# AM Radio Problem **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** radio, subaru\ **Created:** [January 22, 2014, 1:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283 "2014-01-22T01:47:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![adamsdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bbce88/32.png) [@adamsdad](https://community.cartalk.com/u/adamsdad)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2014, 1:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283/1 "2014-01-22T01:47:47Z")
Just the other day the radio in my 06 Subaru Outback lost the ability to pick up an AM stations. Has anyone else had this problem? Is this going to be expensive? ---
**Author:** ![Whitey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/whitey/32/24680_2.png) [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2014, 2:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283/2 "2014-01-22T02:36:36Z")
The antenna connection might have come loose. It could be simple or you might need a new radio. Nobody knows without doing some diagnostic work. ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2014, 2:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283/3 "2014-01-22T02:40:45Z")
I agree. Coupled with the fact that AM radios have been getting cheaper and cheaper over the years especially the ones installed in new vehicles. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2014, 5:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283/4 "2014-01-22T05:23:39Z")
I also agree. Worst case, the head unit can be readily replaced. Post back if necessary and we’ll help. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2014, 5:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283/5 "2014-01-22T05:37:44Z")
The fact that the FM works ok but not the AM makes me think the ground connection for the antenna/cable has corroded or came loose. ---
**Author:** ![adamsdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bbce88/32.png) [@adamsdad](https://community.cartalk.com/u/adamsdad)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2014, 6:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283/6 "2014-01-22T06:38:11Z")
So do I get a Chilton’s manual and figure out where the antenna is and attempt to reconnect it (if that’s the problem) or just take it to a mechanic? I guess I’d like to know how complicated this is going to be. ---
**Author:** ![Triedaq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Triedaq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Triedaq)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2014, 7:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283/7 "2014-01-22T07:18:06Z")
If the FM section works but the AM doesn’t, I really don’t think the problem is the antenna. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2014, 7:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283/8 "2014-01-22T07:40:15Z")
The top few rows of defroster lines in the rear window are not part of the window defroster, they are the radio antenna. Inspect the inside of the rear window for scratches/damage. Metallic type window tint will affect AM reception but I doubt you tinted your windows this week. Mounted near the rear window is an antenna amplifier if you care to inspect and test it. ---
**Author:** ![adamsdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bbce88/32.png) [@adamsdad](https://community.cartalk.com/u/adamsdad)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2014, 9:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-radio-problem/83283/9 "2014-01-22T09:01:39Z")
Great! Thanks for your help. When the weather rises above the insanely cold mark I will have a look.