How the Car Audio System Works

AM and FM radio signals are broadcast from transmitter towers located around your city. They are picked up by your vehicle's radio antenna.

This signal is then processed by the radio receiver and sent to your vehicle's speakers.

When a strong radio signal reaches your vehicle, the precision engineering of your audio system provides the best possible sound quality. However, in some cases the signal reaching your vehicle may not be strong and clear.

This may be caused by factors such as distance from the radio station, proximity to other strong radio stations, or buildings, bridges, or other large obstacles in the area.

AM radio broadcasts can be received over greater distances than FM broadcasts.

This is because AM radio waves are transmitted at low frequencies. These long-distance, low-frequency radio waves can follow the curvature of the Earth rather than travel in a straight line. In addition, they bend around obstacles, providing better signal coverage.

FM broadcasts are transmitted at high frequencies and do not bend to follow the surface of the Earth. Because of this, FM reception usually starts to fade within a short distance from the station. In addition, FM signals are strongly affected by buildings, mountains, and obstacles. This may result in undesirable or unpleasant listening conditions, which may lead you to think there is a problem with your radio. The following conditions are normal and do not indicate a problem with the radio:

• Fading: As your vehicle moves away from the radio station, the signal weakens and the sound begins to fade out. In this case, we recommend that you select another strong station.
• Static/Multipath: Weak FM signals or large obstacles between the transmitter and your radio may interfere with the signal, causing static or fluttering noise. Reducing the treble level may reduce this effect until the interference clears.

• Station switching: As the FM signal weakens, another, stronger signal near the same frequency may begin to play. This is because your radio is designed to lock onto the clearest signal. In this case, select another station with a stronger signal.
• Multipath cancellation: Receiving radio signals from multiple directions may cause distortion or fluttering. This may be caused by the direct and reflected signals of one station, or by signals from two stations with close frequencies. If this occurs, select another station until the condition clears.

Using a Mobile Phone or Two-Way Radio

When a cellular phone is used inside the vehicle, noise may be heard from the audio system. This does not mean that there is a problem with the audio equipment. In this case, try to keep mobile devices as far from the audio equipment as possible.

CAUTION

When a communication system such as a cellular phone or radio transceiver is used inside the vehicle, a separate external antenna must be installed. If a cellular phone or radio transceiver is used only with the internal antenna, it may cause interference with the vehicle's electrical system and adversely affect the safe operation of the vehicle.

WARNING

Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop in a safe place to use a mobile phone.