Audio - Weak/Noisy AM Radio Reception
91subaru04
NUMBER: 15-92-91
DATE: 09-25-91
APPLICABILITY 1991 LEGACY LS S/W
SUBJECT: WEAK/NOISY AM RADIO RECEPTION, WHEN
RECEIVING DISTANT STATIONS
Under certain conditions, AM radio reception may experience static or weak signal strength when tuned to distant or low power transmitting stations. Tests have shown that a modified antenna feeder cable, P/N 86324AA040, along with proper grounding of the antenna mounting bracket and the addition of shielding to the antenna base will improve the signal to noise ratio. These modifications have been incorporated in production since 2/14/91, starting with VIN 903307.
DO NOT CONFUSE THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS WITH NORMAL AM RADIO CHARACTERISTICS, SUCH AS, LOSS OF SIGNAL IN THE PRESENCE OF TALL BUILDINGS TUNNELS OR WHEN DRIVING IN AREAS OF LARGE METAL STRUCTURES (i.e. BRIDGES, AIRPORTS, BUS TERMINALS, ETC.). THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES WILL NOT AFFECT THESE CONDITIONS.
NOTE: THIS MODIFICATION IS FOR 1991 LEGACY LS STATIONS WAGONS WITH AUTOMATIC ANTENNA ONLY, AND SHOULD BE PERFORMED ONLY WHEN AM RADIO RECEPTION EXHIBITS THE ABOVE MENTIONED CHARACTERISTICS.
Figure 1:
1. To ensure proper grounding of the antenna mounting hardware, the following steps should be carefully observed. See Figure 1.
a. Remove the pocket from the right rear interior quarter trim to gain access to the power antenna assembly.
b. Remove the screws securing the antenna mounting plate to the body and polish all areas of contact between the mounting plate and body.
c. Apply aluminized tape to the antenna base as shown in Figure 1.
d. Clean all areas where tape touches antenna and body, to ensure firm contact.
2. Remove the right strut tower cover and disconnect the antenna feeder cable from the antenna assembly.
Put the rear seat and back rest in the cargo position and remove the original feeder cable. Route the new cable as illustrated in Figure 2.
Flat Rate Information
The following may be used for vehicles within the terms of the Subaru Limited Warranty: