Poor radio reception

[bronco]

Hi,

I have been the owner of a Mk1 Octavia TDi elegance since 2005 and have been fairly happy with the car.

However since its purchase with the standard Symphony HU, the Radio reception has been garbage with interference even on strong local FM stations (which my mates car picked up easily parked next to mine). MW is also amost non existent

I have since changed the HU to an alpine MP3 and fitted the aftermarket booster/adaptor as per previous therads but still no difference.

To date I have also changed the aeriel whip and base (as there was signs of water ingress) and tried different radios but alas no improvement.

After being told the aerial wiring may have been damaged through the years and might be earthing on the metal body, last week I decided to take the final step and fitted a new aerial (non vag) with brand new wiring from the base to the radio as this was the last item left to be eliminated.

But guess what the radio reception is still garbage being as good as an ashtray on a motorbike. Does any one have any ideas or similar circumstances or do I just have to accept the Skoda radio reception is abysmal and fling a cheap battery radio on the passenger seat.

[Xavier]

Sorry to hear your troubles there :(

I presume the poor radio reception is there regardless of whether the engine is running or not?

If you've been through and changed the aerial wiring and head unit, the only thing I can think of is some external interference which is preventing good radio reception.

I'd try a portable radio in the car to see if it's any better.

[sparky2]

Try putting a 2 or 3ft piece of singles wire with the end stripped into the aerial socket centre and see if you then get reception, if you do then you possibly have a faulty aerial extention lead fitted to the car,check continuity of the lead and check for shorts. Check you have 12v going into the aerial amplifier and its on all the time the radio is switched on. cheers - Stuart.

[bronco]

Guy's many thanks for your replies, sorry I haven't got back to u sooner.

The interference is there whether the engine is running or not, but is far less noticible when either the ignition is on at stage 2 or the engine is running.

The brand new aeriel i fitted is of good quality, but non vag hence now non amplified. I checked the wiring etc prior to fitting it and it appeared fine. I was also carefull in routing the wire taking care not to snag or crimp it.

This is kinda weird but i found by accident that when i touch the pvc sheath of the aeriel or move the wiring away from the metal bulkhead under the daschboard then the reception noticibly improves for a short while.

I also checked the eathing at the aeriel base making sure the metal was clean and rust free with a tight connection.

I can see I will have to investigate further, and will try your advice, but any more would be greatly appreciated.

cheers