26 Maverick XLT - AM reception sucks

[rmcadad]

The AM tuner on my 26 Maverick XLT hybrid sucks. All our other vehicles (including our most recent one, a 24 Toyota RAV4) bring in local AM stations clearly. The FM side is better, no issues. Local AM stations are very staticy.


AI tells me it's because modern vehicles are full of interfering electronics. If so, why does our 24 RAV4 work fine?


I have tried connecting via Android Auto and iHeartRadio but I find that cumbersome and fraught with setup issues that make it a very frustrating experience. I'm old fashioned and just want good AM reception.


I have also explored solutions that have me taking apart the dash to access behind things. I definitely do not want to do that.


I'm currently exploring either longer antennas for
AM, signal boosters, or interference reducers. AI gets confusing in discussions like this.


I see others have reported this, judging by a search in this forum. However they are from several years back, so I'm wondering if there are any fresh relatively easy solutions that have worked. If you have had the same issue and you resolved it, what fixed it for you?

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[Glen Baker LLC]

This old line comes to mind.
Smoke 'em if you got 'em"
The new line could be. Listen while you can.
AM to be going the way of..

Yes, I know there are efforts to bring the dodo bird back.

Over the last decade, Tesla Inc., Mazda and Ford started to phase out AM radios in new electric vehicle models. This was mainly due to interference from equipment in electric vehicles that could create more static in AM broadcasts, rendering them hard to hear.
Mar 26, 2026

 

[rmcadad]

Sad to hear
Are there any solutions with better antennas, signal boosters, or interference reducers?

 

[BigClydeLittleTruck]

I don't have experience with this as far as in the Maverick but I know that AM reception is better with longer antenna lengths because AM radio wavelengths are long. So a possible improvement might be gained in replacing the stock antenna with something longer although it could be objectionable in terms of the aesthetics.

A quick search of Amazon and I found the following that actually has a review from a Maverick owner who indicates they experienced improved reception with this antenna although that was in relation to FM. Still, it might be worth a shot:

Eightwood Car Antenna Replacement 16 inch

 

[rmcadad]

Thanks, I actually have this one on order. Can't wait to try it.

 

[jonshep]

I don't get AM stations on my 24 XLT. I don't think there is an AM station within 100 miles.

 

[yank283]

The fax machines suck on them as well . Seriously though, I do love me some WSM AM 650.

 

[rmcadad]

Did you change anything on your truck to bring in WSM AM 650 clearly?

 

[wakkawakka22]

Electric motors do interfere with AM reception. Its the reason Tesla requested an exception to remove AM radios from their cars.
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/13/electric-cars-am-radio
https://spectrum.ieee.org/am-radio-ev-interference

 

[BK007]

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Step away from the keyboard,,,,,,,

HRG

 

[wakkawakka22]

I smell an ELMER

 

[yank283]

Did you change anything on your truck to bring in WSM AM 650 clearly?

No, just the original longer antenna that came with the Mav but I do live close to WSM. I tried scanning on AM again and was able to pick up over 10+ channels I do have a hybrid with the electrical engine component (obviously).

 

[rmcadad]

No, just the original longer antenna that came with the Mav but I do live close to WSM. I tried scanning on AM again and was able to pick up over 10+ channels I do have a hybrid with the electrical engine component (obviously).

What is the longer antenna you have?

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