Poor radio reception when heated rear windscreen is on.

Southern Star · 16th February 2022, 18:45

My radio reception is poor when my heated rear windscreen (HRW) is on. It never used to be like this, but my last car, a Rover Sterling was the same. I understand both use the HRW as the aerial.

Is there a known fix for this?

stevestrat · 16th February 2022, 19:19

Yes, the heater element doubles as the aerial. If I remember correctly the aerial/HRW etc wiring and aerial signal amplifier lives under the nearside C pillar trim.

Mogodon · 17th February 2022, 16:22

Had exactly the same problem on my ZT.

Unfortunately I never managed to work out why or cure the issue.

Ended up fitting a standard roof ariel off a scrap Rover 25 and problem solved.

The Rovering Member · 18th February 2022, 05:14

Didn't l read that the radio & HRW share a fuse as well?

SD1too · 18th February 2022, 07:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southern Star

My radio reception is poor when my heated rear windscreen (HRW) is on.

Hi Vince,

Carefully remove the trim from both sides of the heated rear window. On the nearside there are two chokes, electronic components which look at first sight like resistors. Check their earth connections for security and cleanliness.

On the offside you'll find a module, "filter, screen aerial" XUE 100001. This has three connections: two black wires from the HRW/aerial elements and a brown power supply wire. Remove and re-seat these connections and if you have a multimeter, check that the module is receiving a 12v supply.

I understand that you have the original factory highline system. Inspect the radio module in the spare wheel well, in particular the cleanliness of the aerial plug earth connection. Check for past or current water damage.

Simon

roverbarmy · 18th February 2022, 08:21

My "interference" was caused by a power supply (12v to 5v) that I had fitted for a dashcam. Replacing it with one that had a ferrite insulator in the line cured the problem.

16th February 2022, 18:45	#1
Southern Star Loves to post Rover 75 CTDi Contemporary SE Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Stretton-under-Fosse, Warwickshire. Posts: 358 Thanks: 54 Thanked 134 Times in 83 Posts	Poor radio reception when heated rear windscreen is on. My radio reception is poor when my heated rear windscreen (HRW) is on. It never used to be like this, but my last car, a Rover Sterling was the same. I understand both use the HRW as the aerial. Is there a known fix for this?

16th February 2022, 19:19	#2
stevestrat This is my second home ZT260 #243 (resting) Join Date: May 2010 Location: Prestonpans Posts: 22,463 Thanks: 650 Thanked 4,624 Times in 3,358 Posts	Yes, the heater element doubles as the aerial. If I remember correctly the aerial/HRW etc wiring and aerial signal amplifier lives under the nearside C pillar trim. __________________ Steve T4 Location Map

17th February 2022, 16:22	#3
Mogodon Gets stuck in MG ZT 135+ Diesel Auto Mk2. Nisan Micra 1.4 SVE Auto. Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Posts: 832 Thanks: 196 Thanked 198 Times in 84 Posts	Had exactly the same problem on my ZT. Unfortunately I never managed to work out why or cure the issue. Ended up fitting a standard roof ariel off a scrap Rover 25 and problem solved. __________________ Plenum spyhole mod. Powerflow backbox. 11 spoke alloys repainted Black Sparkle. Black Expansion tank. Drivers side cup holder. PPD carpeted heater box sides. Illuminated sun visors, PPD Door reflectors. PPD Seatbelt lower mount bolt covers. PPD Drivers grab handle. Cubby rechargeable torch and power socket. FBH retro-fitted. FBH engine pre-heater mod done. Electric rear Sunblind. Tow bar. Flip key. MGR towing mirrors and Saloon roof bars. Hand Built in Birmingham

18th February 2022, 05:14	#4
The Rovering Member I really should get out more....... Rover 75 saloon Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: London Posts: 2,953 Thanks: 263 Thanked 538 Times in 431 Posts	Didn't l read that the radio & HRW share a fuse as well? __________________ Reducing the size of my Rover fleet by adding a 75 to it.

18th February 2022, 08:21	#6
roverbarmy This is my second home Roverless + 1.7D Sportage Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: East Norfolk Posts: 7,050 Thanks: 729 Thanked 2,021 Times in 1,449 Posts	My "interference" was caused by a power supply (12v to 5v) that I had fitted for a dashcam. Replacing it with one that had a ferrite insulator in the line cured the problem. __________________ Oil in my veins!