Skip to content

poor radio reception

HamishP
in Skoda Octavia Mk2 (2004 - 2013)

Featured Replies

hello folks, the radio reception in my Octavia is pretty poor, keeps coming and going, sometimes clear sometimes not so clear. I've checked connections behind the radio and seems fine, checked the ariel and it seems to be secure...any ideas?

How easy would it be to fit one of those shark fin type ariels?

Water ingress into the base of the aerial has probably knackered the built in amp.

 

A new one will cure it.....the standard aerial is about £30 for the part. I replaced mine with a standard one so don't know about fitting a sharkfin, but it's probably possible.   

  • Author

Water ingress into the base of the aerial has probably knackered the built in amp.

 

A new one will cure it.....the standard aerial is about £30 for the part. I replaced mine with a standard one so don't know about fitting a sharkfin, but it's probably possible.   

ah right! is it easy enough to fit?

It's a bit fiddly to fit.......no special skills required, you just have to unscrew and screw the nut on the base of the aerial by feel alone. Took me a few goes to get the nut back on the new aerial.

 

To get access you remove the plastic trim panel at the top of the boot aperture, and stick your hand up above the roof lining and feel for the aerial base and nut....on the estate anyway, I imagine the hatch is similar.......IIRC it's a 22mm nut. The plug is mounted near where the roof lining ends, so is easy to disconnect/connect.

 

It's certainly a job worth doing yourself to save labour charges at a garage.   

Edited by booke23

  • Author

It's a bit fiddly to fit.......no special skills required, you just have to unscrew and screw the nut on the base of the aerial by feel alone. Took me a few goes to get the nut back on the new aerial.

 

To get access you remove the plastic trim panel at the top of the boot aperture, and stick your hand up above the roof lining to get the nut off....on the estate anyway, I imagine the hatch is similar.......IIRC it's a 22mm nut. The plug is mounted near where the roof lining ends, so is easy to disconnect/connect.

 

It's certainly a job worth doing yourself to save labour charges at a garage.   

excellent! thanks for the help....:)

No problem.

 

Forgot to mention, but on my stream head unit you can confirm if the aerial amplifier is the problem by holding the Menu button for 10 seconds......you then get access to a hidden menu. One of the items in this menu is 'ANT' if it is says 'OFF' then the amp has failed....if it is 'ON' then it is ok. 

  • Author

just checked the hidden menu and the ANT is on!

Hmm....I was going to suggest checking the plug at the rear of the radio, but if ANT is on, it must be fine.

 

Not sure what else to suggest.  

    •
    • Like 1

    Fitted my bolero the other day and the ANT2 was showing on then off then on then off at different times when i checked.  Changed the aerial for 30 quid (part) made it 100 times better and now always showing ANT2on.  so i reckon that yours is still in need of replacement.  Check it over the course of a few days and no doubt you will find it showing as off more than a couple of times.  Just the water playing games inside the booster base i expect.

     

    If your signal is no good then the aerial is 90% probably at fault. 

     

    Change it then you know its done. 

    •
    • Like 1

    If you are having reception issues with the standard antenna; Avoid a shark fin it is very definitely not a good alternative they are renowned for poor reception.

    Worth replacing your existing unit like for like :)

    • Author

    i'll keep an eye on the ANT2 setting over the next couple of days or so but i reckon a new "like for like" replacement may be in order!

    Thanks for your help here folks....much appreciated...

    Water ingress into the base of the aerial has probably knackered the built in amp.

     

    A new one will cure it.....the standard aerial is about £30 for the part. I replaced mine with a standard one so don't know about fitting a sharkfin, but it's probably possible.   

    I have the same issue, so today popped into Grey Gables Skoda and had a chat with the guy. he told me exactly what ive been reading on the forum, but he told me I can only buy the aerial (as apposed to the mast) direct from Skoda. is this correct, if so fair enuff, if not, does anyone know where I can get the replacement from please?

     

    cheers

    The only other place I've seen them is on eBay, but I think they are being sold by a dealer on there! I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the aerial is made by a company called Calearo so it may be worth checking them out.

    •
    • Like 1

    I think the part number is S1U0035505F and its about £26.31 ex vat. 

     

    Its the base and whip.  Its only supplied like this from skoda.

     

    Hope this helps.

    •
    • Like 1

    I have the same issue, so today popped into Grey Gables Skoda and had a chat with the guy. he told me exactly what ive been reading on the forum, but he told me I can only buy the aerial (as apposed to the mast) direct from Skoda. is this correct, 

     

    Yes, Skoda (or any other VAG dealer) is the only place to get them. You do see them on e-bay, but unless it is being sold by a Skoda dealer (a few of them have e-bay shops) I'd be wary. 

    •
    • Like 1

    mines flung in on Monday to have this very issue fixed.

    • Author

    mines flung in on Monday to have this very issue fixed.

    What did they quote you to fix the issue? (if you dont mind me asking) Are they replacing the aerial?

    • 3 weeks later...
    • Author

    i got myself an new (genuine Skoda) aerial and base to try and solve the poor reception issue, so, is it tricky to fit? Any tips you can give me or things to avoid? Any advice would be appreciated...:)

    Looks worse than it is.  Get a big flat blade screwdriver or trim removal tool and lever the clips out of the plastic cover at the rear of the headlining.  When that is out the way you can pull down on the roof lining enough (making sure not to crease it) to get a 22mm spanner in there. 

     

    The wire disconnects and is clipped to the the very back edge of the roof lining if i remember. 

     

    Undo nut and remove aerial.  Stick some clear sealent around the base of the new one and get someone to hold it in place while you do the nut up on the bottom.   A few people have said the thread doesn't seem all that strong so don't over tighten it.  You just sort of know when its tight enough but not overdone. 

     

    Reconnect wire, clip plastic trim back into the roof and done.

    • Author

    superb! A job for the weekend i think! thanks

    Create an account or sign in to comment
    Go to topic listing

    Recently Browsing 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Important Information

    Welcome to BRISKODA. Please note the following important links Terms of Use. We have a comprehensive Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

    Account

    Navigation

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.