Major radio interference when I touch steering wheel...

[mrb1]

Always keep a winter time, salty daily driver here, to keep the Silverado inside. Currently running a 2008 Cobalt. I put in an aftermarket radio 7 years ago, no issues. Just happened to notice some whining and humming on both AM and FM, of course much more defined while on AM.. Only happens when I touch/grab the steering wheel. Just a fingertip touching the steering wheel causes static. These Cobalt's have an electric power steering system, no fluid. Guessing ground somewhere? Cobble up a new ground for the steering column maybe?

 

[AC-WC]

I would check the ground on the radio as well.
How many times have you touched the old TV antenna and you'd get a better picture ? You're acting like another ground and not realizing it.

 

[Old tool guy]

Thread drift. I remember back in the 60’s-70’s when Mercury had a ring around the inside of the steering wheel which you squeezed to sound the horn. My mother was constantly blowing the horn at random times when she gripped the wheel too hard.

 

[75gmck25]

Ford Rim-Blow steering wheel - an upgrade option on several models.

 

[Chefjpd]

 

[Wrench97]

Always keep a winter time, salty daily driver here, to keep the Silverado inside. Currently running a 2008 Cobalt. I put in an aftermarket radio 7 years ago, no issues. Just happened to notice some whining and humming on both AM and FM, of course much more defined while on AM.. Only happens when I touch/grab the steering wheel. Just a fingertip touching the steering wheel causes static. These Cobalt's have an electric power steering system, no fluid. Guessing ground somewhere? Cobble up a new ground for the steering column maybe?

The PS motor is grounded through the PS control module, that ground comes from G109 located under the hood on the left strut tower.

 

[mrb1]

Got it @Wrench97 ...Thank you. Will take care of in the morning.

 

[MichaelP]

The first line of defense is to provide a good grounding to the tinfoil hat.

 

[mrb1]

The first line of defense is to provide a good grounding to the tinfoil hat.

Sure.

 

[justsam]

Does this whine change with engine speed? Is charging system OK? Could be bad suppressor or diode fail in alternator.