FM radio reception F3L and RT 2018 models.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I removed the antennae ,cleaned the treads ,no deference .

:agree: …. this now seems to be case since the NEW radio appeared in 18 ….. however from 10 to the 17 models the thread Loker removal did improve the reception for many here, it did for me. After I changed to the auto model Bosche it improved hughly. ….. Mike hyea:

 

[stmike 1800]

I know this is an old thread but ,blueknight 911 do you have a part number for your antenna ?

 

[lugnut1009]

Anybody find a solution to this yet?

 

[billybovine]

I guess I should have updated this thread I started. During my camera install last year, I had to unbolt the antenna ground strap from the frame. Found that the bolt was loaded with locktite that oosed out between the strap and frame. Cleaned the locktite off everything. Then found that the bolt does not clamp tight on the strap because the treads end too far from the bolt head. Put a washer on the bolt. It made a big difference. Instead of the FM being useless, it's now functional on a strong station.

 

[lugnut1009]

When I took her trunk off for the trailer hitch wiring and then again to add her rear LED’s I did take that strap loose and clean it, but I didn’t notice the bolt bottoming out, I thought it tightened up. I’ll check that out again.

Today I took her antenna apart and cleaned it. Then I ohmed from the wiring connector to the stud and had 0 ohms so I knew it was a good connection. It wasn’t bad looking to start with though.

 

[Flamewinger]

2018 RTL and no problems with FM reception. Don't use it much as the stations are no longer as strong as they used to be. Went from San Jose to Victorville and with BRP C acting up I used FM and did pretty good all the way.

 

[fredgal]

My 2018 F3-T gets terrible reception also. When it autoscans for radio presets it only finds one station, and I live in the middle of DFW.

my new 2020 F3 limited , i just get one station on autoscans, and nothing else ,,,

 

[McRuss]

Crud! I thought I'd find a quick fix to the problem with my 2020 F3L but no cigar. I guess I'll try the ground strap check and a longer antenna if I can find one. I agree that the radio reception sucks!

 

[rjinaz86323]

my 2018 F3L gets pretty good FM reception. I pull in a good FM signal (no static or fade) from over 75 miles away

 

[mcalva]

I know it is an old thread but due to various problems and the pandemic had not been able to test it properly till now.
F3 2018 Ltd. I don´t have any problem with FM. I would say the volume is much louder than the Bluetooth signal I don't know why.

 

[fredgal]

Crud! I thought I'd find a quick fix to the problem with my 2020 F3L but no cigar. I guess I'll try the ground strap check and a longer antenna if I can find one. I agree that the radio reception sucks!

i told dealer about the bad reception, he said to stop in, when im in the area, and they would look at it, i havnt gotten there yet, will see what they say, and get back to all..

 

[DaleS]

Just purchase a 2021 RTL Sea to Sky. I was only able to get two channels when I accomplished the FM Scan. Took it back to the dealership and we discovered that cable from the antenna makes a connection to a cable from the display unit under the passenger seat. This connection was buried under the wiring in the seat pan and had not been connected. Once connected everything work correctly.

 

[Poasttown]

Billy
The FM reception on my 19 F3L seems to be ok. However, I have to turn it up so loud to hear it, with helmet, wind noise, etc. that I just use my Cardo intercom with ear buds.

Poasttown

 

[lugnut1009]

Make sure you have the latest update on your cluster. I found out that you have to not only have buds connected to the bikes OBD terminal but also a double male ended USB cable connected to the cluster in the top console pocket to update the cluster software. That usually helps a lot with the low volume issue.

 

[McRuss]

For clarification, my F3L is a 2020 and the antenna mount may be different. But here is my 'potential' solution: a signal booster that goes in line. Since the 2020 (and maybe 2019) F3's use a small antenna lead with odd connectors, I ordered adapters from Amazon along with the booster, total cost less than $30. I'm hoping this will help. IF not I may try replacing the antenna with a longer one. The 3L antenna is attached to the top box but three screws allows access to it and will make replacement fairly easy.

 

[Mikey]

Have you tried taking the antenna off and cleaning the crap off the mating surfaces and threads and putting it back together? They love there Loctite!

 

[McRuss]

Have you tried taking the antenna off and cleaning the crap off the mating surfaces and threads and putting it back together? They love there Loctite!

I did check the ground strap and it was clean of Loctite and a nice shiny bolt surface (and the bolt did not bottom out...) I'll pull the antenna when I install the booster and check for Loctite there.

 

[Mikey]

I did check the ground strap and it was clean of Loctite and a nice shiny bolt surface (and the bolt did not bottom out...) I'll pull the antenna when I install the booster and check for Loctite there.

Can't hurt!!!

 

[McRuss]

I did check the ground strap and it was clean of Loctite and a nice shiny bolt surface (and the bolt did not bottom out...) I'll pull the antenna when I install the booster and check for Loctite there.

Didn't hurt but....there was no loctite interference.

 

[cef2lion]

Just picked up a 2021 RTL. FM reception is very weak. Will only pickup one station. Where about is the ground strap? I was going to pull the short antenna to make sure it has a clean connection but not sure how to remove it. Going to look at the connection under the passenger seat as in post #32.