Alfa 156 Poor Radio Reception

[PompeyDarren]

Hi again,

My 156 suffers from terrible radio reception.
It doesn't have the standard stereo, a Kenwood unit has replaced it.

It the poor radio/aerial reception a common problem?

I plan to change the head unit at some point for one that illuminates amber to match the dials etc. (one of my personal obsessions)

I wonder if it's worth replacing the aerial at the same time?

Many thanks,

Darren.

[herbialfa]

Is the aerial not part of the rear screen demister?????

[PompeyDarren]

I believe it is the top few 'bars' on the rear screen.

If needed, I would install a new one and hide it behind a trim or the roof lining.

[PhilipAlfa]

My 156 SW always had terrible radio reception so I'm guessing it's a standard feature - I would install a new aerial.

[velocemitch]

This an age old problem, the aerial is built into the HRW element and its rubbish. Even the ones which appear to have a little aerial on the back of the roof are rubbish, the roof aerial isn't connected it's still using the HRW

Not one of the 156's better features.

[bint]

Don't have that problem - have the Clarion which I presume is stock?

Oh and if you want a radio illuminated to match the dash, you may find it easier to change the dash lights. Mind you, I haven't looked to see how easy they are to do in comparison to my Celica, that was a simple plug n play LED change as opposed to the new shape Celica which involves soldering. I suspect the Alfa is a solder.. Alpine do HU with changeable colours to make life easier!

[V6Alfisti]

I don't recall having this problem with any of my Alfa's, only the latest 156 I bought seems to occasionally lose a signal but thats when I am passing through country side.

[Parabola]

The radio reception on my 03 156 SW is also appalling.

Is there any way to instal a better ariel thats simple & discrete?

[chrisga]

So what is the point of the little stubby aerial thing on the roof of the 156 SW. Is it not an aerial then?

[RicksAlfas]

I'm sure there's a booster hidden behind a rear trim panel somewhere.
Never had any issues on my Wagon, but I know it's a common problem.
I'm sure the roof mounted aerial on later cars is for the radio.

[velocemitch]

chrisga said:

So what is the point of the little stubby aerial thing on the roof of the 156 SW. Is it not an aerial then?

From memory of old post on AO, the stubby aerial was used for the phone if it was fitted, but was a dummy if it wasn't. As is often the case it was cheaper to put a dummy aerial in than have a seperate roof panel with a hole for the cars that had telephones.
Bizzare, but hey this is Alfa;)