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mymazda3togo
02-02-2009, 08:57 AM
I have a 2007 Mazda 3. My AM radio reception is poor. In fact if I even drive under a short bridge for a second my reception cuts out completely. No FM problems at all.

I've taken it do dealers, switched antennas, and no one can figure out what the problem is. If the antenna is removed both AM & FM reception is lost.

Therefore, it's not the antenna because I do get reception. But how can I get poor, interrupted, and lost AM reception and have no FM problems?

Anyone out there ever heard of this?
Cardinal Fang
02-02-2009, 09:53 AM
I believe this is perfectly normal. This is due to the reception waves of AM vs FM. Amplitude Modulation is more prone to interference from physical masses as opposed to Frequency Modulation.
PKock
02-02-2009, 01:38 PM
Yup its the way AM radio works. It's not just your car its every car
Cosmo77
02-02-2009, 07:49 PM
Is your car a sedan or a sport? If it is a sedan and you have put the stubby "short" antenna on you may experience problems in AM stations. Just asking

Cosmo
Nova 3 GT
02-13-2009, 10:15 AM
You'll always get the best reception using the OEM whip but then again, who listens to AM these days ? :)
liquidzyklon
02-16-2009, 02:30 PM
Some people listen to AM for 680 news / traffic reports. Plus there are some cultural stations too.

Have you tried the Audio Diagnostics (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=8455) to see what numbers you are getting? These will just show some concrete numbers on your reception. There not much you can do if the dealer can't help you.
Go_Habs_Go
02-16-2009, 02:40 PM
Iit's normal for AM stations lose their signal more frequently or have more disruptions than FM stations (due to amplitude vs frequency modulations as Cardinal Fang mentioned).

Have you tried listening to AM Stations in someone else's car and see if the same thing happens?

Get a friend and drive both your cars to a spot where you lose your AM station. See if your friend's audio has the same problem as yours. If so, then you know it's normal.

Either that or there is a global conspiracy to take down AM stations everywhere!!
Noisy Crow
02-16-2009, 02:49 PM
Some people listen to AM for 680 news / traffic reports. Plus there are some cultural stations too.

I listen to 680 a lot. No unusual issues with reception and I have a Sharkfin.... AM reception messes up when going under long bridges or crossing under high-voltage hydro wires, but that has been the case with every car I have owned....