2009 VIBE FM - scratchy voice reception

Stereo, security systems, vehicle electronics, and electrical-related discussions
Post Reply
user659
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:34 am

2009 VIBE FM - scratchy voice reception

Post by user659 »

Traded my 2004 Matrix in on a 2009 VIBE. The Matrix radio had been fine. When I drove the new VIBE off the GM lot last April, I found that live voice reception on the strongest station in my town was scratchy. Music reception was fine. Oddly, reception quality on every other FM station is fine. CD quality is also perfect. I have a "one FM station only" problem. The "bad" station has a sister, repeater station about 40 miles away. Its signal was not scratchy (but signal strength was problematic).Did a lot of testing and investigation. The GM dealer even replaced the radio. Problem remained.Finally, we took off the antenna. The scratchy reception went away. That station was now fine. However, all the other local FM stations were now not receivable. We then checked another VIBE on the dealer's lot. SAME PROBLEM!SAME RESULTS. The dealer checked for a GM Bulletin. None exists.We are guessing that the 2009 and 2010 VIBEs have a problem. If a station is too strong, the radio overloads, probably causing a modulation problem. Taking off the antenna reduces the signal strength and the radio does not overload.I've ordered a stubby antenna to see if it will reduce the signal strength enough so that I can still receive all stations but can avoid the sractchy voice on my favourite station.I'd like to hear if others have experienced this kind of problem. I can vouch that it happens on three VIBE radios. What about others?Thanks,
star_deceiver
Posts: 5802
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: 2009 VIBE FM - scratchy voice reception (user659)

Post by star_deceiver »

The FM radio worked fine... I've only ever used it once, at the dealer. Sirius is the way to go!
2021 Ram 1500 4x4 CCSB
2019 Ram 3500 4x4 CCSB srw 8HP75 (traded in - 04/15/21)
2016 Ram 3500 4x4 RCLB Dually w/stick (traded in - 05/10/19)
2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 Cheyenne 4x4 (Traded in - 03/30/16)
2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
ou.grizzly
Posts: 2660
Joined: Sat Mar 01, 2008 5:26 pm

Post by ou.grizzly »

Have not noticed an issue in the short amount of time driving the 09 Vibe, yet when we picked it up finally the dealer did forget to reinstall the antenna + had rain storms. Some stations were "scratchy."Ever think about installing an in-line antenna booster?
2009 Jet Black 2.4L Auto / Fogs / 17" Alum / Clear Bra / Camry Leather Shift Knob / GT Rear Spoiler
2013 Polished Metallic Honda CR-V EX-L Navi
Post Reply