Audio Systems: 1996 Caddy Seville SLS (not BOSE) AM Radio Static, antenna wire, antenna cable

Question
Reception is SUPER when car engine off OR when stopped completely with engine on.  Being in gear makes no difference.  Revving in neutral makes no difference. Remains CLEAR. However the slightest acceleration and therever (until stopped again) cause the AM to bite the dust (FM is always perfect and strong).  Sometimes the reception will pop back on clear but lasts a short distance then goes bad again. Almost seems like it is related to a "motion sensor" of some sort.  Braking, lights, turn signals have no effect.  When stopped good, when moving bad.  THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

Answer
Tony,
You may want to check and clean the grounds connections on both ends of the antenna wire/cable. If the ground on the fender end of the antenna is corroded, rusted or just loose it can allow noise to enter the antenna wire. On many vehicles the speed sending unit that sends pulses up to the speedometer will generate all kinds of interference that the AM radio will pick and even more so if the antenna ground is loose. On some of the caddies they used a two piece antenna cable that was plugged together between the door and the fender near where the antenna is mounted on the fender. Check this if you have one to be sure that the connection is clean and tight. One last thing that I found on these caddies is a speed sensor that will adjust the suspension when the vehicle is moving. Ask your local caddie dealer if your vehicle has this on your model. It sounds like a defective ground or shield on the wires to the sensor that is making the noise come and go.


TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net