Poor Radio reception VW Passat estate

Do-more

I've got a 2006 VW Passat estate with the standard fit radio and hidden antenna I think it is somewhere around the rear screen?

The radio reception is very poor and I can only listen to stations which have a very strong signal.

At first I thought it was down to the fact that 3 of the heated rear windscreen strips are not working but a quick google seems to suggest that the antenna is separate to the heated rear screen.

Where can I find the connections to the rear antenna so that I can check that the're good?

Can anybody suggest what might be my best approach in improving reception?

MugMugs

Do-more wrote: »

I've got a 2006 VW Passat estate with the standard fit radio and hidden antenna I think it is somewhere around the rear screen?

The radio reception is very poor and I can only listen to stations which have a very strong signal.

At first I thought it was down to the fact that 3 of the heated rear windscreen strips are not working but a quick google seems to suggest that the antenna is separate to the heated rear screen.

Where can I find the connections to the rear antenna so that I can check that the're good?

Can anybody suggest what might be my best approach in improving reception?

So you're looking for something like this ?

Do-more

MugMugs wrote: »

So you're looking for something like this ?

Thanks MugMugs.

Possibly, but AFAIK there is already a signal booster in the standard VW radio so I don't know if it's a good idea to add another inline.

Possibly better to check the antenna first and maybe connect an alternative antenna to see if there is an improvement, if I could find damn thing!

tossy

The antenna is probably in the rear side windows like on audi Avants.Did you check the rear of the radio to see if the antenna is plugged in fully maybe it was out at one stage and not reconnected right - i would start there and move back.

marzi

Its in the left hand 1/4 glass for sure. just clicks on like a button on a jacket. make sure the ceramic elements aren't broken.
tbh the antenna in the glass idea is a bad one, the 2011 caddy is now available with an antenna on the roof instead of built into the front screen. i'm guessing you're not based in dublin.

Do-more

marzi wrote: »

Its in the left hand 1/4 glass for sure. just clicks on like a button on a jacket. make sure the ceramic elements aren't broken.
tbh the antenna in the glass idea is a bad one, the 2011 caddy is now available with an antenna on the roof instead of built into the front screen. i'm guessing you're not based in dublin.

Thanks, I haven't had a chance to go rooting around at it yet, maybe tomorrow.

The wife's Polo has a bee sting antenna on it and gets much better reception than the Passat, I have a new antenna in a drawer somewhere I must dig it out and try it if I can find a din to fakra adaptor handy.

No I'm not in Dublin, I'm in Trelleborg, Sweden and the selection of radio stations is poxy at the best of times with out losing half of them to static.

Moanin

I've a similar problem on a 2006 saloon passat. when I turn on the rear demister I loose reception on the radio. Does anybody know where the antenna is situated on this car? Is it built into the rear windscreen?

Thanks

VolvoMan

Had this problem for a while also with an A4 Cabriolet.

I can't remember what fixed it, but it was to do with the aerial located in the rear bumper.

marzi

@moanin yes the antenna is in the rear screen. the static is caused by the extra current. I believe manufacturers are steering away from this now and you'll see roof-fins become more popular.