Recently, the radio in my 1998 QX4, began producing very loud static on the AM band. The noise that appears is directly related engine rpm and relative signal strength. That is, reception is relatively improved in areas where the radio signal is strong, and gets more noisy as the signal get weaker. Any AM radio, placed in the near vicinity of engine compartment, with the engine running, demonstrates the same noise problem.

I have inserted a filter in the power supply, and cleaned the four or five ground points I was able to find with no improvement. I also removed and cleaned the fender mounted antenna. When I attempted to replace the capacitor associated with the distributor, I was informed that replacement was not possible without replacing the distributor at $480+ dollars. Not a good option for me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Henry