AUDIO
247
Radio reception
Usually, a 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. 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.
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 dif ficult
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.
AUDIO
248Caring for your cassette player and tapes
For the best performance for your cassette player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.
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.)
Use high− quality cassettes:
Low −quality cassette tapes can cause many problems,
including poor sound, inconsistent playing speed, and
constant auto− reversing. They can also get stuck or
tangled in the cassette player.
Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or tangled or
if its label is peeling off.
Do not leave a cassette in the player if you are not listening
to it, especially if it is hot outside.
Store cassettes in their cases and out of direct sunlight.
Avoid using cassettes with a total playing time longer than
100 minutes (50 minutes per side). The tape used in these
cassettes is thin and could get stuck or tangled in the
cassette player. Caring for your CD player and CDs
Your CD player is intended for use with 12 cm (4.7 in.) CDs
only.
Extremely high temperature can keep your CD player from
working. On hot days, use air conditioning to cool the
vehicle interior before you listen to a CD.
Bumpy roads or other vibrations may make your CD player
skip.
If moisture gets into your CD player, you may not hear any
sound even though your CD player appears to be working.
Remove the CD from the player and wait until it dries.
CAUTION
CD players use an invisible laser beam which could
cause hazardous radiation exposure if directed outside
the unit. Be sure to operate the player correctly.
AUDIO
251
20L038
Correct Wrong
Handle CDs carefully, especially when you set them into the
magazine. Hold them on the edge and do not bend them.
Avoid getting fingerprints on them, particularly on the shiny
side.
Dirt, scratches, warping, pin holes, or other CD damage
could cause the player to skip or to repeat a section of a
track. (To see a pin hole, hold the CD up to the light.)
20L039
To clean a CD: Wipe it with a soft, lint− free cloth that has been
dampened with water. Wipe in a straight line from the center
to the edge of the CD (not in a circle). Do not use a
conventional record cleaner or anti −static device.