2020 AM/FM Reception Issue

[younglefthander]

I've looked but haven't found anyone have this issue. We just bought a used 2020 Rubicon. Sat. Radio and blue tooth work fine.

The AM/FM works fine when on DC power (battery) but with the engine running the reception is terrible. I think that eliminates an antenna issue? My thought has been some type of ground issue.

Has anyone else had this experience?

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[rk911]

AC power?

 

[younglefthander]

Sorry DC power. It happens when the engine is off and power is being supplied by the Jeep's battery.

 

[storyg]

You may have an antenna issue. Does this JEEP have a factory antenna whip that is about 30 inches tall? Or has someone installed one of those little rubber duckies? The factory whip will work better than a wire, coiled into a smaller form factor that has all of its body alongside the metal body. Engine and/or electronics noise to signal strength-ratio, especially if the radio stations are more distant than say, living in a larger city. Potential exists where somewhat lower db level of signals might be overrun a bit more, by man-made or natural noise.

It might be possible that someone has had the original or aftermarket "infotainment" system out of the dash, such that when the put it back in place, the antenna cables plug was not full seated into the radios antenna jack. The center pin might be making some limited contact, but the shield wire might not be making contact at all if the plug has not been fully seated into the jack. Low signal and high noise that is introduced upon engine startup can easily occur in this case.

That cable might also have been badly nicked between the antenna and the radio connection.

I've looked but haven't found anyone have this issue. We just bought a used 2020 Rubicon. Sat. Radio and blue tooth work fine.

The AM/FM works fine when on DC power (battery) but with the engine running the reception is terrible. I think that eliminates an antenna issue? My thought has been some type of ground issue.

Has anyone else had this experience?

 

[rk911]

8

Sorry DC power. It happens when the engine is off and power is being supplied by the Jeep's battery.

Ok, but FYI...the radio is ALWAYS powered by the battery. When the engine is running the alternator is charging the battery. You might have a qualified mechanic check the voltage regulator to be sure it is functioning properly.

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