2022 TRD Sport Factory Stereo audio drop out

In the last month I've experienced signal dropping out on local FM, not HD or Sirius/XM, which always has issues in remote or extremely canopied areas which still baffles me. How in 2023, we can put a rover on Mars, but I can't get solid Sirius/XM signal anywhere in MA or NH, defies all logic.
Nonetheless, curious if anyone else experiences this. I believe it may be a loose connection to the roof mount fin antenna, or perhaps a back of unit connection issue?
I plan to take it to the dealer (vehicle out of warranty) and expect a $300-$900 bill to fix a simple issue.
Any body have any suggestions, or experience getting to the antenna connxn or stereo connxn's?

 

It could be a loose connection but also could be that your antenna is not in direct line of site with the satellite. The is why you’ll lose connection in canyons, forests, near large skyscrapers, etc. the satellite isn’t always above you, but sometimes over the horizon.

FM signal loss should only happen when you’re out of range from the signal.

 

Correct, and thank you for your response. As a former Navy radioman I’m quite familiar with satellite communications and RF propagation. None of the conditions you noted exist. The local FM station is exactly that, local. This is an issue with the unit, cabling or the fin on the roof. Looking for suggestions to facilitate accessing the components in the vehicle to troubleshoot, and not destroy my interior.

 

Antenna for FM is not the fin, its built into the rear side window. Check the connection there.

Fin is for satellite only.

It may just be that you are used to XM and HD sound quality vs old school FM. AM/FM is also not what it used to be with all the interference we have nowadays.

Also seems like FM receiver quality is really poor compared to old FM receivers.