Convertible Reception Poor

[liam51]

My 06' Convertible has always had poor XM reception. They blame that on the dash mount antannae. Now it seems the FM reception is poor too. They have changed out the entire radio with no better results. Theyve checked codes and antennae connections. All seem o.k. They are blaming it on the fact, convertibles only have an antennae in the windshield glass, resulting in weaker signals. Poor planning on VW, or is there something else amiss? Spending over $27,000. and having this radio does not really cut the mustard with me.... Doubly disappointed here and would like some suggestions to offer to the dealer before my warrantee runs out. Perhaps even an aftermarket fix would be acceptible to the dealer. They are gettin' REAL tired of my complaints.....

[Billsbug]

Ridiculous. I have gr8 FM reception, dunno about the XM antenna, but I've never seen a post about it having bad reception b4.

Maybe it's a bad antenna install in the windshield itself?

[liam51]

The dealer has already checked all the connections. Other than replacing the antennae on the glass, (Which may involve replacing the windshield), I dunno whats next. Of course, there are many hills around here for interference however, my Passat and Tundra radios come in excellent...I'm pleased to hear your radio is fine Bill. Any ideas?????

[Billsbug]

We don't have hills in south Florida.

Who knows, it very well may be the windshield, could be a break somewhere in the antenna wire.

Maybe they/you could try a non-OEM HU to see if the reception is still bad.

[liam51]

I will suggest that to them. They are waiting for a VW Tech Rep to come to Maine, (About once every other month... ),and look at my vehicle. The problem is, I'm leaving for warmer climates next month, (St. Petersburg)

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by liam51

I'm leaving for warmer climates next month, (St. Petersburg)

R u a snowbird?

[liam51]

This will be my first time I'll be spending the entire winter. Staying with Mom until I can either find a decent rent or buy a place of my own. This is sort of an adventure for me and Lil' Bug.

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by liam51

This will be my first time I'll be spending the entire winter. Staying with Mom until I can either find a decent rent or buy a place of my own. This is sort of an adventure for me and Lil' Bug.

I wuz wonderin'. I mean ur old, but ur not that old.

[liam51]

Originally Posted by Billsbug

I wuz wonderin'. I mean ur old, but ur not that old.

HeHe Ive been retired for five years already. So bored here at the lake in winter and my bones feel the cold quickly, now that I'm a Senior Citizen!!!

[deisele]

Hello I just purchased the 08 vert about two weeks ago and I'm having troubles with the reception, So angry. I haven't been able to enjoy one full day of satellite. Does any body have any suggestions to why it's not working. Another thing, I'm reading that the antenna on the windshield is for both AM and FM and Satellite! I'm confused I just thought it was for the radio. please help Thanks Danielle

[FlwrPwer]

Originally Posted by deisele

Hello I just purchased the 08 vert about two weeks ago and I'm having troubles with the reception, So angry. I haven't been able to enjoy one full day of satellite. Does any body have any suggestions to why it's not working. Another thing, I'm reading that the antenna on the windshield is for both AM and FM and Satellite! I'm confused I just thought it was for the radio. please help Thanks Danielle

The windshield antenna is for AM and FM. The little dome on the dash is for the satellite. I have great Sirius reception, but my AM and FM is currently not working. This is because I got an aftermarket windshield after a rock broke my original and the connector came loose. I'm not in a rush to get it fixed because I use the sirius. I will be taking it to the dealer to get fixed this summer though.

[deisele]

well maybe i just have a bad dome on the dashboard. something is wrong thanks for input.

[sb_beetle]

VW is notorious for poor AM reception. The FM is typically adequate, but not its best. I've placed a powered antenna adapter from Radio Shack (I tried to find a link to the one I used but couldn't locate it)in both a previously owned '98 Jetta and my current '04NBC. It's basically an inline plug with power lead (usually blue). The adapter has worked like a charm each time. Not sure this would help with the Sirrius though.

[deisele]

Thanks for info. I found out I had a bad module for the sirrius. Thank you.

[dieseldriver]

If you do not mind, ask the dealer to reinstall the windshield mount antennae, including the pigtail for the connection to the radio. Window mount antennae has been around for many years, I had it on my 1992 BMW 318i, and worked very good. We also have it on the Honda Odyssey, no issue there.

Originally Posted by liam51

My 06' Convertible has always had poor XM reception. They blame that on the dash mount antannae. Now it seems the FM reception is poor too. They have changed out the entire radio with no better results. Theyve checked codes and antennae connections. All seem o.k. They are blaming it on the fact, convertibles only have an antennae in the windshield glass, resulting in weaker signals. Poor planning on VW, or is there something else amiss? Spending over $27,000. and having this radio does not really cut the mustard with me.... Doubly disappointed here and would like some suggestions to offer to the dealer before my warrantee runs out. Perhaps even an aftermarket fix would be acceptible to the dealer. They are gettin' REAL tired of my complaints.....

[liam51]

Welllll..... I think it would stick up beyond the top edge of the windshield frame allowing it to contact the rag top when it is opened or closed. The dealer and I talked about this once, last year. Since moving to Florida, my XM works perfect now!!!!! Thanks for your response.

Originally Posted by dieseldriver

If you do not mind, ask the dealer to reinstall the windshield mount antennae, including the pigtail for the connection to the radio. Window mount antennae has been around for many years, I had it on my 1992 BMW 318i, and worked very good. We also have it on the Honda Odyssey, no issue there.