Hello,
My S60 has really bad AM radio reception. I heard there is a brass strip fix. Does anyone have more information.
Thanks,
S Sig

I am having the same problem, but it is occasional. Sometimes, and location does not matter, the reception is better than others. It can be crystal clear at home and suck at work one morning and just the opposite others.

If anyone has a clue, another 2003 S60 2.4 non-turbo owner would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

There is a technical bulletin out for this problem. I just had mine fixed at dealer approximately 2 months ago and the AM radio has worked like a champ ever since.

The technical bulletin is 39-35. It does involve installing a brass strip to secure the antenna contacts which are notorious for working loose.

Oddly, the service writer at my dealership claimed he was not familier with this tech bulletin. Once I brought it to his attention, he checked and they actually had a kit in the parts department and did it the same day. I got it done no charge.

I would appreciate any amplification about the Technical Bulletin #39-35. Any other identifications? I have been unable to locate any reference to #39-35 and it sounds as though this could be the solution to all our problems. I, too, have an S60 and the ONLY complaint I have is the poor AM radio reception. Thanks.

I replied to ka5p earlier this morning, and I'd be happy to send the actual bulletin to any of you who need it, if you'll send me a message.

The fix has been working since last summer, so it'll apparently do the trick.

ids60 ----Thank you so very much......I took the tech-note to my dealer and an hour later had my radio working as good as new. Excellent reception.....there was no charge!!!
Really appreciate the insight and help.

You're most welcome! It took me long enough to find this little gem of information. That's why I'm more than willing to share. apparently this problem is quite common. Not sure if it's been addressed in newer models.

I had the recep problem as well. How about anyones radio jumping stations at random. could the recep fix possible solve.

If your signal strength is, in fact, lower than "normal" (because of the "fix" addressed here) then -- YES -- it could easily be the source of your problem. I believe the issue really only pertains to AM reception though -- the FM antenna and it's "coupler" (located on the right side of the vehicle and in the extreme rear wheel well) doesn't appear to be a common problem source point. Hope this helps.

my dealer wants $130 to install this. I dont want it that bad.

Sure doesn't sound right !! My dealer did mine for free (it IS a warranty repair item if you're under the four year mark). One of the forum guys got the part from his dealer (it is a VERY inexpensive item) and installed it himself with better than even results!! The module is located in the panel area behind the rear door on the drivers side (or so I am told). All I can say is don't give up -- it is so nice to have my AM radio back (I am a talk radio nut). Why not try another dealer?? Josh, if you read this, maybe you can give him some advice! Good luck!

Can someone post the instructions and locatation for the brass strip fix? Thanks

Audio System - Poor AM Reception
NO: 39-35
DATE: 04/03/2003
MODEL/YEAR:
S80 MY 99 ->, S60 MY 01 ->
SUBJECT:
Poor AM Reception
CHASSIS:

REFERENCE:
Service Bulletin 39-0018 and 39-0025

DESCRIPTION:
Cases have been reported in which AM static will increase and maintain a higher level resulting in complaints of poor AM reception. The increase in AM static may be triggered by several reasons including: bumps in the road closing the doors. The AM static will stop by several reasons including:
Central Door Lock activation rear defrost activation touching the trim covering the antenna amplifier.
SERVICE:
It has been determine the increase in AM static is due to a loose connection between the antenna amplifier and antenna cable. To improve the connection (and AM reception) this Tech Net Note provides instructions to install a brass strip Part Number 30657370.



The brass strip must be bent as shown.
NOTE: It is critical not to exceed the 8 mm (5/16") length. If this length is exceeded it will result is worse reception.


Install the brass strip into the antenna amplifier as shown.
Install antenna cable so that the locking clips are not on top of the brass strip. It may help to push the locking clips to help seat properly.
NOTE: After the antenna cable has been installed pull the antenna cable to verity the locking clips are holding the antenna cable in the proper position. If the antenna cable releases easily the locking clips were not seated.



Picture of antenna amplifier after brass strip has been installed.


Attached File(s)
 Audio_System___Poor_Reception.doc ( 395k ) Number of downloads: 111