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View Full Version : OEM Radio Affected by Lights


mongoosebynight
12-08-2017, 09:33 AM
I want to make sure there is not a scenario I have overlooked before I buy another radio. Recently when listening to talk radio, plosive sounds are completely cut out. The problem progressed when driving at night. When using the dash light dimmer, it seems the switch increases and decreases power to the radio. With no headlights on, it is hit or miss if the radio comes on at all. The last problem I had with the radio was fixed by unplugging the power source at the back of the radio and reinstalling. No luck with that this time around. Is the radio completely toast? Thanks.
stevengerard
12-08-2017, 02:55 PM
These radios loosing reception are unfortunately normal. When I turn my rear defogger on the radio basically goes silent. Otherwise it works ok. Not sure if you have a separate issue or just the normal reception failure
Ambitious1
12-09-2017, 04:35 AM
The original OEM MM AM/FM radio is known for failing after 10 to 12 years. Have you tried to see if the CD player is operational? Most everyone replaces the OEM radio with either a Pioneer or Kenwood double-din or the OEM 05 Ford Escape Audiophile radio which plugs right in using the same connections. You can find the OEM 05 Ford Escape radio in most junkyards.
mongoosebynight
12-09-2017, 07:39 AM
The original OEM MM AM/FM radio is known for failing after 10 to 12 years. Have you tried to see if the CD player is operational? Most everyone replaces the OEM radio with either a Pioneer or Kenwood double-din or the OEM 05 Ford Escape Audiophile radio which plugs right in using the same connections. You can find the OEM 05 Ford Escape radio in most junkyards.

I have heard of the reception loss and have always been surprised mine was still going. The cd player cuts plosives out just like FM radio. At night the buttons flash in sync on and off like power is coming and going. Sometimes when the MM has been running for a while on a trip it starts to work better. When the car is first started the radio usually cannot turn on at all. Thank you for the recommendation on the Escape replacement.