Radio static

98 Windstar 3.0 engine 248K

Drove the wife's van today and found that the radio on AM has a lot of static and moving the shifting lever from reverse to neutral to drive really magnifies it. The static is also very bad when driving. Has anyone ever had a transmission range sensor cause this problem.

I have not had time to check it out yet. Any ideas very much appreciated.

Its the engine speed that varies and causes noise through the ignitions system and the alternator. There should be a capacitor to minimize this phenom ... mounted usually on the alternator body itself. If not missing, the capacitor may have aged and is no longer effective. You can buy a replacement at any aftermarket.

I believe it is the wiring from the radio itself but I cannot get the radio removed. I have the tool that worked on my 03 Windstar but will not work on this 98. Does it require a certain brand name tool for the 98?

thanks

Does it have the same holes? The tool -- the 2 U shaped clips -- is extremely generic ("ford radio removal tool"). It could just be stuck in there. Stick the two clips back in, spread them outward, and try to slide the unit out at the same time.

Replaced radio, now works as should again.