Poor AM or FM radio reception or interference (without navigation)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Check the vehicle battery condition first (see BATTERY TEST ).
Check the connectors for poor connections or loose terminals.
Check for aftermarket accessories including cell phones and chargers plugged into the vehicle accessory power sockets.
Check the radio reception in an open area. Poor reception/interference can be caused by any of these conditions:
- The radio station is far away.
- Atmospheric conditions are unfavorable.
- Aftermarket metallic window tint.
- A tall building, mountains, or high-voltage power lines are nearby.

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Do the seek stop test (see SEEK STOP TEST ) and the reception level indication in the Self-Diagnostic Function (see SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION ).
Is the test vehicle within 10% of the known-good vehicle?

YES -Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.

NO -Go to step 3.
Check the reception/interference is the same in several locations.
Is the reception/interference the same?

YES -Go to step 4.

NO -Multipath interference or weak station. Operation is normal.
Check the reception/interference while the engine is running.
Is there noise (static or whine) only with the engine running?

YES -Check the antenna and radio grounds. If OK, check the charging system and the ignition system.

NO -Go to step 5.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Remove the tailgate spoiler trim (see REAR DOOR PROTECTION TAPE REPLACEMENT ).
Touch one tester probe to the antenna element 1P connector terminal No. 1, and the other tester probe at the antenna element to check for continuity.

Fig 1: Checking Antenna Element Continuity
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 8.

NO -Replace the tailgate spoiler trim (see REAR DOOR PROTECTION TAPE REPLACEMENT ).
Go into the self-diagnostic mode and use the Tuner communication check mode (see SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION ).
Is the tuner communication OK?

YES -Go to step 9.

NO -Replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Remove the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ). Check that the AM/FM antenna lead and sublead are properly connected.
Are they connected properly?

YES -Go to step 10.

NO -Reconnect the connector, and recheck.
Disconnect the AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Measure the voltage between AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.

Fig 2: Measuring Voltage Between 3P Connector Terminal No. 3 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there battery voltage?

YES -Go to step 17.

NO -Go to step 13.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect audio unit connector H (3P).
Check for continuity between audio unit connector H (3P) terminal No. 3 and AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 3.

Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between Connector H (3P) And 3P Connector Terminal No. 3
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 16.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between the audio unit and the AM/FM antenna amplifier. Also check the antenna lead/sublead connector.
Check for continuity between audio unit connector H (3P) terminal No. 3 and body ground.

Fig 4: Checking Continuity Between Connector H (3P) Terminal No. 3 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to body ground in the wire between the audio unit and the AM/FM antenna amplifier.

NO -Replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect audio unit connector H (3P).
Check for continuity between audio unit connector H (3P) terminal No. 1 and AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 1.

Fig 5: Checking Continuity Between Connector H (3P) And 3P Connector Terminal No. 1
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 20.

NO -Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or the sublead.
Check for continuity between audio unit connector H (3P) terminal No. 1 and body ground.

Fig 6: Checking Continuity Between Connector H (3P) Terminal No. 1 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or the sublead.

NO -Go to step 21.
Check for continuity between audio unit connector H (3P) terminal No. 2 and AM/FM antenna amplifier 3P connector terminal No. 2.

Fig 7: Checking Continuity Between Connector H (3P) And 3P Connector Terminal No. 2
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 22.

NO -Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or the sublead.
Check for continuity between audio unit connector H (3P) terminals No. 1 and No. 2.

Fig 8: Checking Continuity Between Connector H (3P) Terminals No. 1 And No. 2
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Replace the AM/FM antenna lead and/or the sub lead.

NO -Replace the AM/FM antenna amplifier (see AM/FM ANTENNA AMPLIFIER REPLACEMENT ), and recheck. If the reception is still poor, replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).