Jwats

Why does my SC 400 have an AM radio that buzzes, fades and generally works so poorly? How could Lexus let this slip by?

Keith13b

iTrader: (3)

Its called "AM" radio - Expect anthing more and youre expecting too much. Also depends on the power of the broadcasting stations, not necessarily the radio.

Jwats

I know it AM and do not expect high fidelity....but shouldn't a LEXUS radio include an AM section that is at least equal to my wife's SUBARU? I would think so!
John

Keith13b

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like your antenna is cut; test the resistance of the AM antenna.

skininja

I know a while back Lexus issued a service bulletin regarding the poor AM reception on the SC's. Also, if I remember right, there was a thread on the board describing how to improve your AM reception by basically gutting out your radio console, and antenna and doing something to it. For hardcore AM sportstalk/newsradio listeners only ....

Camshaft

AM radio signal works differently than FM. FM is straight shot type, hence the fading in and out in hills. AM bounces off the atmosphere. Depends on the strength of the signal and unit. Also, Lexus may have used the antenna for FM and AM. AM needs a loop antenna to work well. FM needs a split type.

moshlub

My AM is giving me the same type of quality problems. I mean AM is AM, but I think most, if not all, AM radios should be pretty much the same quality by now.

So is it true about the service bulletin? And if so, would I be able to get it fixed if I'm a second-hand buyer?

Snowman9000

Click here to view the thread with the Service Bulletin

Grimpy

wow there are people that actually listen to AM?????

moshlub

AM is great for news and especially up-to-the-minute traffic (for metro areas, that is)

Jwats

AM can also be fun on a long road trip picking up local and distant stations in the dark night of the Plains