Inspection Procedure 18: Distortion On Am And/Or Fm: Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

STEP 1. Check the level of distortion.
Q: How much distortion is there?

Occasional distortion : Go to Step 2.

Constant distortion : Go to Step 3.
STEP 2. Check the location of the distortion.
Q: Is there distortion when the vehicle is near the radio station?

YES : The antenna is receiving too strong a signal.

NO : Go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check the wires at each speaker.
Q: Are the speaker wires contacting the paper speaker cone?

YES : Move the speaker wires away from the paper speaker cone. The speaker should now be free of distortion.

NO : Go to Step 4.
STEP 4. Remove the speakers, and check the paper cone for foreign material or damage.
Q: Is there foreign material or damage on the paper cone of the speaker?

YES : Repair or replace the speakers. The speaker should now be free of distortion.

NO : Go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check for distortion with the speaker installed.
Q: Does a distortion occur?

YES : Install the speaker securely. The speaker should now be free of distortion.

NO : Repair or replace the radio and CD player. The speaker should now be free of distortion.