Radio Static on AM Band on '99 XLS

[edge10]

I get radio static on the AM band, which is worse when hitting bumps. So, sounds like it could be a loose connection somewhere. This unit is the am/fm/cd/tape. Any ideas for a fix or where to look first?

[toyomoho]

AM is more susceptible to picking up radio or power line signals from the ignition and alternator. The radio picks up the signals via the antenna or wiring (power, speakers). The alt wiring should have a capacitor attached to dampen any unwanted signals.

Might be a bad antenna connection, poor ground point for the wiring, bad capacitor on the alternator, ignition wires. If the car has a remote amp, the wiring harness between the radio head and amp should be shielded, make sure the shielding is OK.

You can also run the engine and radio then move the wiring around to attempt to recreate the bump.