Radio Static

My recently purchased '96 CE LT1 coupe w/103k dosen't like automatic garage door openers, over the air TV reception or it's own radio reception on the stock Delco/Bose system. First I noticed that when the car is running there is static on the radio only, not when playing the CD. Then we realized that the automatic garage door opener's remotes won't work with the car running. And all of our TVs show static whenever the car is running. I'm guessing that the car is emitting a RF signal, but from where. Maybe the ignition system. How do I trouble shoot? Thank you for any help you may have.

[ChuckG]

Sounds like your wiring may be catching some stray waves and passing them in through your antenna.

I had a similar situation and went with a simple ignition noise suppressor and it's gone.

Isn't the noise suppressor meant for internal noise generated within the wiring system? Do you think the radio noise is unrelated to the other issues. Because if they are related it would seem that the car is tranmitting an RF signal that goes beyound the wiring system.

[keywestjack]

Is your car running rough or do you notice a miss? How old are you plug wires etc.

Don't have much history. The plugs were changed around 50k, need to check and see if they put in platinums, if so, they would still be good. The wires may need attention. Runs a little rough now and then, check engine light will be on a couple of days then off a few days. Changed a few sensors awhile back with much improvement. I think I need a MAF sensor, been putting it off due to cost.

[ChuckG]

Seems the car is either creating or absorbing and transmitting to the radio an RF signal.

Spark plug wires, historically, have been to blame for many radio interference issues. I invested in a good set early on.

Could be something as simple as your antenna connections behind the radio touching some metal. I wrapped mine in shrink wrap when I added the noise suppressor.

My money is on the plug wires.

My bad MAF was about 90% of my idle and drivability issues. Glad I swapped it out. My 800 to 1100 RPM bouncing idle is now at about 700.

A reman Bosch MAF for my '85 was only $156 here locally with exchange. Not sure about your LT motor. Came with a lifetime warranty. It's my third. Second had a short warranty, so I shopped better this time.

Thanks for the info. Plug wires seem a good place to start. Thanks for the heads-up on MAF.

[keywestjack]

In the old days (don't start -I'm not that old...yet) guys would wait until it was dark outside then open the hood, start the engine and see if there was any sparking from a bad wire. I have never done it but I imagine it may show work.

No need to wait.

Get a water mist spray bottle and gently mist the ignition wires. You will see and hear the problem.

Old fart solution.

Tried the in the dark with no results. I'll try the water. Is that also in the dark.