Heated Rear Screen causes loss of DAB signal

[N16E]

I've had my BE for 3 weeks now and just noticed this morning that when I turn on my heated rear window my DAB signal drops out.....I tried it on the way home from work and it still dropped out but only occasionally, could it be due to a low DAB signal strength being somehow blocked when the heater element (which I believe incorporate the ariel) is switched on?

I wish it wasn't intermittent... I fear it's gonna be a bugger to fix.

Anyone else had this?

PS the reason I think I never noticed this before was I have been listening to an ipod connected to the MMI.

N16E

[johnsimcox]

I've had my BE for 3 weeks now and just noticed this morning that when I turn on my heated rear window my DAB signal drops out.....I tried it on the way home from work and it still dropped out but only occasionally, could it be due to a low DAB signal strength being somehow blocked when the heater element (which I believe incorporate the ariel) is switched on?

I wish it wasn't intermittent... I fear it's gonna be a bugger to fix.

Anyone else had this?

PS the reason I think I never noticed this before was I have been listening to an ipod connected to the MMI.

N16E

Assume you have a saloon. Sounds like the aerial amp may be faulty, definitely a trip to the dealer to get it sorted.

[Westyfield2]

Sounds like some interference. FYI though, the DAB antenna is in the quarter/side window, and not the actual rear window.

Assuming you're in warranty, I'd just give it to the dealer to fix.

If you feel like tinkering... if you go into the Green Hidden MMI menu, you can view the tuner's signal level and then watch what happens when you turn the heater on.

[N16E]

Quick Update

New Rear Window fitted = Problem solved

btw....Engine and gearbox software both updated.

I had complained about the car failing to pull away quickly at roundabouts (when still rolling) and was told this was due the "adaptive" gearbox not changing down from 3rd, anyhow not really tested it out in anger yet, but the car does seem even smoother.

Anyone had issue with the track information going missing or the system dropping out when connecting IP5 via blutooth?

N16E

[DaveMac1974]

I have this too! It also makes my FM stations crackle when the heated rear screen is on!

[N16E]

Yes, my dab dropped and my FM crackled. It does sound like you have the same or similar problem, how old is your car?

Btw before my screen was changed I noticed one of the heater elements was broken (one line only partial cleared)

Good luck getting it sorted.

N16E

[DaveMac1974]

Mine is an Ultra BE saloon, 14 plate registered July.

[Simonl74]

I've noticed exactly the same issue. At first I thought that it may be due to the damp and miserable weather that we are experiencing. thankfully I checked the forum and found that others were having the same problems. Spoke to the dealer today and booked the car in for investigation work. Just covered 1800 miles and the receptionist stated that it "should " be covered under the manufacturers warranty!

[whitter45]

mine is booked in tomorrow to investigate as I lose DAB and FM crackles when screen is enabled - also notice 3 elements broke on drivers side

[Simonl74]

Had mine in at the dealers a week last Monday (24th November) and still waiting for a response from them. They contacted me to tell me that I had caused the damage by using a cleaning product on the glass that has corroded the terminals! therefore it won't be covered under warranty. Told them that as the car is only 4 months old I haven't had chance to clean the glass yet and if I did I would be using the Audi branded cleaning kit that was given to me when i picked up the vehicle.
Collected the vehicle later that day and the service manager was still trying to get a response from Audi UK. I look forward to seeing how you get on with yours.