I had my windshield replaced about 6 months ago, since then I've got terrible radio reception. I'm doing good to pick up the local stations, and BBC is an extremely crackly proposition. On random days, probably one in every 10 or 15, the reception is perfect. I pick up everything. I don't think it's weather related as it will do the same thing during stretches of sunny or rainy weather.

Using the 12v port to charge my phone makes the already poor reception take a nosedive.

With the radio tuned to my Jabra bluetooth, though, I get perfectly fine audio coming from the phone.

I've also noted that when i spray my windshield the crackling noise can be heard in a muted tone through the speakers, while the spray is active. Nothing when just the wipers are activated.

 

Completely stumped. Any ideas?

Part of the antenna is in some windscreens (a fine line from the upper middle to about halfway down). Did you have that before the change? Is it there now? If yes, was it actually connected by the fitter?

Have a look at this...http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/194251-anyone-know-what-that-black-line-is/?hl=%2Bantenna#entry2312280

Darn... maybe that's it then. I couldn't see any black line in my previous windshield, but maybe I just didn't look hard enough and now I can't remember. Defo the current replacement hasn't got one, the fitter said there wasn't an aerial connected and I wouldn't have known where to look to confirm anyways.

Suppose I'll just live with it for now, though it still seems odd that irrespective of weather or location, it will sometimes work and sometimes not.

 

What about the crackling when charging phone or using screen wash pump? Could it be that somehow a chafed cable or something is causing it not to get full power?