Switching to AM radio in a Tesla is a straightforward process, but it can be a bit tricky if you're not familiar with the infotainment system. This guide will walk you through the steps to access your favorite AM stations.
Step 1: Ready to Tune In?
So, you're cruising in your Tesla, enjoying the silence or maybe some satellite radio, but suddenly, that urge for some good old-fashioned AM talk radio or a classic ballgame strikes. Ever wondered how to get to it? Let's get you tuned in!
Step 2: Navigating to the Audio Application
Your Tesla's infotainment system is the hub for all things entertainment, including radio.
Accessing the App Launcher
Locate the "App Launcher": On your Tesla's large touchscreen display, you'll see a series of icons at the bottom of the screen. Think of this as your "dock" or "taskbar." One of these icons is the App Launcher, often represented by a grid of nine dots (similar to an app drawer icon on a smartphone).
Tap the App Launcher icon: Give it a firm tap. This will open up a full-screen view of all the applications available on your Tesla.
Step 3: Finding the "Radio" Application
Once the App Launcher is open, you'll see a variety of apps.
Identifying the Radio Icon
Look for the "Radio" app: Among the various icons, you should easily spot the "Radio" application. It's typically represented by a speaker icon or a classic radio waves symbol.
Tap the Radio icon: Tapping this will open the radio interface, and by default, it usually lands on FM radio or your last listened-to station.
Step 4: Switching to AM
Now that you're in the Radio app, the crucial step is to select AM.
Locating the Band Selector
Identify the "Bands" or "Source" options: Within the radio interface, you'll usually see options to select different radio bands. These are often labeled as "FM," "AM," and sometimes "DAB" (for digital radio, if available in your region) or "SiriusXM" (if you have that subscription). These options are commonly displayed as buttons or tabs near the top or bottom of the radio screen.
Tap the "AM" button: Simply tap on the "AM" button. Your Tesla's radio will now switch to the AM frequency band.
Step 5: Tuning Your AM Station
Once you're on the AM band, you can tune to your desired station.
Tuning Methods
Using the "Tune" or "Seek" function: Most Tesla models offer a digital tuner. You can often swipe up or down on the frequency display or use arrow buttons (if present) to increment or decrement the frequency. There might also be a "Seek" or "Scan" button that will automatically find the next strong AM station.
Entering a frequency manually (if available): Some Tesla models might allow you to directly input a frequency using a numeric keypad that appears when you tap on the frequency display.
Saving Presets: Once you find an AM station you like, don't forget to save it as a preset! This usually involves tapping a "star" icon or a "plus" sign near the station frequency. This will allow you to quickly access it in the future with just one tap.
Step 6: Troubleshooting and Tips
Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Here are some tips.
Common Issues and Solutions
No AM signal?: AM radio signals can be weaker and more susceptible to interference than FM. If you're having trouble finding stations, try moving your car to a different location. Buildings, bridges, and even electrical lines can interfere with AM reception.
Audio quality is poor?: AM radio naturally has a lower fidelity than FM or digital sources. Don't expect crystal-clear sound. Static and background noise are common on AM.
Software Glitch?: If the radio app seems unresponsive, try a soft reset of the infotainment system. This is usually done by holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black and the Tesla logo reappears. This won't affect your vehicle settings or driving data.
Updates: Ensure your Tesla's software is up to date. Updates often bring bug fixes and improvements to various features, including the infotainment system.
FAQ: How to Switch to AM Radio on Tesla
How to I find the radio app on my Tesla?
You can find the radio app by tapping the App Launcher (the nine-dot grid icon) on the bottom bar of your Tesla's touchscreen, then selecting the "Radio" icon.
How to switch from FM to AM on my Tesla?
Once in the Radio app, look for buttons labeled "FM" and "AM" (or similar band selectors) usually located near the top or bottom of the radio interface, then tap "AM".
How to tune to a specific AM station on my Tesla?
You can tune by swiping up or down on the frequency display, using arrow buttons, or utilizing the "Seek" or "Scan" function within the AM radio interface.
How to save an AM station as a preset in my Tesla?
After finding your desired AM station, look for a "star" or "plus" icon near the frequency display and tap it to save the station as a preset.
How to improve AM radio reception in my Tesla?
AM reception can be poor in certain areas due to interference. Try repositioning your vehicle or moving to a different location to improve the signal.
How to troubleshoot if my Tesla's AM radio isn't working?
If your AM radio is unresponsive, try a soft reset of your infotainment system by holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen reboots.
How to tell if my Tesla has AM radio?
All Tesla models equipped with a standard radio feature include AM radio. You'll find the "AM" option within the radio app.
How to get rid of static on AM radio in my Tesla?
Static is common on AM radio due to its nature. While you can't eliminate it completely, moving away from sources of electrical interference might help.
How to check if my Tesla's software is up to date for radio features?
You can check for software updates through the "Software" section in your Tesla's main settings menu.
How to use the steering wheel controls for AM radio in my Tesla?
While primary tuning is done on the touchscreen, the left scroll wheel on your steering wheel can often be used to navigate through your saved radio presets (including AM) or seek to the next station.
