Why is my Subaru FM radio not working?

If your Subaru's FM radio is not working, there could be a few potential causes. In this article, we'll explore the common reasons why your Subaru's FM radio may not be functioning properly and provide step-by-step guidance on how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Common Reasons for Subaru FM Radio Malfunction

There are several reasons why your Subaru's FM radio may not be working as expected. Some of the most common causes include:wiring issues, antenna problems, radio component failure, and software/firmware glitches. Let's examine each of these in more detail:

Wiring Issues

• Loose or damaged wiring connections in the radio or the vehicle's electrical system can disrupt the radio's functionality.


• Corrosion or oxidation on the wiring terminals can also interfere with the radio's signal reception and power supply.

To address wiring issues, you may need to inspect the radio's wiring harness and connections, and potentially have a professional technician diagnose and repair any problems.

Antenna Problems

• A faulty or damaged antenna can prevent the radio from receiving a clear FM signal.


• The antenna may be physically damaged, or the connection between the antenna and the radio may be compromised.

Checking the antenna and its connection to the radio is an important step in troubleshooting FM radio issues. If the antenna is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Radio Component Failure

• Over time, the internal components of the radio, such as the tuner, amplifier, or other electronic parts, can fail and cause the radio to stop working properly.


• This type of issue may require the radio to be repaired or replaced by a professional technician.

If the radio itself is the source of the problem, you may need to have it serviced or replaced to restore the FM radio functionality.

Software/Firmware Glitches

• In some cases, the radio's software or firmware may experience a glitch or bug that disrupts its normal operation.


• This could be due to a recent software update or a compatibility issue with the vehicle's other electronic systems.

Checking for any available software or firmware updates for your Subaru's radio, and potentially resetting the radio to its factory settings, may help resolve software-related issues.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot your Subaru's FM radio issue, you can follow these steps:

1. Check the radio's wiring and connections for any signs of damage or corrosion.


2. Inspect the antenna and ensure it is properly connected to the radio.


3. Verify that the radio is receiving power and that the fuse is not blown.


4. Try resetting the radio to its factory settings or updating the software/firmware if available.


5. If the issue persists, consider having the radio professionally diagnosed and repaired or replaced.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify the root cause of the FM radio issue and take the necessary actions to restore the functionality of your Subaru's audio system.

Why won't my FM radio work in my car?

Your car's FM radio may not be working due to a blown fuse, antenna issues, or problems with wiring and connections. Other common causes include a faulty radio head unit, software glitches, or a dead battery. To troubleshoot, check the fuses, inspect the antenna and connections, and try resetting the radio. 
Power and connection issues

• Blown fuse: This is a common cause, especially if the radio stopped working suddenly. Check your car's fuse box for a blown fuse related to the radio and replace it with a new one of the correct amperage. 
• Loose or damaged wiring: Wires can come loose or fray over time. Check the wiring at the back of the radio and at other connection points for any loose or damaged wires. 
• Battery issues: A weak or failing car battery can cause the radio to malfunction. 
• Loose connections: Connections to the radio, speakers, or amplifier can come loose, especially after recent work on the dashboard. 
• Faulty head unit: The radio's internal components may be faulty or damaged. 
• Security lockout: Some factory radios enter a security lockout mode after a power interruption and may require a code to be re-enabled. 

Antenna and reception problems

• Antenna issues: The antenna itself or the cable connecting it to the radio could be damaged. 
• Poor reception: You may be too far from a transmitter, or there could be external interference. 
• Incorrect antenna connection: Ensure the antenna is securely plugged into the back of the radio. 

Other potential causes

• Faulty speakers or amplifier: If you have audio issues but the radio powers on, a speaker or the amplifier could be the problem. 
• Software or infotainment glitches: If the radio is frozen or unresponsive, it might be a software issue. 
• Incorrect settings: Make sure the volume is not all the way down and that the correct AM/FM band is selected. 

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check the fuse: Look for the radio fuse in your car's fuse box and replace it if it's blown. 
2. Inspect connections: Check that all wires, especially the antenna cable, are securely connected. For a quick check, try cleaning the contacts on the back of a detachable faceplate. 
3. Reset the radio: Disconnect the car battery for a few minutes to see if it resets the system. 
4. Try a different station or band: See if you can pick up any stations at all. Also, check the band setting (AM/FM) on the radio. 
5. Check the antenna: Inspect the antenna for damage. If it's a retractable one, make sure it is fully extended. 
6. Listen for other issues: If you hear static or the sound is erratic, it could point to a loose connection or bad wiring. 

How do you reset the radio on a Subaru?

To reset a Subaru radio, try a hard reset by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen reboots, or a factory data reset in the settings menu by going to Settings > General and selecting Factory Data Reset. For a soft reset, press and hold the volume, tune, and CD eject buttons simultaneously. 
Soft reset

• Hold volume button: Press and hold the power/volume knob for about 10 seconds until the system reboots. 
• Press multiple buttons: Hold down the volume, tune, and CD eject buttons at the same time until the display turns off and then comes back on. 

Hard reset

• Use the power button: Press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes blank and the Starlink logo reappears. 
• Disconnect the battery: If other methods fail, disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few minutes and then reconnect it. This will perform a full system reset, but you will also need to reset the windows afterward. 

This video demonstrates how to perform a soft reset by pressing and holding the power button: 59sDerick EbbinghausYouTube · Feb 17, 2023
Factory reset

• Navigate to settings: On the main screen, go to Settings.
• Find the general tab: Select the General tab.
• Perform the reset: Scroll to the bottom and select Factory Data Reset, then confirm the reset when prompted. This will erase all personal data, settings, and paired devices. 

This video demonstrates how to perform a factory data reset using the infotainment system: 57sWheels Tips!YouTube · Nov 27, 2023
Additional tips

• Check for updates: If the radio is freezing, check for software updates by connecting to a Wi-Fi network and going to Settings > General and looking for the update option. 
• Consult the manual: Your owner's manual may have specific instructions for your model, especially if it's an older one with a physical reset button on the faceplate. 

Why is my radio not picking up FM stations?

If your FM radio isn't picking up stations, first check that the antenna is fully extended and properly connected. Next, try moving the radio to a different location to avoid interference from electronic devices like microwaves or Wi-Fi routers. If those steps don't work, you may need to perform a station rescan, manually tune to stations, or try a different antenna. 
Initial troubleshooting

• Check the antenna: Ensure it is fully extended, properly connected, and not damaged. For car radios, check for corrosion or looseness at the base and ensure the coaxial cable is securely attached to the radio. 
• Check the band: Verify that you have the correct band (FM) selected on your radio. 
• Rescan for stations: Use your radio's rescan or auto-tune function to find available stations. 
• Move the radio: Relocate the radio away from potential sources of interference, such as TVs, computers, Wi-Fi routers, and cordless phones. 
• Adjust position: Try moving the radio closer to a window, as this can help with reception, especially if you are in a building with concrete walls. 
• Tune manually: If automatic scanning fails, try manually tuning to a known station's frequency to see if you can get a clearer signal. 

Advanced solutions

• Use a different antenna: If your radio has an external antenna jack (like a coaxial input), try connecting a different or improved antenna. Options range from simple dipole antennas to more complex indoor or outdoor TV antennas with VHF capabilities. 
• Improve the existing antenna: For indoor antennas, try moving the wire or "rabbit ears" to different positions and angles. For speaker wire antennas, try wrapping them around a metal object like a curtain rod. 
• Check wiring: Inspect all wiring, especially the antenna's coaxial cable and the connections behind the radio, for any loose or damaged points. 
• Consider external factors: Your location may be the issue. Consider if you are in an area with many hills or tall buildings, which can block signals, or if there are local transmitter faults or signal overload from nearby strong transmissions. 
• Replace the radio: If all other options fail, the radio's internal components may be faulty, and it may be time to consider a new one. 

You can watch this video to learn how to improve your FM reception using simple household items: 59sAntenna ManYouTube · Jul 28, 2020