AM radio reception (NM)

[Endorphin]

I'm interested to hear other peoples experiences with radio reception. Particularly the AM band in major cities.

I typically get a lot of interference when driving around the Sydney suburbs. However when I drive our other car it seems fine (2004 Subaru Outback).

Originally I thought it might be an earth issue. So pulled out the head unit and check the connection etc and reseated it. Didn't really improve the situation.

Am interested to hear if the NM Exceed radio is typically poor on AM or if it is my unit that is causing the problem. And I do realise the AM band has its limitations...

Any feedback appreciated.

Mike

[psproule]

Earth strap the bonnet. It is actually supposed to be listed on an MM service bulletin for owners who complain about AM reception.

Pat

[Endorphin]

Thanks Pat.

Do you mean I need to get one from MM?

[psproule]

No - it's a "service bulletin" so I doubt they would do it for free out of warranty. A bit of sturdy wire from bonet hinge bolt to body. I used an old battery earth strap I had but that was overkill.

[Endorphin]

Cheers Pat. I'll give it a go.

[Para Ordnance]

It was actually a HOTLINE FIX, and was released a trillion or so years ago!

Add an earthstrap (p/n: MB541402) between the rearmost engine hood to hinge mounting and the rearmost front fender mounting bolt.
Ensure that the underside of bolt head and threads are clean, and route the earth under the hood seal.

Doing this fixed any AM static problems most of the time, and the strap is cheap as chips through Mitsu spares.

[gaz1]

As I mentioned in another thread, I've earth-strapped my NM's bonnet (just some reasonably heavy wire & crimp terminals) and that fixed the ignition interference that AM was suffering from, but I am still getting a high pitched whine when the ignition is on. Engine running or not - it appears as soon as the ignition is turned on.

I fitted a new aerial mast a week or two ago because of damage from overhead trees etc., and although the actual reception seems improved, the whine is still there.

Gaz

[Endorphin]

It was actually a HOTLINE FIX, and was released a trillion or so years ago!

Add an earthstrap (p/n: MB541402) between the rearmost engine hood to hinge mounting and the rearmost front fender mounting bolt.
Ensure that the underside of bolt head and threads are clean, and route the earth under the hood seal.

Doing this fixed any AM static problems most of the time, and the strap is cheap as chips through Mitsu spares.

Thanks for the tip Para Ordnance. I might ring my dealer and see what it is worth then.

Cheers,
Mike

[Endorphin]

Can someone explain why the earth strap is required considering the bonnet is connected to the body already.

[gaz1]

just guessing, but I suspect it's because the contact through the hinges etc is no good - paint probably acts as an insulator. I know that putting the earth wire on mine made an amazing difference.

Gaz

[mrbitchi]

AM? What's AM?

[Endorphin]

It was actually a HOTLINE FIX, and was released a trillion or so years ago!

Add an earthstrap (p/n: MB541402) between the rearmost engine hood to hinge mounting and the rearmost front fender mounting bolt.
Ensure that the underside of bolt head and threads are clean, and route the earth under the hood seal.

Doing this fixed any AM static problems most of the time, and the strap is cheap as chips through Mitsu spares.

I can confirm this fixed my interferrence problems straight away. AM reception is now very good and no need to extend the antenna anymore. Wish I knew of this fix earlier...

Cheers,
Mike