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D Wilson
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2008
08:35:12

Subject: Static in the radio
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I just repalced a battery in my 2000 Dakota. Original 8 yrs old. After replacing i get static in the radio I never had before. Any thoughts.



Jimmy9190
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2008
10:52:09

RE: Static in the radio
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Is it the original radio? Do you hear the static on AM, FM or cd only or is it on all 3? How old are the spark plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor? If they are original or are very old, the increased voltage from the new battery could induce noise into the audio system very easily. I would replace plugs, wires, cap and rotor with good quality parts and see if the noise goes away.

You should also check the alternator to be sure it is working properly. Should have about 14.5 volts across the battery with the engine running at idle.

Jimmy



D Wilson
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2008
10:55:59

RE: Static in the radio
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Radio has static on AM & FM only. Cap, plugs, wires, rotor replaced about three years ago.Less than 10,000 miles on those. I guess I need to check the alternator.



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2008
11:23:46

RE: Static in the radio
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if it's a steady whine that changes with rpm i think it would be the charging system. ignitions usually generate a popping noise that changes with rpm. definitely check the voltage as Jimmy9190 suggested. mske sure all the connections are clean and tight.



Jimmy9190
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2008
11:35:08

RE: Static in the radio
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3 years is very old for plug wires. As the wire ages it looses its ability to shield out the electromagnetic interference that causes radio static. Try replacing them with a good quality wire set. The Belden premium wires from Napa work very well and have a good price. Make sure whatever wires you use say "radio noise suppression core" on the wire. I would suggest replacing the plugs, cap and rotor as well due to their age. Napa part # MO 26 and MO 28 for the cap and rotor.

Jimmy



Jimmy9190
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2008
12:56:47

RE: Static in the radio
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The static on radio opperation can also enter the system via the antenna. A good test is to remove the radio from the dash, and unplug the antenna while the engine is running. If the noise goes away it is very likely coming in through the coaxial cable of the antenna. If this is the case, you can try skinning back the insulation on the antenna cable and using a piece of wire to ground it. Also ground the case of the radio to that same point.

You can also remove the antenna base from the fender and remove the fender liner and clean the antenna moiunting base and the area where it butts up to the inside of the fender well. It sounds like you don't drive the truck very much and if it sits for extended periods of time, rust or corrosion could have formed in that area causing a bad ground for the antenna, which can be an excellent path for the noise. Also check the antenna cable junction connector in the passenger kick panel for rust or corrosion. You can also try disconnecting the braided ground cable from the back of the radio and grounding the case of the radio to a good clean solid ground in the kick panel area. The factory ground cable and its connection had a reputation for becoming corroded as well.

These problems may not have been noticable with the old battery because the voltage was lower therefore the potential for noise was lower. Check the ground connections at the battery negative cable and to the block and frame of your truck and be sure there is no corrosion there, same for the positive terminal and its connections at the PDC and the starter.

If the noise does not seem to be coming in via the antenna it could be a radiated noise from the large main wiring harness in the dash. This is not very likely but is a possibility. This type of noise is not very prevalent nowadays and it can be harder to eliminate. Try the other things first.

Jimmy




D Wilson
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2008
13:07:37

RE: Static in the radio
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Thanks for all of the help.



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