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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
99
Chevy Tahoe LT, AM Radio Noise
Q: I
own a '99 Chevy Tahoe LT with a Vortec V-8 engine. I enjoy listing to
AM radio. I know that AM radio is more prone to static, but I hear an
excessive amount of spark plug noise that I don't hear in my '92 Camry.
I asked the dealer if there was a spark plug noise suppressor or filter
available to eliminate or reduce the noise. His reply was, "That's
why people listen to FM radio ". I went to an auto parts store and
they said that resistor spark plugs usually eliminate that noise, but
they also had a radio power filter that they said should do the trick.
My questions are; our resistor spark plugs standard in cars today? Do
you think the power filter is worthwhile?
A: Your
vehicle is equipped with resistor type spark plugs and plug wires, which
are designed to reduce electrical noise. Electrical noise can be further
reduced with an electrical filter of sorts. After reading your letter
I checked the AM stations on several '99 GM type vehicles and did not
experience any excessive electrical noise. Are you sure that the noise
is related to the ignition system? If it is I can't help wonder if possibly
there is an ignition problem that your radio is picking up on, but isn't
affecting the driveability of the vehicle. A single spark plug or spark
plug wire could have a problem that you're picking up on your radio. A
closer inspection of the ignition system may clear up your radio and prevent
a problem in the future.
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