A.M Radio Reception

[IrishCarl64]

I just got a 2021 Ranger XL ( STX package ) and I am quite happy with it. However I did notice that the A.M Radio reception is horrible. Even the strong station in our area ( 55 WKRC and 700 WLW if you know the area ) are problematic with static. A Google search yielded quite a few results that this is often an issue. I do like to listen to talk radio on my morning drive. Is there a common cause for this and a solution? I would hate to take it back to the dealer for such a small issue...at least right away. Maybe some time from now if there is not a known fix.

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[tfisher15]

I just got a 2021 Ranger XL ( STX package ) and I am quite happy with it. However I did notice that the A.M Radio reception is horrible. Even the strong station in our area ( 55 WKRC and 700 WLW if you know the area ) are problematic with static. A Google search yielded quite a few results that this is often an issue. I do like to listen to talk radio on my morning drive. Is there a common cause for this and a solution? I would hate to take it back to the dealer for such a small issue...at least right away. Maybe some time from now if there is not a known fix.

 

[tfisher15]

You did not say if your ‘21 is new so make sure your AM/FM antenna is tight. In fact I’d take it out and clean any corrosion or dirt off the end. Also the stock antenna is about 8 inches long. Some owners replace it with a stubby antenna which may degrade performance.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Check to make sure your antenna is installed. Many have found the aerial was not screwed in and was in the glove box.

 

[ScrappyLaptop]

There are OEM and aftermarket AM radio antenna filters that try to remove some of the static, you might try one of those.
Before you do though, is the static a regular buzz that changes tempo or pitch with RPM?

 

[IrishCarl64]

There are OEM and aftermarket AM radio antenna filters that try to remove some of the static, you might try one of those.
Before you do though, is the static a regular buzz that changes tempo or pitch with RPM?

regular static unaffected by RPMs or internal changes....definitley changes due to hills, electric wires, etc. Typical poor reception

 

[Martyd]

I have a 2020 XL with the basic radio and my AM reception is OK. Am radio frequencies are susceptible to electronic noise, so that's one thing. They are also effected by atmospheric conditions that come and go. I would give it a few days and see what happens

 

[alcohenusa]

regular static unaffected by RPMs or internal changes....definitley changes due to hills, electric wires, etc. Typical poor reception

Did you ever check that the antenna is installed as previously suggested?

 

[Mcssls]

People still listen to a.m.?

 

[IrishCarl64]

People still listen to a.m.?

You are not the first to say that...but yes. In my area WKRC and WLW ( the truckers station ) are very popular. One is largely politics, the other news. I listen to news as I drive in to work...or I did until I bought this truck.

 

[got3fords]

Do you have Sirius XM? It's not free, but it was a game changer for me. I can listen to any politics, news, music, comedy anytime anywhere.

 

[canyonslicker]

I have the opposite experience. I can't believe how well my AM stays locked onto a station when all other vehicles I drove in the past would lose it completely. My wife even commented about it.

I hope you get it worked out.

 

[Jamesb]

I just got a 2021 Ranger XL ( STX package ) and I am quite happy with it. However I did notice that the A.M Radio reception is horrible. Even the strong station in our area ( 55 WKRC and 700 WLW if you know the area ) are problematic with static. A Google search yielded quite a few results that this is often an issue. I do like to listen to talk radio on my morning drive. Is there a common cause for this and a solution? I would hate to take it back to the dealer for such a small issue...at least right away. Maybe some time from now if there is not a known fix.

I know it's not a fix and rather a work around but try using iHeartRadio app on your phone. Will be a digital signal.. then play it through your stereo.

Should work.. until/unless they also transmit the AM on an FM HD channel like many AM stations do.

Good luck!

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