I have a strange problem with my car. I seem to be getting a lot of electrical interference on my radio when my ignition is live. If I am sat in traffic with the engine running, and the radio station has some static coming through (as well as music), if I switch the engine off the signal goes as clear as a whistle.

On the drive, if I turn to a preset and the signal is clear, as I turn the key to ignition (to bring on the dash lights) I get sudden interference coming through?

How could these items be connected, the Focus as standard doesn’t have an amplified aerial, and I haven’t chopped any of the connectors on the stereo (this has happened both with my standard ford radio, and my aftermarket pioneer one)

Help appreciated

 

try changing your HT leads and coil pack.

 

Clearly it's a suppression problem, I would start by disconnecting the coil pack as a test, as this comes live with ignition and would generate a electromagnetic field, I don't know on modern cars but would think I think this has a suppressor built in that may have failed, this is assuming you have not added any additional electrical equipment?


Martin

 

Doubt it will be HT leads as he says it does it when ignition is on.

Martin

 

cheers guys....time for a new coil pack then.

i thought it might have something to do with this, wonder how much a new coil is for the FRS? not going to chnage the leads as it happens with the Engine off (just ignition live)

 

Soundls like you are picking interference up from all the computers on the car (ecu/air bags etc..)

Either your antenna isnt plugged in correctly or has a wiring fault, or the earth to the radio itself is not good.

If all else fails, try connect a single wire from the radio case itself directly to a body work point.

 

i have checked the antenna and that is plugged in fine, the reception is infinitely better with the ignition off.

would running this single wire, eath the entire radio? if the coil doesnt work i will be trying that next.

thanks simon