How do I change my car radio from AM to FM?
In most cars you switch from AM to FM by pressing the AM/FM or Band button, or by selecting FM in the touchscreen or steering-wheel controls, then tune or scan to a station.
Physical radios with knobs and buttons
When your car has a traditional radio face with physical buttons, the switch is usually a single action, followed by optional tuning.
- Locate the AM/FM or Band button on the radio face, center console, or steering wheel.
- Press it once to cycle to FM. Some models cycle in the order AM → FM1 → FM2; others simply toggle between AM and FM.
- If the radio uses a Band or Mode menu, press that button or toggle until FM is displayed (look for a label like FM, FM1, or FM2).
- Use the Seek or Tune knob, or the left/right arrow buttons, to browse stations. You can also press "Scan" to automatically find available FM stations.
- To save a favorite, tune to the station and press and hold a preset button (often numbered 1–6 or 1–10) until it confirms the preset is set.
These steps cover most vehicles with a physical AM/FM switch. Some models require a longer press or a different button to switch bands; consult your owner's manual if FM isn't appearing.
Infotainment systems (touchscreen and integrated displays)
On-screen controls and menus
Open the Radio or Media app on the touchscreen, then choose FM via the on-screen options. Some systems label it FM1/FM2 or simply FM.
- Tap the Radio app on the home screen.
- Tap FM or switch to FM using the Band/AM-FM controls on-screen.
- Use Seek or Tune to browse stations, or enter a frequency if available.
- To save a station, press and hold a preset slot on the screen or use the physical preset buttons if your model provides them.
Because touchscreen layouts vary by manufacturer, if you can't find FM, check the Source/Radio menu or consult the owner’s manual for exact steps.
Steering wheel controls and voice commands
Many vehicles let you switch bands with simple button presses on the steering wheel or with voice prompts.
- Press the AM/FM or Band button on the steering wheel to cycle to FM. If the car cycles through AM → FM1 → FM2, keep pressing until FM is shown.
- Some vehicles use a "Mode" or "Source" button; select Radio then choose FM.
- To use voice commands, activate the car's voice assistant and say a command like "FM," "Tune to FM," or "Band FM" depending on your system.
- After switching, use the seek/tune arrows on the wheel to find stations or press "Scan" if you want the radio to locate stations automatically.
Not all models support voice commands; refer to your owner's manual for exact commands and functions of your steering wheel controls.
Presets and scanning
Once you’re on FM, you can save favorite stations and quickly switch in the future.
- Tune to the FM station you want to preserve.
- Press and hold a preset button (commonly 1–6) until confirmation is shown on the display.
- Repeat to save additional stations. You can typically assign multiple presets across bands if supported.
Presets make it faster to switch between your go-to stations without retuning each time.
Tips and common issues
Here are some quick fixes if you can’t switch to FM or if reception is poor.
- Ensure the radio is in Radio or FM mode, not Bluetooth/USB/AUX or a different source.
- If the interface cycles through AM to FM slowly, try a longer press or check for a dedicated Band or Mode button.
- If FM shows but there’s no sound, check the volume, mute settings, and the antenna connection or location for reception.
- In some cars, FM1 and FM2 are separate presets or sub-bands; switch between them if available.
Consult the manual for model-specific controls if you still can’t switch to FM.
Summary
Switching from AM to FM is typically a quick operation: use the dedicated AM/FM or Band button, navigate through a touchscreen Radio/Source menu, or employ steering-wheel controls to select FM. Once on FM, tune or scan for stations and save favorites as presets for fast access. If you encounter issues, verify you’re in the proper Radio or FM mode and consult your vehicle’s manual for model-specific instructions.
