Switching between FM and AM radio in a Tesla is a straightforward process handled entirely through the infotainment system. Teslas do not have traditional physical radio dials like older cars; instead, all media controls are integrated into the large touchscreen display.
Step 1: Let's Get Started! – Power On Your Tesla and Access the Touchscreen
First things first, ensure your Tesla is powered on. You can do this by simply entering the car with your key card or phone key, or by pressing the brake pedal. Once the car is "awake," you'll see the large touchscreen display illuminate. This display is your command center for almost everything in your Tesla, including media.
Got it fired up? Great! Now, direct your attention to the bottom of the touchscreen. This is where your primary control bar for various functions, including media, is located.
How To Change Fm To Am In Tesla |
Step 2: Navigate to the Audio/Media Player
On the bottom bar of your Tesla's touchscreen, you'll see a series of icons. Look for the "Media" or "Audio" icon. It often looks like a musical note or a speaker . Tap on this icon to open the full media player interface.
Sometimes, if you were already listening to something, the media player might be partially open. If so, you'll still want to tap the icon to bring it to its full-screen view, giving you all the options.
Step 3: Select the Radio Source
Once you're in the media player, you'll see various audio sources available. These can include:
Streaming Services (like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal – if subscribed)
Bluetooth (for your phone)
USB (if you have a drive plugged in)
Radio (this is what we're after!)
Within the media player, look for the "Radio" option. It might be clearly labeled as "Radio" or represented by a classic radio tower icon. Tap on it to select the radio as your audio source.
Step 4: Switching Between FM and AM Bands
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Now that you've selected "Radio" as your source, you'll see the current radio interface. This is where you'll find the option to switch between FM and AM.
4a: Identifying the Band Selector
Look for the frequency display. You'll typically see the current station's frequency (e.g., "98.7 FM" or "710 AM").
Near this frequency, or within the radio settings, you'll find a clear indicator for the band. This is often a button or toggle that says "FM" or "AM".
Some Tesla software versions might have a "Bands" or "Source" button within the radio interface. Tapping this would then give you the option to choose between FM, AM, and potentially DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) if available in your region.
4b: Tapping to Change the Band
Simply tap the "AM" button or option to switch from FM to AM. The display will change, and you'll then be able to tune to AM stations.
If you're currently on AM and want to go back to FM, just tap the "FM" button.
Step 5: Tuning to Your Desired AM Station
Once you've successfully switched to the AM band, you'll need to tune to a specific station. Teslas offer a few ways to do this:
5a: Using the Scroll Wheel (Steering Wheel)
The right scroll wheel on your steering wheel is incredibly versatile. When in the radio interface, rotating this wheel up or down will typically scan through available stations on the currently selected band (AM in this case). This is the easiest and safest way to change stations while driving.
5b: Manual Tuning on the Touchscreen
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
On the touchscreen radio interface, you might see "Up" (▲) and "Down" (▼) arrows or a numeric keypad for direct frequency entry.
Arrows: Tapping these will incrementally tune the frequency up or down.
Keypad: If available, you can directly enter the AM frequency (e.g., "710") and then confirm.
5c: Presets
If you have saved AM stations as presets, you'll see them displayed on the radio interface. Simply tap on a preset to jump directly to that station. If you don't have presets, now's a great time to save your favorites! To save a preset, tune to the desired station, then look for a "star" ⭐ icon or a "plus" (+) sign, or an "Add to Presets" option.
Step 6: Enjoy Your AM Radio!
That's it! You've successfully navigated the Tesla infotainment system to switch from FM to AM radio and tuned into your desired station. Remember, the Tesla interface is designed to be intuitive, and a little exploration will quickly make you comfortable with all its media features.
Related FAQ Questions
How to access the media player in a Tesla?
To access the media player in a Tesla, simply tap the "Media" or "Audio" icon (often a musical note or speaker) located on the bottom bar of your large touchscreen display.
How to switch between different audio sources in a Tesla?
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
In the Tesla media player, you'll see various icons or labels for different audio sources like "Radio," "Streaming," "Bluetooth," and "USB." Tap the desired source to switch to it.
How to find the radio option in my Tesla?
Once in the main media player, look for a prominent "Radio" button or an icon resembling a radio tower. Tap this to select the radio as your audio input.
How to tell if my Tesla is on FM or AM?
The current radio band (FM or AM) is clearly displayed next to the frequency of the station you're currently listening to on the Tesla's radio interface.
How to change from AM back to FM in a Tesla?
To switch back from AM to FM, simply tap the "FM" button or option within the radio interface of your Tesla's media player.
How to tune to a specific AM station in a Tesla?
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
You can tune to a specific AM station by using the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel to scan, or by using the "Up/Down" arrows or numeric keypad on the touchscreen.
How to save AM radio stations as presets in a Tesla?
Tune to the desired AM station, then look for a "star" icon, a "plus" sign, or an "Add to Presets" option on the radio interface to save it as a preset.
How to adjust the volume for AM radio in a Tesla?
The volume for AM radio, like all other audio sources, can be adjusted using the left scroll wheel on your steering wheel or by tapping the volume icon on the touchscreen.
How to troubleshoot if AM radio isn't working in my Tesla?
First, ensure you have a strong signal in your area. If issues persist, try rebooting your Tesla's infotainment system (refer to your owner's manual for specific steps) or contact Tesla service.
How to access more radio settings in my Tesla?
Within the radio interface, look for a "Settings" gear icon ⚙️ or a "More" (...) menu which might contain options for scanning, managing presets, or adjusting audio quality specific to the radio.
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