98 GC Laredo - Factory stereo loses FM radio signal frequently! PLEASE HELP!!

[crash62480]

I have a 1998 Grand Cherokee Laredo with a factory stereo system installed. Here recently, when I turn on the radio to any FM station it will either not tune in (keep searching for a station), or tune in and act like its wanting to cut out. Other times, it will tune in and stay tuned in the entire time I'm in the vehicle. This problem only occurs with the FM stations. I am in a location that receives all the local stations, so its not like I'm out in the middle of nowhere. Furthermore, all of the AM stations tune in just fine. (In fact, I actually switch to AM whenever I'm listening to FM and it cuts out to static). The CD player and tape player work fine, and there aren't any other problems that I'm aware of. If anyone can assist me with this problem, I would greatly appreciate it!! This is a rather annoying occurance and is quite incovenient. Also, I've been told that if I simply replace the factory stereo with something new (alpine, pioneer, etc.), then the steering wheel volume/tuner controls will not function. I want to aviod losing the steering wheel controls, so if anyone knows anything, please help.
Thanks!!!
James

[Jackie Morris]

I have a 97 doing the same thing. It will start squeling and sound like the old radios on tv when they would run them up an down the dial. I've also noticed the "ST" stereo light goes out but if you switch to AM the stations come in.

If you figure out what is doing it please post your findings.

[Godzilla.vs.Jeep]

If it's the factory unit...the best solution is to go get a new aftermarket in-dash unit. Replaced my factory unit with an aftermarket unit (after dealing with this same kind of problem for a year) and have enjoyed AM/FM/CD tunes ever since.

Some will say it's the antenna, but why would a new head unit work when the factory failed without an antenna replacement?

Seen this problem posted a bunch of times, never seen a solution offered by Chrysler for it...

[kru]

The tuner piece of the radio has failed. You can pick up a replacement factory radio at www.replacementradios.com. Here's the exact link for your vehicle:

http://replacementradios.com/product...products_id=39

Aftermarket radios require wiring and mounting adapters. In my opinion, they don't look right in vehicles and are harder to operate too. And it's well known that they're stolen more often. If you're not trying to wake up the neighbors as you drive by, there's no reason a factory unit wouldn't suffice.

[crash62480]

Just curious if you have found a fix for the stereo problem in your jeep? No such luck here.

[spielightdude]

Just in case you do want to go with an after market sterio and are wondering about the steering wheel audio controlls.
I would try contacting crutchfield and asd asking them. They supply you with the adapter harness and everything else you would need to install an after market head unit/sterio and even sort the list they have a vaialable for sterios via your make and model car.

Just in case give them a call and ask then.

As for after market head units being stolen, why do you think they make them with removeable face plates for security!

[kru]

How many people actually remove the faces and take them with them on a regular basis? And I doubt the lack of a face would be a deterent to most people anyway, since you can find just about any face you need on eBay.

No way you'll ever convince me factory radios get stolen more often than (or even in numbers close to) aftermarket.

[Godzilla.vs.Jeep]

Originally Posted by kru

The tuner piece of the radio has failed. You can pick up a replacement factory radio at .

But why would you want to put the same piece of garbage that failed back into your vehicle???

This happen often enough...that a credit of some kind should have been issued for this piece of junk.

[spielightdude]

I have a 1999 JGC Limited model with the am fm cass/cd playing unit and have also been looking to upgrade and if you are worried about losing the factory mounted steering wheel controls like I was. Crutchfield has a solution if you pick up a pioneer brand unit.
Aside from having extreamly good FM sensitivity there is an adapter you can buy that lets you patch into the facotry mounted steering wheel controls and lets you still use them. Granted its an extra 50-60.00.

Also as for the comment about the faceplates and not taking them off, where I come from alot of my college and co worker friends take the faceplate off put it in the case that most come with and just leave it in either the center console or in the glovebox and lock it when going to work or not in the car.

To me if you have a removable faceplate and just dont use it and it gets stolen its your own fault for being lazy!

[turtlecrxsi]

Originally Posted by kru

Aftermarket radios don't look right in vehicles

I agree with this statement. I went with a factory Infinity CD/cassette player from a member on here and couldn't be happier.

For those that argue in favor of aftermarket stereos: Yes they are wonderful but there aren't any that actually match the lighting design in the Jeep. If I was going to go with an aftermarket stereo, it would be a complete system including some custom lighting to match the stereo but would look factory. I really don't have time for that kind of headache though and like I said I'm happy with what I got.

To the OT, check ebay for a replacement or ask on here and maybe a member can hook you up with what you want. GL

[kru]

Try doing a Google on Replacement Radios. You'll find a site for the factory radios.