Ford Focus Wagon 2002 with in dash 6 cd changer.

CD sounds just fine, but not both AM and FM come for about 15 minutes in the AM, then just goes fuzzy. Both AM and FM. The fuzz will go away for a few seconds every minute, but the rest of the time no or very low and spotty reception. Took off and examined the antenna. No cracks in the casing and seems good. When antenna is removed from car get no sound (or fuzz). Leads me to belive that power is going through antenna and it is connected to system. Cannot find any lose wires or connection.. Fumble with the antenna while screwed on looking for loose connection, but does not fix anything... Thoughts?
Answer -
Brian,
The best way to test for a faulty antenna is to purchase a cheapo antenna from WalMart and unplug the original and plug in the test antenna. This Way you will know if a problem exist with the factory antenna. If the reception is the same with the test antenna in place the problem may be due to defective connections going into the AM-FM tuner modules.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net

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Reception is the same... But I am also finding that stations are not where I expect.... i.e  Tune on 107.7 but get 107.3    If this is a tuner issue, is it something I can do myself?  

Answer
Brian,
It sounds like the tuner module is at fault. It may be due to a defective connection that is causing a mis tune in the module. You can try testing for a bad connection by pulling the stereo out of the dash and with the stereo on, lightly tap on it to see if anything changes. If you are good at soldering and do find defective connection/s are the cause of the tuner problem you should be able to resolder the connections. This does require that you unsolder the complete tuner module from the receiver board to get to the solder connections on the bottom side of the module.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net