Weak FM radio reception in 2010 Prius?

By all means do so. The more people complain the more likely something might be done about it. Yes their CS center would likely be the best place. You might just go into your dealer as some others have had the units replaced by the dealer.

 

I'd rather that they didn't replace my radio until they are sure that it will fix the issue. It just wastes my time otherwise. But I will still call and complain about it.

 

I just talked to the service department at Marina Del Rey Toyota and they said that I was the first one to complain about this. Seriously? They are going to "look into it" and get back to me. Not sure that much will come of this.

 

That is their stock answer for everything.

 

Has anyone tried more aggressive tactics like having the group send emails to a Toyota executive or getting a consumer-friendly blog (like consumerist.com) to take up the cause? Toyota care is simply referring me back to the dealer (who said there are no known fixes).

 

I would suggest looking through the tread - most everything has been tried.

Keep in mind - your radio *works* - it just doesn't work well. How many people notice a FM issue is likely low in the big scheme of things.

Posting things here will only make things likely worse - as nothing has happened in a year. Clearly - with millions of radios {and this is worldwide - people talk about frequency issues - we all have the same radio frequencies (+/-) - which should stand far within an antennas tolerances}, there is very little chance of Toyota doing anything for the affected consumer. I have an aftermarket product that pulls stations (FM) from 60 miles - similar reception at various other hard to get a signal locations.

It was posted they have something "software" related. If true - and it may be (best case) - that is amazing (upgrading low level firmware on a base radio).

I would not hold my breath. I'm only amazed it has been a year, and nothing has been done to correct this - which isn't a great reflection on an otherwise amazing company...

 

At least they are consistent, they tell everyone that.

 

I would only add to the "3 software disk" idea - there cannot be any way it would take (even with CD) 2.5 Gig of data to upgrade a base radio (????), or 14+Gig for Dvd cars... I'm guessing the 3 CD solution is a base map upgrade (????????)???????

 

Ok, I just got a call from the dealership. They said that Toyota just issued a service bulletin about this issue. They want me to drop the car off to look at. They said they need an hour to diagnose it, but they were not sure how long the fix would take. The person I talked to was not sure what the fix was, but was sure there was a fix. I will drop my car off tomorrow and update. At least Toyota is aware of this issue and is trying to address it.

 

i had my dealer test mine and he said it was fine compared to other radios.
i called toyota and stated my problem with the radio.
they called me back on 8/2/10 and told me that there was no fix for my problem.

good luck

 

I just bought mine on 7/24/2010. Model IV, I'm affected on FM and XM with the nav just like others here. I will also place a call into Toyota. My 2006 Prius was excellent and my 2008 Tundra was excellent.

 

I have complained to Toyota and to my dealer. My dealer checked the other Priuses in the lot, and confirmed that the are "all just as bad", IE suck. His take - "that's the way they are made". Thanks again, Toyota.

 

I have the JBL system with AM/FM, XM and CD. XM works fine, but AM/FM is very weak. All signs indicate that the little screw-on roof antenna's signal is not getting to the radio. Here's why I think so:
when I unscrew the antenna the weak signals on AM/FM DO NOT CHANGE. So...whatever signal input the radio is getting is NOT coming from the outside antenna as it should. No wonder the signal is weak!
And if I wave my arm above the dashboard FM signals get a little stronger!
My question: What is the route and connections for the roof antenna
wiring? How can I trace the wiring to find out where the disconnection is??

Scott

 

Ok. I went to the dealer today. Indeed there is a technical bulletin (or whatever it is called) for the radio. However it is for non JBL Nav models only. I saw the ticket and it says they will do something to the tuner. Since I have a JBL nav, they couldn't do anything for me. But, they did take detailed info on when the problem was happening and are forwarding it on to a Toyota tech who is going to investigate the nav version. They are going to set up an appointment for the Toyota tech to drive my car soon.

 

If I unscrew the antenna - I hear a lot of noise (genuine FM radio noise). When it is connected, I hear clicks and pops that have nothing to do with reception. Actually reception is pretty good - but the noises are not reception related, as far as I can judge. I get them in open space where I expect to be perfect, I don't get them when I expect them to be there (inside tunnels or roads lined with tall buildings....).

They updated the radio software (not navi - stock standard radio + CD player, 8 speakers) and nothing changed - it is exactly the same as before.

 

If I unscrew the antenna - I hear a lot of noise (genuine FM radio noise). When it is connected, I hear clicks and pops that have nothing to do with reception. Actually reception is pretty good - but the noises are not reception related, as far as I can judge. I get them in open space where I expect to be perfect, I don't get them when I expect them to be there (inside tunnels or roads lined with tall buildings....).

They updated the radio software 3 days ago (not navi - stock standard radio + CD player, 8 speakers) and nothing changed - it is exactly the same as before.

 

Scott

If you read through this thread you'll find a lot of useful information, including some test data, that gives some fairly good clues as to the probable cause.

Unfortunately it isn't as simple as changing the aerial or making sure that the aerial cable is OK, the problem is more fundamental and has elements of poor receiver design together with higher than normal broadband interference from the car systems. Several of us have tried changing the aerial, to no avail.

I now have a high pass filter to go in the aerial lead that I intend to try at earliest opportunity. It has a cut-off frequency of around 50MHz, so will stop AM working but I'm hoping it may reduce the amplitude of the interfering noise that I'm convinced is part of the problem. I've swapped my standard JBL fit radio for a Kenwood unit, which is only marginally better in terms of FM reception. I know that this Kenwood unit works well in my local area because I had it fitted to my previous car.

Jeremy

 

With any luck, maybe Toyota will offer some sort of steeply discounted, lifetime XM rate (say, $100). I'd go for that as a remedy to poor over-the-air radio reception.

 

can someone get the number for the mystical TSB that is for radio?

 

I've also noticed some noise in the AM stations if they are a bit weak. There is a noticeable static when under acceleration, but disappears when you let off the throttle. any solutions? Dealer suggested replacing the radio, but when I went into the dealership today & drove another 2010 prius it acted the same. Very annoying situation.