TCS Warning Light and Radio Reception Problems

I've been having two (probably unrelated?) issues with my Octavia over the last few weeks.  Car is a 2001 1.9 TDI 110 Elegance hatch with 162,000 miles.

Problem 1 - TCS Warning Light

Occasionally (and increasingly) this light does not go out after start-up.  95% of the time restarting the vehicle will "fix" it and the light will go out correctly after a few seconds from ignition on.  I have noticed that when actually cranking the engine both the ABS and TCS lights will flash/flicker - but can't remember if that is "standard" procedure or not, despite staring at them daily and more for the 9 years I've had the car...

The light has never come on during actual driving, only failing to go out at engine start.

Anyone in Bedford / MK area with a VAG-COM who would be willing to read the codes in exchange for a few beer tokens?

Problem 2 - FM radio reception

This has been much worse that usual over the last few weeks - lots of hiss, crackles and pops.  It is generally OK with the engine off, and at its worst when the engine is idling.  Raising the revs seems to make things better.  It will often follow the pattern of OK-ish while in motion, then crackle/pop while waiting at a traffic light, then OK again once moving.  Unit is an aftermarket Sony one that I've had for a year or two - but reception has noticably worsened over recent weeks.

Is it just possible problems are related?  Something dodgy in the electrics causing both the interference and TCS light issues?

Thanks for any help!

Ian

Edited 19 August, 201411 yr by iriches