1999 Radio Noise Problem

[chad1010]

The radio in my 1999 Grand Cherokee began making popping noises right after I changed out the spark plugs. The noise only happens after the vehicle has been running for about 10 minutes (it has a chance to warm up) and only when the engine is running less than 1000 rpm. The noise is the same volume regardless of the radio volume. The noise is gone if the radio is on when the engine is shut off.

It doesn't have spark plug wires (my initial thought) - the coils sit in a molded piece of rubber right on top of the plugs.

Any help would be appreciated.

[vmguadalupe]

I had the same issue in my '99 GC. It turned out to be my Nokia cell phone creating an intermittent popping or clicking sound about every 7 or so minutes. I had a cell phone holder next to the left center AC vent which was right next to the radio receiver, and when I placed the cell phone in it the popping sounds would start.

[Dsilver]

That's just crazy, I have never heard of anything like that.

[chad1010]

I ended up solving the problem. I had not used the spark plug which Jeep called for but had changed to a platinum version of the same plug. The characteristics of the platinum plug were such that the radio was picking up noise at low rpm. I changed out to the normal cheap plugs - noise gone.

[Dsilver]

The way that worked out to fix it is crazy too, I dont know what to say, except how bizarre.