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Engine cutoff when using a portable radio

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Old Feb 3, 2025 | 10:56 PM
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Default Engine cutoff when using a portable radio

So I have this issue where whenever I queue up my portable amateur radio, it'll make the engine idle down and die. This can happen when sitting still and will try to when driving. I noticed this last year with my GMRS radio interfering with my PA system but that one didn't interfere with the Jeep. Not sure if it's frequency related or to do with the wattage output of the radio (think it's 5 or 7 watts).

Sorry if this is the wrong thread. My Jeep is all stock as far as engine and electrical.
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Old Feb 4, 2025 | 08:29 PM
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weird one, but I will have a shot. Cant see how it power related, wattage is too low

So it must be RF frequencies interfering with such things as Hall Effect sensors (cam and crank sensor I think)

What may be happening is RF frequencies are inducing a false signal in the wires between sensor and FSM

This is not my area of expertise, and other would know more. (I have not heard of this before in auto, but many similar issues)

Methods to rectify this would be to test for and rectify any excessive RF interference, shield relevant cable and components or get a better radio

seek some advice in the modified or other forum areas, there will be guys that know about radio stuff
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Old Feb 5, 2025 | 08:04 AM
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Originally Posted by savagess2546
So I have this issue where whenever I queue up my portable amateur radio, it'll make the engine idle down and die.

Not sure if it's frequency related or to do with the wattage output of the radio (think it's 5 or 7 watts).

.
What frequency are you on ? Is it a 10 meter radio? 5-7 watts ... but it might swing much higher...

kinda odd ... for sure.

Years ago I had an RCI 10 meter in my work truck .... about 500 watts.... When I keyed up on the higher freq. All the dash gauges would pin to zero ....

It would also bleed over to peoples car radios... if you were sitting next to them in traffic.
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Old Feb 5, 2025 | 10:54 PM
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You may have to shield some wires or components. . Some ham radio folks maybe able to help. So try asking on a ham radio forums. or ask at a ham radio store. Id be most interested as to what you find out. I am considering some sort of ham radio for my jeep, I only have a CB right now, but want something with a lot of range as I do remote overlanding, and may run into this issue if I do install a ham radio

good luck, thanks Over and out.
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Old Feb 6, 2025 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by robsjeep
I am considering some sort of ham radio for my jeep, I only have a CB right now, but want something with a lot of range as I do remote overlanding, and may run into this issue if I do install a ham radio
good luck, thanks Over and out.
Unless you are going to take the test and get a class 1 or class 2 ham license, I would forget about putting a ham radio in your jeep.

Nobody will talk to you.
The first time they hear "over and out" or "10-4" they will shut you down

You need to use call letters and proper terminology.... otherwise you will hear Crickets.
Ham radio is a serious bunch of folks.

Now that said, I have had 10 meter radios (without a license) but I was in with a group of other truckers on long island that ran sand all day ... They stayed on the upper channels....
We used to call it 'The high side' of channel 19 ... I forget the frequency but you can only get there with a 10 meter or amateur radio
The reason we stayed up there was to avoid all the idiots and trash talk .. especially coming from Jersey...

But that was a good many years ago..... Today with everyone on cell phones and other devices, CB radio is a dinosaur... very few of these new breed steering wheel holders even have a radio in the truck... So there are very few people to talk to.

BUT, If you want a radio for the Jeep, I would get a regular CB radio, Have it peaked and tuned by a GOOD tech. (which is also hard to find these days)
OR set up a stock radio with a 500 watt kicker (Linear amp) Just make sure it's set up correctly and dialed in and most importantly with ANY radio.....
Check your SWR's very important.

Check out Bell CB online..... they are good techs and will set you up .... peaked and tuned.... ready to do some talkin.

https://www.bellscb.com/

Good Luck.




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