So I just installed the Pioneer AVH-P8400BH head unit and have noticed that my radio signal is not as good as it was with the stock unit. I keep hearing these weird sounds like a quick hissing sound ever 10-15 seconds. It actually sound like somone is hitting the cymbal on a drum real quick, if that makes any sense.

Anyway, I goggled around and it seems like other people have problems with aftermarket radio reception. So have any of you dealt with this? I guess the suggestion is to get a better after market antenna, but I'm not sure what to get, to make sure the problem goes away. Any of you have any suggestions?

BTW I have a 2009 ES if that makes a difference.

 

I have the same issues with my 2012.

 

I randomly get poor reception on my head unit as well.

I gave up on it and decided to just use the Tune In Radio app on my phone via Bluetooth. Not really a solution but a viable work around.

 

Consider this. When i plug in an iPhone charger the reception is knocked down by 50% on the stock radio. No effect on cd/MP3 input. Just radio reception. No alternator noise (not tied to RPMs).

Turning on the aftermarket HIDs does the same.

I suspect the additional electrical load on the alt/battery power system 'somehow' emits some RF noise... So an aftermarket radio hooked up and drawing more load... So it may not be the radio but the load.... [puzzled]

Oh yeah, and one channel of my CD doesn't work either - it is a common problem. Defect inside the stock OEM unit. So i use my iPad

 

I have had aftermarket HUs in my car for the last 13 years and Ive never had good radio reception.