Dodgy AM reception in VW Sharan

I've got a VW Sharan which has got a "non-factory" Radio/CD player
fitted. I've read on another thread.....

When you replace the factory unit, you need to install a signal
separator
> Autoleads part number PC5 52. This is required on all VW, Audi, Seat and
> derivatives i.e. - Skoda, Ford Galaxy, where the vehicle has a roof mounted
> aerial. Otherwise you will not be able to pick up AM. Cost is around £10
> from any car audio shop.

However the Sharan has an AM aerial on the rear offside window. Does
the same thing apply, ie do I need a signal seperator and is it the
one quoted?

Charlie

Charlie.

Sounds like the common VW wiring problem to me. What you need to do is buy
the VW Wiring kit from www.bluespot.co.uk this will sort both your power
problem and your problem with AM radio reception in one foul swoop. Should
take no more than 5 mins to fit assuming you manage to get the headunit out.

Manny

"Charlie" <charlesward@totalise.co.uk> wrote in message
news:b367be21.0307261503.54c0a7a8@posting.google.c om...
> no replies??
>
>
> The unit is a Clarion DBR4375R. It was obviously an amateur
> installation, as well as the dodgy MW reception, the unit stays on
> when the ignition is turned off (already flattened the battery once).
>
> So basically I have 3 problems.
>
> - dodgy reception on MW (basically I can receive the strongest
> signals
> like 909/693 and 1089, albeit a weak signal, but anything else is
> basically non-existent. And I definately cannot scan for
> stations, not
> even the ones above.
> - unit stays on when ignition turned off
> - I can't get the unit out to see whats gone on behind.
>
> 1 Having done a few searches on this user group, I've come up with
> some
> possible solutions -
>
> 2 You've got no feed to the aerial booster (this should be the white
> wire in the loom coming up to the OE head unit, although it can
> sometimes be a black lead, moulded into the aerial extension in the
> original loom).
>
> 3 The booster or the mast's shot - they're notoriously prone to
> problems, especially the OE V.A.G. ones. I dumped mine in favour of
> a
> tri-band one, which also does the phone. FM signals will usually
> "jump" a small break in a mast or an extension cable, wheras a MW or
> LW signal won't - I can't remember exactly why ATM.
>
> 4 You might also want to check that the head unit itself's OK by
> plugging in another aerial temporarily. Although the temporary
> aerial
> really ought to be earthed, just holding it above the car ought to
> be
> sufficient to prove that the head unit's OK.
>
> 5 VW have a fondness for amplifed antennas, which only work
> with the factory fit radios. The power is supplied up the antenna
> co-ax core. This shows up much worse on AM, than FM, so could be
> your
> problem. You can buy in-line adapters which supply the necessary
> 12V.
>
> 6 It might be the booster in the aerial (if fitted) this needs an
> external
> power source, that is cunningly supplied by the OEM unit.
>
> 7 Try running a new earth from the head unit to a nearby point on the
> chassis - bare metal of course.
>
> 8 check that the new head unit is switching on the amplifier in the vw
> aerial
> some of the later vw aerials use phantom power( sent up through the
> co-axial
> cable ) if this is the case you will need a part form
> autoleads.co.uk to
> send 12V up the co-axial centre core part no. PC5-52.
>
> 9 check that the amplifier is receiving a live feed when the radio is
> turned on, this should be supplied via the electric aerial feed from
> the
> radio usually Blue wire)
>
> 10 The aerial in my Galaxy is situated in the offside rear side
> window.
> This window is hinged and only opens a few inches like a very large
> quarter
> light. On the top, extremely well concealed, is a "press stud" type
> fastening that folds into a small recess in the window reveal. It is
> not
> obvious when the window is open and impossible to see when the
> window is
> closed. The fastening must have "popped" off when the children
> opened the
> window and was not noticed. The aerial wires in the window are very
> thin and
> also difficult to see. Refix the poppers and all is well again.
>
>
> First of all I need to get the unit out to have a look at it. The
> front panel pops off as usual, leaving the main unit with the
> "SECURITY" sticker on it. I've tried manouvering it with a couple of
> coat hangers but no luck.
>
> - How do I get the unit out?
> - If I do which of the above is likely to be the answer
> and how do I eliminate each one?
> - If I took it to an motor / audio shop what could I expect to
> be charged to sort this out?
> - Is there a good site on the internet with instructions for
> installing
> and trouble shooting car stereo units?
>
> All replies gratefully received.
>
> Charlie

On 26 Jul 2003 16:03:21 -0700, charlesward@totalise.co.uk (Charlie)
wrote:

> - dodgy reception on MW

You need an aerial signal seperator
http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/focus.php3?partno=PC552

> - unit stays on when ignition turned off

Accessory and permanent lives are probably both connected to the
permanent live. This may just be poor installation, or may have been
done intentionally to hide the fact the ignition barrel's faulty and
not giving an accessory output - a reasonably common fault on VWs.

> - I can't get the unit out to see whats gone on behind.
> - If I took it to an motor / audio shop what could I expect to
> be charged to sort this out?

Typically £25-35.

Jon
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