MY09 FM radio reception problems

Dan G · Feb 15th, 2011, 04:53

Hi, I have a MY09 S40 with the standard audio system. The FM reception, particularly for Radio 4 (which I usually listen to), is very poor. All the way from Reading to Bristol on the M4 I can barely hear the station over noise and the radio often does long "seeks" then fails to pick up the frequency. Elsewhere the reception is good enough for listening but is still always hissy and crackly.

I can't believe this is normal -- do other people have good reception, particularly on the M4 (which I drive twice a week).

Only had the car three weeks through Volvo Used Approved, thinking about asking them to have a look at it under warranty.

Bigmunkynutz · Feb 15th, 2011, 09:04

If you had the Rear heated window on at the time this may have been the problem as it interferes with the signal.

Dan G · Feb 15th, 2011, 13:03

No I very rarely use the defroster, this is all when just cruising normally.

rapidvxr · Feb 15th, 2011, 18:33

i have the same problems on fm which do get worse when the rear demister is on , , which i understand means that 1 or more of the heating strips on the window is broken or nearly broken as this is the antenna

Murrayhouse · Feb 15th, 2011, 22:37

I suffered this problem for months, and was back at the dealer several times. It turned out that the problem was a cheap iPod charger/FM Modulator. Even when not in use (but plugged in) it was apparently having a severe effect on FM reception across the waveband. It wasn't the FM modulation part of it to blame, it was the charger circuitry. As soon as I removed it FM reception was perfect.

Dan G · Jun 14th, 2011, 02:47

So it turns out Murrayhouse was on the money. The problem was just a cheap phone charger I had plugged in to the 12V socket. With a modern "smart" phone which always needs charging I had it plugged in most long journeys. Once I took it out, it was fine.

(Don't worry I worked this out back in February, although it did take a couple of weeks! Just posting again in case anyone else has the same issue.)

Feb 15th, 2011, 04:53	#1
Dan G New Member Last Online: Jun 14th, 2011 07:19 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Reading	MY09 FM radio reception problems Hi, I have a MY09 S40 with the standard audio system. The FM reception, particularly for Radio 4 (which I usually listen to), is very poor. All the way from Reading to Bristol on the M4 I can barely hear the station over noise and the radio often does long "seeks" then fails to pick up the frequency. Elsewhere the reception is good enough for listening but is still always hissy and crackly. I can't believe this is normal -- do other people have good reception, particularly on the M4 (which I drive twice a week). Only had the car three weeks through Volvo Used Approved, thinking about asking them to have a look at it under warranty.

Feb 15th, 2011, 09:04	#2
Bigmunkynutz S40 Owner Last Online: Jun 16th, 2013 22:33 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Warrington	If you had the Rear heated window on at the time this may have been the problem as it interferes with the signal. __________________ 05 Plate S40 SE Sport

Feb 15th, 2011, 13:03	#3
Dan G New Member Last Online: Jun 14th, 2011 07:19 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Reading	No I very rarely use the defroster, this is all when just cruising normally.

Feb 15th, 2011, 18:33	#4
rapidvxr Member Last Online: Nov 3rd, 2020 21:43 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: selby	i have the same problems on fm which do get worse when the rear demister is on , , which i understand means that 1 or more of the heating strips on the window is broken or nearly broken as this is the antenna

Feb 15th, 2011, 22:37	#5
Murrayhouse Junior Member Last Online: Sep 24th, 2014 21:38 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Glasgow	I suffered this problem for months, and was back at the dealer several times. It turned out that the problem was a cheap iPod charger/FM Modulator. Even when not in use (but plugged in) it was apparently having a severe effect on FM reception across the waveband. It wasn't the FM modulation part of it to blame, it was the charger circuitry. As soon as I removed it FM reception was perfect.

Jun 14th, 2011, 02:47	#6
Dan G New Member Last Online: Jun 14th, 2011 07:19 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Reading	So it turns out Murrayhouse was on the money. The problem was just a cheap phone charger I had plugged in to the 12V socket. With a modern "smart" phone which always needs charging I had it plugged in most long journeys. Once I took it out, it was fine. (Don't worry I worked this out back in February, although it did take a couple of weeks! Just posting again in case anyone else has the same issue.)

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