Stereo Woes

[robw09]

Hi guys, I have strange fault that has developed over the past few weeks and was hoping someone may know a way to fix the problem.

Namely, the radio signal seems to really suffering.  Strong signal stations are fine (Radio 1 & 2 and my local Radio Lincs), but anything else is ropey to say the least and MW & LW are literally non-existent.   More confusing is that signal is intermittent with it coming back almost perfect, for MW, if I “jiggled” the front facia around.  I therefore assumed that is was the stereo and replaced the head unit.

Now, everything was fine when I installed the new one with the unit out on my lap, it was even fine initially when it was fitted back into the stereo slot, with all stations & bands having a strong reception.  However, within a day I was back listening to just radio 1 & 2 and in a fit of rage I rather unwisely “butchered” the connectors into the same type as you use on TV aerials….yes I know possibly a bad move, but I think I got off lightly as the stereo was nearly thrown through the front windscreen!

I am hoping it is not the aerial with a problem as it looks a bit of a ball ache to swap!

The head unit is a retro Alpine 7521RS if this helps.

Cheers
Rob

[Sgt_Lemon]

I have a similar problem, even after a head unit swap. Sometimes I get nothing sometimes every station. If I unplug the aerial after the booster I get a better signal than with it. I ordered a different lead for a few quid off eBay and will see if that makes a difference. I assume it's an earth thing, I went through the ball ache of changing the bee sting (new hole in the roof, headliner out to install everything) which made no difference at all.

[robw09]

"

If I unplug the aerial after the booster I get a better signal than with it. I ordered a different lead for a few quid off eBay and will see if that makes a difference

booster"

I had debated a booster.  Is that basically what sending some power to aerial does?

What lead had you ordered?

[Sgt_Lemon]

It's a little unit with a switch live to it, but that also made no difference to the signal. I just ordered 10ft of aerial cable to try and re-route to the beesting. See if the existing cable was the problem. Just haven't had time to do it yet.

[robw09]

I have seen some that mention wiring to a power antenna to boost signal.......cannot see that on wiring diagram for mk2......is it just the switched live?

[Sgt_Lemon]

I used a switch live, wasn't sure if a solid live would cause a drain.

[DubUpYork]

I have quite a similar problem to yourself, I was going to make a thread but thought I would just pop the question in here.

I have recently picked up a mk2 gti 16v 1990, and the ariel reception is terrible and I cant seem to locate the aerial. My last mk2 it was on the roof at the rear end, however this golf has no blanking plate etc in that location.

Could it be hidden somewhere?

[Mr Blue]

Just use the middle connection on the antenna socket and a long piece of cable. Should catch most things then. Cowboy but very effective 

[Gambit]

I just removed the stereo and fitting a vag blanking plate :p that solved it.

2.0 16v head job cams and 4 branch is perfect soundtrack!

[DubUpYork]

Would anybody be able to help me locate my ariel?

It seems to be invisible, it does not seem to be at the rear of the roof like my old mk2 and it has not been blanked off it is totally smooth. The radio picks up very few stations and reception is terrible.

Any ideas would be great!