What is causing my FM radio static ?

[gn2]

I just did a tune up on my 1993 Camry LE with the 5SFE engine, installed new plugs, wires, cap and rotor and now I have radio interference on my FM radio. Mine is the distributor version with the coil built into it, under the cap, so there's no coil wire to replace.

I bought AC Delco wires and cap/rotor, and Bosch Plus2 platinum plugs. I've only ever heard good things about the quality of AC Delco parts, so I wasn't worried about them, and the Plus2 Bosch plugs were the exact right part number, with an "r" for "resistance" plugs.

In a nod to all the posts I read for a solution to this problem, I bought a set of NGK wires and just finished installing them, but I STILL have ignition static on the FM radio.

What goes next ? The plugs ?

[Yuko]

Many engines including Toyota's never seem to do well with any Bosch plugs. Try installing some good ol' NGK or Denso plugs and see (or hear) any different. Are you getting static on all FM channels?

[gn2]

Yes, all channels.

So it CAN'T be the cap/rotor ?

I don't have a problem changing the plugs, just want to avoid MORE un-necessary expense if possible.

I don't understand why Bosch plugs are so bad in Toyota's ? They're perfectly good plugs...

[LynchburgCSI]

They just don't jive well in Toyota Engines. I have Bosch plugs in my Ford and they're fine. But i'd NEVER run them in a Toyota.

[Yuko]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

They just don't jive well in Toyota Engines. I have Bosch plugs in my Ford and they're fine. But i'd NEVER run them in a Toyota.

I ran Bosch in my father's Quest with no problem for years. Every engine is different. I remember reading somewhere that the problem with the Bosch is that the electrode on their platinum series spark plugs are recessed into the ceramic compare to other plug. This fouls up the plug quickly and cause more more resistance. Plugs are cheap and try swapping them out.

[gn2]

It is NOT the plugs, or the wires.

$33. later, new Iridium NGK's and there is still static.

Great. I guess I just wasted all the money I spent on pretty much all the items I bought for the tune up since nothing has solved this and I'm going to end up buying two of everything.

So, to anyone who experiences this problem in the future, it CAN be your cap or rotor that causes noise.

Off to ebay to try and find an OEM cap and rotor for less than the ridiculous amounts the dealer charges...

[Yuko]

It could be the wires, but NGK makes very good plug wires that shouldn't cause static. Maybe it''s not seated correctly?

[gn2]

The wires are idiot proof. They fit down the tube closely and "pop" when they're seated properly. On the cap end, they have a snap in retainer clip that won't allow the wire to be poorly connected or seated incorrectly. Very, very thoughtful design by Toyota.