Reception (on FM) is very poor. It is a standard fit Blaupunkt (and I've tried another) and the aerial is the "bee sting" on the rear roof. Any common problems? Any easy solutions?
Tim{P}
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If it's a powered aerial... power is fed up to the bee-sting via the aerial lead. The amplifier in the bee-sting might be dead, or a fuse blown, or a short somewhere between the aerial and the radio. If the radio doesn't have a power feed to the aerial line, there might be an adapter between the radio and the aerial that provides power to the aerial lead from a 12v line in the (ISO) connector at the back of the radio (it looks like a silver cylinder in-line with the aerial lead at the back of the radio, with a blue wire connected to the ISO connector) and this can also expire.
Or maybe the radio is busted???
El Dingo.
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Thanks for the thoughts: will check fuses (easy) but radio slots into a fixed cradle, so getting to the back to check connections might be harder.
If the amp in the bee sting is dead, does that mean replacing mount and entire aerial cable to head unit, or is it possible to replace the mount with some careful soldering? I'm reluctant to start removing the headlining...
Tim{P}
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You can get the radio out, but you'll need the release keys (you can buy these in Halfords). The Blaupunkt ones are U-shaped with a 'nodule' at each end - you push them in the holes at each end of the unit until they click into place, then pull on both to withdraw the radio. The wiring is long enough to allow this. When you push it back, make sure that the aerial is still attached (as they can fall out) and that you haven't knocked off the little hose and fan that draw air through the air con sensor (if you have air con that is). I'd start here rather than at the aerial.
If the aerial is at fault, I'd replace it wholesale (including the wiring back to the radio, which really isn't as hard as it sounds, as it runs down the side of the head lining and down the nearside A pillar). If you can find one at a breakers, you can practice trim removal there rather than on your own car.
Cheers,
El Dingo.
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Thanks: I'll give it a go.
Tim{P}
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You don't have to touch the headlining to remove the aerial.
Simply pull out the rear ceiling light (it should lever out easilly with a flat blade screwdriver) and you'll see the aerial base. It does have a built in amp. Its powered by a white wire that goes back to your radio. If its an original radio then this wire should be OK, but if its an aftermarket one then it may have been chopped somewhere down the line.
If you decide to replace the aerial then think about getting one from a Vauzhall Corsa (Vauxhall P/N - 90389799)as its just over £20 whereas an Audi one is just over £60. The only difference to look at is the Corsa one sits at 60 degrees whereas the Audi one sits at 45 degrees.
Been there, done that - got the T-shirt from the radio station that I've since been able to hear.
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Thanks Wally: I'll have a look. Most particularly for the heads up about the vauxhall...
Tim{P}
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In all cases of suspect aerial on a vehicle, even if the complaint is of poor FM, check out the AM reception. If you get acceptable crisp reception on a strong station such as 5 live, your aerial is not at fault and the set needs checking. These short style aerials have a compensation amplifier built into the base and water leaks into them. Replacement is the only cure. I don't know the original manufacturer of these Audi/Vauxhall aerials, but the original concept is from Bosch and I've not seen a faulty one of those.
Hope this helps,
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Sorry, but in my experience this isn't always true. You can pick up perfectly good AM with a blown antenna.
El Dingo.
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AM reception is lousy, so I'll try replacing the aerial base. Just a question of finding the time to get to the Vauxhall dealer!
Tim{P}
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