Radio Reception; Fm; Am; Station Swapping - Lexus LS400 Owner's Manual

Radio reception

Usually, the problem with radio reception does not mean there is a
problem with your radio − it is just the normal result of conditions
outside the vehicle.
For example, nearby buildings and terrain can interfere with FM
reception. Power lines or telephone wires can interfere with AM
signals. And of course, radio signals have a limited range, and the
farther you are from a station, the weaker its signal will be. In
addition, reception conditions change constantly as your vehicle
moves.
Here are some common reception problems that probably do not
indicate a problem with your radio:

FM

Fading and drifting stations − Generally, the effective range of FM
is about 40 km (25 miles). Once outside this range, you may notice
fading and drifting, which increase with the distance from the radio
transmitter. They are often accompanied by distortion.
Multi−path − FM signals are reflective, making it possible for two
signals to reach your antenna at the same time. If this happens, the
signals will cancel each other out, causing a momentary flutter or
loss of reception.
Static and fluttering − These occur when signals are blocked by
buildings, trees, or other large objects. Increasing the bass level may
reduce static and fluttering.
AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
Station swapping − If the FM signal you are listening to is
interrupted or weakened, and there is another strong station nearby
on the FM band, your radio may tune in the second station until the
original signal can be picked up again.

AM

Fading − AM broadcasts are reflected by the upper atmosphere −
especially at night. These reflected signals can interfere with those
received directly from the radio station, causing the radio station to
sound alternately strong and weak.
Station interference − When a reflected signal and a signal received
directly from a radio station are very nearly the same frequency, they
can interfere with each other, making it difficult to hear the
broadcast.
Static − AM is easily affected by external sources of electrical noise,
such as high tension power lines, lightening, or electrical motors.
This results in static.
Caring for your cassette player and tapes
For high performance from your cassette player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.
D A dirty tape head or tape path can decrease sound quality and
tangle your cassette tapes. The easiest way to clean them is by
using a cleaning tape. (A wet type is recommended.)
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