How the Vehicle Audio System Works

AM and FM radio signals are broadcast from radio towers in your city. They are received by your vehicle's radio antenna. The signal received from the radio is then sent to your vehicle's speakers.

When a strong radio signal reaches your vehicle, the precise technology of your audio system ensures the best possible playback. In some cases, however, 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 of other radio stations, or the presence of large obstacles in the area.

AM stations can be received over greater distances than FM stations. This is because AM radio waves are transmitted at low frequencies. These long, low-frequency radio waves can follow the curvature of the earth, rather than traveling straight into the atmosphere. In addition, they bend around obstacles, so they can provide better signal transmission.

FM stations operate at high frequencies that do not follow the curvature of the earth. For this reason, FM signals usually become weaker at greater distances from the transmitter. FM signals are also easily affected by buildings, mountains, or other obstacles. This may cause it to seem as if there is a problem with your radio under certain conditions. The following conditions are normal and do not indicate a problem with the radio:

• Fading – As your vehicle moves away from the transmitter, the signal becomes weaker and the sound begins to fade. In this case, we recommend selecting another, stronger station.
• Fluctuation/Noise – Weak FM signals or large obstacles between the station and your radio can affect the signal, causing fluctuation or noise. Reducing the treble setting can reduce this effect until the interference is eliminated.

• Station switching – When an FM signal becomes weaker, other, stronger signals on nearby frequencies may be received. For this reason, your radio is designed to lock onto the clearest signal. When this happens, select another station with a stronger signal.
• Multipath interference – Radio signals received from multiple directions can cause interference or fluctuation. This may be caused by a direct signal and a reflected signal from the same station, or by signals from two transmitters on nearby frequencies. In this case, select another station until the condition is eliminated.

Mobile phone or two-way radio interference

When a mobile phone is used inside the vehicle, noise may be heard from the audio system. This does not mean that the audio system is malfunctioning. In this case, use the mobile phone at a location as far as possible from the audio system.

WARNING

When using a communication system, such as a mobile phone or two-way radio, inside the vehicle, a separate external antenna must be installed. If a mobile phone or two-way radio is used only with an internal antenna, it may interfere with the vehicle's electrical system and affect the safe operation of the vehicle.

WARNING

Do not use mobile phones when refueling the vehicle. Stop in a safe place before using a mobile phone.