strange radio reception problem?

[sps]

the car is mk4 golf1.6 on a 51plate
it has the factory fitte radio,and since yesterday the radio reception has become patchy-the radio station will come into tune and then wane out.
it flucates between good clear reception and poor reception.
what could be causing this?
i the rubber boot whcih encloses the springy section of the roof aerial has perished over the yrs-could this the issue?
can vag.com diagnose this issue?

[belfastmark]

Hi
I would start by removing the radio from the dash and check the wiring is intact and everything is plugged in where it should be.

[Steven715]

I had this problem on a Astra I ended up changing the "rubber boot" as inside it is some basic electronics I think it's an amplifier. But check all connections first.
Hope to help

[sps]

vag.com did not throw up any codes,
will remove radio first to check connections-are specail tools required to remove the radio?,then if still a problem, i will try new new aerial with intact rubber boot.

[Steven715]

You just need euro radio release keys you can get them from automotive places like Halfords. Let us know how you get on

[sps]

You just need euro radio release keys you can get them from automotive places like Halfords. Let us know how you get on

update

i swapped a working aerial mast from a 2004vw bora and the car still has the poor reception issue -so that means it is not a aerial mast problem.
it appears that the reception is poor for FM channels where as AM channels are received with good reception.
also noticed the problem with fm channels is worse when driving than at idling.
so will get tools to remove the gamma radio/cassette deck and look ant connections behind it

[sps]

i bought this tool from ebay- PC5-133 Volkswagen Golf MK4 1998 - 2003 Stereo Radio Unit Release Removal Keys | eBay and hopefully i will be able to remove radio-cassette to inspect connections

[sps]

update ,i removed the gamma radio using the 99p tool above from ebay.
the connections at the back of the radio look fine.
the fm reception is poor but am reception is fine,so the fm amplifier in the antenna base must be faulty.
any ideas how to fix this?

[Steven715]

From what I can remember from my Astra it was potted in a type of resin stuff so you could not repair the amp there is one thing you can try though there should be your coax cable going to the antenna and with it there should be another wire this may carry 12v when the radio is on. I am not 100% sure if this is the same on Vw's you can test this with a volt meter if you have one handy.

[JimC64]

Had the same problem on my wifes 53 plate Passat and turned out to be the infamous antenna base issue, see post below.....


Passat no radio reception - resolution / possible fix?


Below is also a video of a Mk IV Golf with similar issue showing what happens to the circuit board that causes the issues

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct...59930103,d.ZG4


VW will look for around £350 + to fix ( I asked )
If you have any decent DIY skills you can buy the antena + mast if required for around £16 and a few hours of your time.....Job should be good.

This may be your problem and hopefully should help you.

Hope to hear