Here's a weird one! When the heated rear screen is on DAB radio stations are not available and FM stations are so crackly with interference they are unlistenable!

 

Something to do with the antenna I am guessing? 

The HRW is use as one of the antennas, so there is an isolator in the power feed that couples the antenna connection in - that's what fails.

 

This has been a problem with VAG vehicles for at least 20 years, but this is the first time I've heard of it affecting an Octavia.

Edited 6 February, 20197 yr by PetrolDave

Thanks, makes sense. Billion dollar questions: where is it, can I replace it easily?

I have the same problem but after say a minute, the dab will come back, fm reception is unaffected 

 

Mine is the same, dealer had a look under warranty but couldn't diagnose and wanted a blank cheque for further diagnostic time - terrible dealer and no longer used.

 

Ended up leaving it, I don't even listen to the radio.

I am the OP  and finally got around to taking car to garage to sort. They replaced "2 chokes" and a "converter" which sound like the components that should stop the HRW interfering with the radio.

 

Foolishly I expected that had solved the problem but just realised it is still the same.

 

I will obviously take it back to them but anyone any other ideas what could cause this?