A4 poor radio reception

[whitechief]

I have just taken an A4 3.0 quattro sport in part exchange against my M3.
It has the Audi Symphony head unit with Bose etc. The radio reception is practically non existant, is this a common problem and are there any obvious things to check? I am just off to get a set of keys, to get the head unit out. Other than that, the car is great.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[drybeer]

Assuming you find no leads disconnected, then the A4 has the "Diversity" antenna which is in the roof and rear windows (avant) or rear screen (saloon).

If these are wrong the worst case scenario is a new window and antenna or maybe only an antenna amplifier. I wouls uggest your local audi centre or specialist will go straight to the problem.

[Ordinary Bloke]

I have an 05 plate A6 and the radio reception is appalling, so it re-tunes fairly much every time I start the engine, to the random station of it's choice. I have had 2 software upgrades, but no improvement.

[whitechief]

I have had the head unit out and everything seems ok with it. The reception seems to be intermittent, sometimes it's perfect, then goes crappy.
I will give Audi a call on monday and see what they say, but I am reluctant to leave it with them as my local Audi dealers really are main stealers.

[00161wj]

Its not the cabriolet version isit? If so the wires to the amplfier brake in the boot lid to boot loom.

[whitechief]

00161wj said:

Its not the cabriolet version isit? If so the wires to the amplfier brake in the boot lid to boot loom.

No, saloon.

I have had the trim off in the roof lining at the rear(small panel above rear windscreen) and located the antenna amplifier. Giving it a wobble brings the reception back, so I guess it's that.

I will take it out tomorrow and get my mate who is an electronics whizz to look at it, as I suspect it may be a dry solder joint. Failing that new module I guess, I wonder how much Audi are gonna want for that?

Cheers for the replies.

Edited by whitechief on Monday 7th July 20:22

[gti-ted]

What you need is an aerial booster. It boosts the o/e aerial signal i have put one into my Mk4 4 golf and its amazing i can get about 20 more channels.
View it on www.connects2.com

[whitechief]

gti-ted said:

What you need is an aerial booster. It boosts the o/e aerial signal i have put one into my Mk4 4 golf and its amazing i can get about 20 more channels.
View it on www.connects2.com

It's the aerial amplifier that's knackered (a surface mount chip has come off) Audi bless them want £120.38 for a new one.
I am trying some breakers but not much joy at the minute. Would what you suggested take the place of the Audi one or work in conjunction with it?