Sante Fe AM radio reception sux!

Well, the header says it all. Been to the dealer a number of times.
They replaced the radio 2 times and then came to the conclusion
that the AM antenna in the rear window is nearly useless. They
said other folks have been complaining of miserable radio reception
and there was nothing they could do. Of course, now I'm at 37K
miles so I'm hosed that way.

Any recommended fixes for radio reception. Went to Best Buy.
They won't install an external antenna - tried to sell me satellite
radio instead. Pfft! I shouldn't have to pay a monthly fee to get
a freakin' traffic report!

I really like the car but might have to let it go if I can't get this in
check.

Ruth CM

 

"RPM1"

Mine is a bit weak too. I've read a number of similar complaints
as well but selling the truck because of the radio is a bit extreme.
I'd move to a big city or install an aftermarket item.

 

Hyundai reversed the antenna wires on a bunch of their vehicles. Try
swaping the wires. That was a big help for all of the 02 XG owners
who had AM reception problems.

 

I know this is not a solution to your problem........but just out of
interest to the group:

I have recently taken delivery of a 2 litre diesel Santa Fe here in South
West Ireland, and the a.m. reception using the standard external aerial is
probably the best I have ever known from either a car or domestic receiver.
It even picks up higher power transmissions from the UK during daylight
hours.

 

"Jason"

I'll try that! At least it's something to look into. Thanks.

I know someone recommended moving to a big city
but it's sort of hard to keep horses in an apartment. ;-)
I also drive a Dodge Ram 2500 and a Chevy Astro van
Both vehicles pick up AM radio almost perfectly night or
day so it's not the location or peak signal issues per se.

Ruth CM not too far from NYC

 

We got a new radio & the service manager at the dealership stated the
warranty takes care of swapping antenna which they did & it is great,
but that was 2 months after we bouht the SUV

 

"Brenda"

Yeah, they dragged it out with trying this and so long that
we're screwgied as far as the warrantee goes. <sigh>

Did they swap the rear side window out?

Ruth CM

 

"Brenda"

Just called the dealer again and the Hyundai USA customer
service...

Was it an antenna in the window? I'm told that a window
antenna can not be swapped out. Would LOVE proof to
the contrary! As it turns out the =antenna= IS still under
warrantee. Yay! The question is can they fix/swap it...

Ruth CM

 

Sure it can be done. It's called replacing the window.

 

"hyundaitech"

Heh. Makes sense to me. However, they're going to
dig their heels in over this - I can tell. I would =love=
to be able to point them to an example where is HAS
actually been done. <stunn>

Ruth CM

 

Come to think of it I've had my Santa Fe for a year and a half and have
never even tried AM radio. Why would anyone want it anyway? I just bought
an $800 receiver for my stereo and while the FM is gorgeous, the AM is
useless. I just don't think people care about AM reception anymore
....unless you're the type that likes to listen to Rush, in which case I have
no sympathy.

 

Hey! I like Rush - I think they're a pretty good band.

S25

 

That's not the "Rush" that Don was talking about.

 

Most news, weather, and sports broadcasts are onm AM, at least here in the
Philadelphia area. And yes, my AM sucks donkey dick. Even tried a new Aiwa
unit and the AM receptioon still sux - so it's NOT the radio.

Eaton

 

Have the dealer check the connection at the antenna module.