Radio reception

Does anybody else have poor radio reception with second generation Tacoma??

 

Do you have an aftermarket antenna? I've never had issues with the oem antenna. Recently switch to a shorter 17" antenna and still no reception issues. Here's a link to the aftermarket antenna.

$25 AntennaMastsRus Short Rubber 6 3/4" Antenna for Toyota Tacoma (1995-2015) - USA Stainless Steel Threading, Car Wash Proof, Easy Installation, Enhanced Radio Reception with Internal Copper Coil

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9JZBSQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kHDGFbBZ8RSB6

 

I have the original antenna, and when I answer my phone through the truck stereo, it sounds all broken up, thought maybe it has something to do with the antenna

 

I do compared to my wifes 2016 jeep

 

Your radio antenna shouldn't have anything to do with your phone reception. Where is your phone, while you're talking on it? You might try placing it on your passenger seat or somewhere more 'out in the open'.

 

The reception on my phone is fine, it only breaks up when using hands free through my truck speakers, my phone is attached to my dashboard

 

I agree with Winkel that you should try with your phone further from the radio. The phone and the radio are both digital devices that emit (i.e. leak) small amounts of RF noise, and they may be interfering with each other.

 

yes I do! especially for the AM band which I do seldom use, never could figure out why, the FM band does seem normal tho

 

would this be true if the phone was Bluetoothed linked to the head unit? I probably could disconnect it to see. I also get a lot of RF static thru my PIAA LED fog lights tremendous amount

 

I bought this same antenna and LOVE IT! I noticed very little degradation in reception, typically only notice issues in remote areas.

 

Having poor radio reception and broken-up voice over BT are two different problems.
I bet it has something to do with your phone or head unit. The antenna won't effect BT transmission as they operate on entirely different frequencies (there can be interference but BT is good at ignoring it).

If I were you, I'd restart the phone and make sure it's updated. BT communication is complex and occasionally needs to be cleared and should always be updated.

 

Thanks a lot for all your feedback, it was really helpful and will try your advice

 

I was looking for a flexible type like this but want the standard length 36" but they seem only to make the stubbies

 

This may help with the LED fog lights causing static.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wts.673622/#post-23674108

 

I bought those ferrite couplers on recommendation from PIAA lighting co. after I left a negative review about the fierce radio static from their fog lights but they didn't help one bit with reducing the static unfortunately

 

I put two on each wire pretty close to the LED spot. I tried 3, but that seem to make it worse so I left it at two.
Good luck with your dilemma.

 

I just left the couplers on one on each light, I got them right where the wire came out of the lights as close as you can get really didn't do anything at all but weren't really expensive at radio shack

 

Check any chargers you use. I went nuts trying to resolve bad FM reception. Checked antenna wire etc. Bottom line it was a bad usb charger causing interference; can't remember the brand, but every time I plugged in my phone the reception went to crap. (No problems if nothing plugged into the charger) Charger worked ok in another of our cars.

 

Meanwhile, returning to our regularly scheduled question from OP: Yes. AM reception is so poor that when I scan, the scanner never stops on a station. If I manually tune, I can get a station, but regardless, the signal reception is poor. FM seems to be fine. I live in an urban area. My other cars have no reception problems. My ham radio has no issues with its AM reception on the VHF band. I haven't swapped the OEM antenna although I've thought about it. I still have the stock head unit too.

Take a look at this thread: https://tinyurl.com/y684fm7a