How the Car Audio System Works

FM Reception

AM and FM radio signals are broadcast from transmitting towers located around your city. They are picked up by your vehicle's radio antenna. The signal is then processed by the radio and sent to your vehicle's speakers.

When a strong radio signal reaches your vehicle, the precise design of your audio system ensures 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 obstructions in the area.

Morning Reception

AM broadcasts can be received over greater distances than FM broadcasts. 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 travel straight into the atmosphere. In addition, they bend around obstacles, so they can provide better signal coverage.

FM Radio Station

FM broadcasts are transmitted on high frequencies and do not follow the curvature of the earth. Because of this, FM transmissions usually begin to fade over short distances from the station. Also, FM signals are easily affected by buildings, mountains, or other obstructions. This may result in listening conditions that may make you believe there is a problem with your radio. The following conditions are normal and do not indicate a radio malfunction:

• Fading: As your vehicle moves away from the radio station, the signal will weaken and the sound will begin to fade. When this happens, we suggest you select another, stronger station.
• Multipath/Static: Weak FM signals or large obstructions between the transmitter and your radio may interfere with the signal, causing static or fluttering noises. Reducing the treble level may reduce this effect until the interference passes.

• 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 strongest signal. In this case, select another station with a stronger signal.
• Multipath cancellation: Radio signals arriving from several directions may cause distortion or fluttering. This may be caused by a direct and reflected signal from the same station, or by signals from two stations with close frequencies. If this occurs, select another station until the condition passes.

Using a Cellular Phone or Two-Way Radio

When a cellular phone is used inside the vehicle, noise may be produced by the audio system. This does not mean that something is wrong with the audio equipment. In this case, use the cellular phone at a location as far as possible from the audio equipment.

CAUTION

When using a communication system, such as a mobile phone or radio, installed inside the vehicle, a separate external antenna must be installed. When a cellular phone or radio is used with an internal antenna alone, it may interfere 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 cellular phone.