SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

radio problem (weak signal)

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Old 03-14-08, 07:55 PM
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moomoo
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Default radio problem (weak signal)

Hello, i am new to the forum and i have only one problem with this perfect car. when i got my 04, used, i notice that the radio is really weak. it was a cloudy day so i thought it was the weather that is affecting it. i have not listen to my radio since. i listened to the radio a few days ago and found out that the signal is very weak, even on a sunny day. i can barely pick up AM and some FM stations flutter up and down in term of signal quality. if you someone can help me that would be great. thank you!

BTW this forum is great, i have learned so much about my by reading this forum.
Old 03-14-08, 10:48 PM
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JohnnyCake
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Lets start with the obvious. Have you confirmed that the antenna extends when the radio is turned on?
Old 03-15-08, 03:17 AM
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moomoo
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yeah the antenna does extend when i turn on the radio.
Old 03-15-08, 04:56 AM
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JJsc430
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Same problem with me...weak signal. Just purch used 2002 sc430 Jan. 2008 and noticed antenna fully extends but retracts about 1/4 length when car/radio is turned on. Haven't had time to let dealer check but assume it's the antenna mast.
Old 03-15-08, 05:46 AM
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1NEAT_SC
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I'm pretty sure the antenna extends fully when on AM and decends about a 1/3rd when on FM.

Is there any difference when the antenna is down all the way vs up all the way? I was wondering if the cable to antenna or radio was either loose or disconnected by previous owner..``

Otherwise is it consistantly weak or does it momentarily go strong to weak signal?

Another thought would be ......does your cds play ok? Could be speaker(s) problems.

lar
Old 03-15-08, 06:25 AM
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norman52
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I have never noticed that my antenna moves up and down for AM or FM. If it does that is impressive. For AM reception you want as long an antenna as possible for maximum reception so the antenna should extend all the way up.
For FM an antenna length of 30 inches would be ideal. It must be another example of engineering excellence in our cars.
My reception is excellent. 75-100 miles for a good FM station
Old 03-15-08, 08:09 AM
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Habious
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The antenna changes length (in FM) based on the frequency that's "dialed" in. Go from like 107.5 MHz to 88.5 MHz and you'll see (hear) it move.

MY FM reception is a bit too good. I couldn't use an FM modulator in my area (Washington DC metro) because the car radio picks up something on EVERY frequency.
Old 03-15-08, 08:44 AM
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aquanuke
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Try cleaning the aerial if you havent already.
Old 03-15-08, 12:26 PM
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Habious
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"Aerial"....the British are coming, the British are coming!
Old 03-15-08, 12:34 PM
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aquanuke
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Originally Posted by Habious
"Aerial"....the British are coming, the British are coming!
Ive no idea why anyone would want to put an antenna on their car

Old 03-15-08, 12:36 PM
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norman52
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Some of us enjoy British Cars! I like how the boot on my SC430 roadster opens up so the hood can hide. Now if I could just see out over the bonnet and the wings so I knew where the nose started.
Old 03-15-08, 12:42 PM
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aquanuke
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Originally Posted by norman52
Some of us enjoy British Cars! I like how the boot on my SC430 roadster opens up so the hood can hide. Now if I could just see out over the bonnet and the wings so I knew where the nose started.
Thanks for talking in English Norman, I'll just make a cup of tea
Old 03-15-08, 12:46 PM
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norman52
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make mine Earl Grey while I sit on this stack of Tyres!
Old 03-15-08, 12:56 PM
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aquanuke
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hahaha you talk better English then I do
Old 03-15-08, 01:23 PM
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norman52
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I still drive a XKE and a TR4. i've owned a 66 Mini Cooper, a 57 TR3, a Sunbeam Tiger, an 70 Austin American, a Jenson Healy, and a Lotus 7 which I never drove because my legs wouldn't fit.
If I never would have bought any British cars, (Or the Italian ones) I would be retired now! I think i was just barmy for British cars but they are all so Bees Knees.


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