General Radio Reception

[Troubles with 500c]

The standard 500 headunit has never been amazing, but recently it’s become quite annoying by struggling to find stations. It’s a 500c with the windscreen aerial and reception has really dropped off.

I was going to replace it with a refurbished unit because it looks the part and it’s a nice easy job to swap them over.

However, before shelling out for a stereo I thought I’d test the current one and what I found was that it only struggles to find a signal when the engine is running. Absolutely nothing wrong with the reception when the engine is switched off.

I can’t hear any interference, so don’t think it’s a suppressor issue. Did try a signal booster that helps a little, but still a marked difference in reception when the engine is running.

Anyone had this issue, or any ideas what might cure it?

 

[jrkitching]

My money is on the aerial. They've been known to suffer from corrosion-related issues as the car gets older.

Oops! Just noticed you've got a windscreen aerial. Still worth checking the aerial connections, though.

 

[Troubles with 500c]

Unfortunately, not an easy thing to replace on the 500c.

Also, a bit strange that the reception quality is effected by the engine running. I was hoping for an earthing issue somewhere.

 

[jrkitching]

Unfortunately, not an easy thing to replace on the 500c.

Also, a bit strange that the reception quality is effected by the engine running. I was hoping for an earthing issue somewhere.

I'm wondering if you could plug a standalone external aerial into the back of the head unit to see if it made any difference?

 

[Troubles with 500c]

Yes, I shall try that.

Will also checkout the condition of the earth strap at the weekend.

 

[FiatMatt94]

The standard radio reception in the 2012 on Panda's is not great either, mine was not great even when it was new, I brought the genuine fiat short aeriel which improved things a bit, I have now upgraded to DAB with a magnetic roof aeriel which is pretty much perfect

 

[Troubles with 500c]

Yes, the reception was never great. I’ve ordered a screen mounted aerial to see if it improves things because roof mounting isn’t possible.

 

[Troubles with 500c]

The new external antenna turned up and I gave it a try.

The reception is identical to the windscreen antenna. Works great with the engine off and terrible when the engine is switched on.

I’m thinking that the next step is to get a decent bit of cable and connect one end to a good earth and then try touching it to various components while someone sits in the car (engine running) to see if it makes a difference.

 

[John202020]

Is there interference when the ignition is switched on but not started?

 

[Troubles with 500c]

Just tried and it’s only when the engine is running.

 

[Troubles with 500c]

I’ve now fitted an aftermarket signal booster that helps a little.

However, I really do believe that the head unit is at fault. A bit of gamble as they’re only appears to be secondhand ones available.

 

[Fixitfallows]

Hello, I've done two videos on the 500 aerial issues. One is regarding changing the base of the roof aerial, the other concerning a dodgy connection as the aerial coax cable enters the back of the radio head unit. Here are the two links:





I hope these help you out. Good luck.

 

[Troubles with 500c]

Excellent videos.

If it stops raining I’m going to have a look at the connector on the 500c