I have an 86 240 sedan with 185000.

I've been having reception issues with certain stations that are very
strong signals in my other brick.
This one had a new radio about a year ago so I know that isn't the issue.
I've heard of something called a radio suppression relay.
What is this and what is its purpose.

The antenna is original.
Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this one would be appreciated.

Thanks

Chapster

You did not specify AM Band or FM Band. You didn't specify the Radio Make, Model.
You didn't specify Static or Signal Strength issue.

Check Radio Ground. Check Antenna Ground. Check Coaxial Cable integrity, full length. Could have or should have a Noise Suppressor on the Coil and Alternator.

If AM Band weak, then many older radios have an adjustable pot, capacitor, trimmer, requiring a small screwdriver, with the radio tuned to 1400kHz, adjust the center screw in small increments, one direction or the other, until you get the best/loudest reception.

If FM Band then Full Up on the Antenna is not always the best. Antenna length should be tuned to the Station's Frequency. I have modified my Volvo Electric Antenna to raise/lower far enough, to get the best reception.

Also, does your Radio have a Local/Distant button?

Antenna type and position on the car makes a big difference. In most modern car-installations, there are multiple antennae located on the car and in the windscreens and a system that detects and uses certain antennae for the strongest signal. Technology has come that far from the days our Volvos were built.

Good luck, hope this helps.

This sounds like a poor antenna connection. The type of connector on the end of the antenna cable, which nearly all car makers use, is very weak. It is easy to pull the center conductor loose while disconnecting the radio. The outer braid shielding is also weakly crimped to the connector. Usually you can resolder this wire. You might take a look at this connector. Why the car makers continue to use such junk when there are much better connectors available is beyond me!

The radio suppresion relay is used in newer 740/940 Volvos. I don't know if newer 240s had them but my late '86 240 did not. The radio suppression relay provides power to the injectors and I guess it reduces radio interference by keeping the injector pulses on wiring far away from the radio.

My '89, the antenna was getting loose in it's mount. turn on the radio and have someone lean on the antenna, see if that helps. The sections of the telescoping antenna start to disconnect when they get loose , smaller antenna, crappy reception
--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me

Please, read: http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/sub_care_sat/1272266.html
It could be helpfull.
Happy volving,

--
Joaquin (yogui the bear) / Rojo 121 / Lima, Peru

radio suppression relay

There is or was such a device. My current '80 DL with the original AM radio has one (pictured). My '79 242 DL with an aftermarket AM/FM did not. Nor did my '84 DL or my '89 wagon neither of which had their original radios.
I would tend to think you don't need such a device unless you're getting a lot of alternator whine. There may be other cures for that condition (different plugs, plug wires, etc.). Do you get a lot of whiny static that in the speakers that increases with engine speed or just weak reception?
--
'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

I'm just getting poorer reception than I used to.
I don't hear a whine that changes based on engine speed.It seems to be getting worse.
This radio is about a year old and supposedly has one of the
better tuners on the market.
Are there any improvements to the factory antenna that work better?


--
Chapster out