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Worsening Radio Reception

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36K views 32 replies 21 participants last post by  Fluid  
M
#1 ·
I'm aware that the antenna for the cars is in the rear window. But lately I get horrid reception on even stations that are only about 30-50miles away and there's no noticeable interference (i.e. buildings, electronics, etc.). Also is it common for the reception to practically go dead if I turn on my rear defogger? Any clues as to a solution would be awesome. I fear a romp through the headliner would be in order. *sigh*
 
I
#3 ·
Mithos the Hero said:
I'm aware that the antenna for the cars is in the rear window. But lately I get horrid reception on even stations that are only about 30-50miles away and there's no noticeable interference (i.e. buildings, electronics, etc.). Also is it common for the reception to practically go dead if I turn on my rear defogger? Any clues as to a solution would be awesome. I fear a romp through the headliner would be in order. *sigh*
Click to expand...
i had the same problem when i bought my 04, i also noticed when i turned on my defogger that the reception goes dead, luckily i had it then under warranty for a little while longer and the dealer had to replace the whole rear window because the radio disturbance came from the defogger lines on the window, they told me that, there is where the antenna wires are located.

hope this helps
 
T
#5 ·
I found this in the WIS thing.

"Antenna, 4D

The system has two antenna systems.
Antenna system 1 consists of one antenna for FM reception and one for AM reception. The FM
antenna uses the rear window heating element while the AM antenna is a separate circuit at
the top or the rear window. Both antennae are connected to an antenna amplifier located on
the right-hand C-pillar. There is an antenna filter mounted on the ground side of the rear
window heating element that removes interference when the rear window heating is on.

Antenna system 2 includes a diversity function and additional antenna for FM reception. This
FM antenna is integrated in the AM antenna. The antenna amplifier has an additional
connection for FM reception. The amplifier uses the strongest FM signal and relays this to the
EHU."

Sounds like the filter has gone bad. Don't know if it can be replaced or if it is hard mounted to the window.
 
T
#8 ·
I too have the worst radio reception in my 07 2.0T SS. I brought it to the dealer telling them that it sounds like something is loose, because it sounds like reception cuts in and out. It sounds like the tuner was a little off. The radio even changed stations twice on it's own... They replaced the radio under warranty and it didn't help... now I think I'll have them look at the two antenna systems and see what they find.

Any other ideas, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks

Tom
 
T
#10 ·
Wanted to rehash this thread instead of create a new one.

My AM reception was the pits on my '05 9-3 Aero; horrible on the interstate. Barely okay when at a standstill. So, I went to removing my passenger side C-pillar where the Antenna Amplifier is at. When you remove the pillar, you'll see the amplifier is connected to the window with two wires.
The lower wire connected to the glass I wasn't concerned about. But the upper looks like it would hook up to a 9volt battery. That wire I believe protects from the outside interference and the connection was loose. So, I removed it, gave it a quick dust off and made sure it was hooked up tight to the connections. Put everything back together, and now AM works!

30 min job from start to finish gave me my AM radio back. Happy as a lark.


-NOTE: Also, just for knowing's sake. On the driver's side C-pillar is the grounding wire for the antenna. I just loosened it up and re-tightened for doing's sake. Not sure if that made much a difference since it was bolted on pretty good to begin with.


**I'll post photos of the job in a bit.
 
S
#17 ·
hi guys, recently my FM died, AM works but when I push the radio button to change from AM to FM I can only see the freq.. and thats it no music. But somethimes ta FM starts to play but in a time gets lost again. the CD works so where could I look? I checked the connectors in the C pilars and they look good
 
#22 ·
Ok, sorry to beat up again on this dying horse...my radio works, but I only get a station or 2 (both AM & FM) if I'm within like 1 mile of the broadcast antenna - beyond that, just static...so is this 'probably' an antenna 'booster' and/or 'aerial amplifier' issue? I can't imagine it could be a cable/wire if it does actually work...

Dan
 
#23 ·
Assuming you have a 4D, here is some basic info about the system and how it works to get you started. When it comes down to it, it's either 1 of the 2 electronic components or a short in the rear window antenna.

Image
 
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#28 ·
Antenna trouble.

wow. i found this thread because my new to me 07 9-3 ss has these issues with radio reception.

what do i find when i pull the panel off?

the lug attached to the glass is barely attached. and my moving wires around finished it off.

now i need to find a way to reattach it.

and then find some used parts in a junk yard and try those.
 
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#29 ·
Location of 'Aerial amplifier'?

Hiy'all, can anyone tell me where the 'Aerial amplifier', Saab part 12758653 is located in the 2006 9-3 convertible? Since I occasionally get an Am or Fm station when I'm 'close' to the broadcast antenna, I think I've pinned down that its this amp that needs replacing. I've already replaced the 'antenna amplifier' at the base of the mast-style antenna - didn't do anything to solve the problem...thanks, Dan


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0L...ew?usp=sharing
 
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