D3 Crappy Radio Reception

[Disco-tastic]

Hi all,

We have noticed that the radio signal in the D3 appears much weaker than in our old camry or our i30. For some local stations it is fine, however we listen to Triple J (can't stand ads anymore!) most of the time and we're kind of in between the newcastle and sydney stations, and we need to switch station depending on what side of the hill we're on :wallbash:

Anyway there is a distinct difference between the reception quality of the D3 to pretty much every other car. Does anyone else have/notice/care about this problem, and is there a fix? Does changing the stereo to an aftermarket make it better, or is it just a crap aerial?

We have the base radio (CD-400)

Cheers

Dan

[Narangga]

Mine's got the higher spec system but I assume they would both have the same antenna on the back (side) window. I found it quite reasonable driving Broome - Kununurra - Darwin after I picked it up.

However it only takes one small dry joint in the system (and both our vehicles are aged) to have reception quality deteriorate.

Changing head units could fix it but if it is an antenna issue then obviously it won't.

[ytt105]

I replaced the head unit on mine, and it hasn't improved the reception at all.

One day I'll fit an external antenna as we enjoy listening to the country channels when travelling. (Never knew I could be so interested in the price of wheat)!

[ppoida]

I had changed the head unit in mine. Terrible reception!!! Appears the disco has a powered aerial, took back had power routed to it fixed!! Awesome reception

Not sure if this helps

Cheers

[Disco-tastic]

Thanks guys. Just drove to lismore and once 5minutes from our house it improved. So it could just be crappy reception at our place.

Does anyone have any info on the aerial? I might check it out anyway.

Cheers

Dan

[LandyAndy]

On a D4 the 2 rear side windows have antennas in the glass,there is a connector on the top edge,centre of each,see if they are disconnected/damaged.
Unsure where the antenna amplifier is,more info required from the brains trust.
Andrew

[jonesy63]

The CD400 was the base stereo - it has an antenna in the driver's side rear window. If you look at the top edge, you will see a connector where the cable goes into the headlining. It then runs down into the amplifier - which is located behind the driver's side plastic panel in luggage space - pretty much under the cup holder.

The higher-spec stereos (6 CD in dash) had diversity antennas - one in each side windows, for supposedly better reception.

I suggest chasing from antenna down to amplifier for dry joints. Check amplifier for power. Then at back of stereo. I wonder if you or someone else has run cables past that area and dislodged something?

Good luck!
Cheers,
Rob

[Disco-tastic]

Thanks rob

Someone has been in around there - before our trip i checked that the jack et al was all there and noticed a dangling wire. Dunno if its standard or extra but a sign something has happened in there. Will have a look when i get home.

Cheers

Dan