Navigation & Audio R56 Horrible Radio Reception
#1
R56 Horrible Radio Reception
I have a 2009 Cooper S Hatchback (R56). Regular boost radio. Has bluetooth and SAT wiring (now all installed). Anyway. I have HORRIBLE FM reception (i.e. 1 or 2 channels max in Metro Orlando, FL). Something is wrong. How should I troubleshoot what is failed? I don't know how to get to any of the antenna, antenna amplifier, or radio connections. Any way of testing components or how to get to any of these parts would be appreciated.
#4
The FM antenna is not the one on the roof. it is built into the rear window glass. The "rubber duck" antenna on the roof is for AM, and the satellite antenna is built into the antenna base.
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Bueller? Bueller?
OK, I found the antenna amplifier and two traps under the rear hatch plastic.
The traps have continuity. I cleaned all the contacts-- no improvement.
There are 4 plugs on the amp.
1. 3 wires going to the window (FM) antenna grid. Black plug, red/yellow/black wires. Black is connected to ground.
2. White plug with one thin black wire. I assume antenna/signal "in" (AM)?
3. White coax plug -- Has something to do with AM (see below).
4. Black coax plug -- I assume the same as the white one but for FM?
Anyway-- I can unplug any plug from the amp or traps... it makes no difference in reception with one exception-- If I unplug the white coax plug the AM "gain/volume" goes down. But it does not affect signal aquisition.
I don't measure any voltages anywhere. I assume that is problematic too.
Can anyone help? I guess schematics for these cars are kept in Apple Computer's proprietary vault?!
MC
OK, I found the antenna amplifier and two traps under the rear hatch plastic.
The traps have continuity. I cleaned all the contacts-- no improvement.
There are 4 plugs on the amp.
1. 3 wires going to the window (FM) antenna grid. Black plug, red/yellow/black wires. Black is connected to ground.
2. White plug with one thin black wire. I assume antenna/signal "in" (AM)?
3. White coax plug -- Has something to do with AM (see below).
4. Black coax plug -- I assume the same as the white one but for FM?
Anyway-- I can unplug any plug from the amp or traps... it makes no difference in reception with one exception-- If I unplug the white coax plug the AM "gain/volume" goes down. But it does not affect signal aquisition.
I don't measure any voltages anywhere. I assume that is problematic too.
Can anyone help? I guess schematics for these cars are kept in Apple Computer's proprietary vault?!
MC
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#9
More info. (and I could still use help)... Things I have learned:
The black Euro antenna connection is the signal going back to the head unit. If I hook up an FM antenna directly (bypassing the antenna amplifier), my reception is great. So, I definitely have a problem with the antenna connection or the amplifier.
I think the white Euro antenna connection goes to the AM mast on the roof. Can anyone verify?
The black flat plug goes to the window for the FM loop antenna. The window loop has continuity with a meter, but it does not with the plug. Maybe an issue.
The white flat plug with one wire on it is a mystery. It appears to maybe be the power for the antenna amplifier? I measure 3 volts on it. Is this right, or should it be 12 volts? Does anyone know? Maybe an issue as well.
Getting closer....
MC
The black Euro antenna connection is the signal going back to the head unit. If I hook up an FM antenna directly (bypassing the antenna amplifier), my reception is great. So, I definitely have a problem with the antenna connection or the amplifier.
I think the white Euro antenna connection goes to the AM mast on the roof. Can anyone verify?
The black flat plug goes to the window for the FM loop antenna. The window loop has continuity with a meter, but it does not with the plug. Maybe an issue.
The white flat plug with one wire on it is a mystery. It appears to maybe be the power for the antenna amplifier? I measure 3 volts on it. Is this right, or should it be 12 volts? Does anyone know? Maybe an issue as well.
Getting closer....
MC
#10
VERY CLOSE NOW! Problem is amplifier not getting power. There is a plug with a single black wire. I believe X13174. If I jumper power to it, everything comes alive. Where does the other end of this wire go?! I measure 3V on it, but obviously that is not enough. Maybe a bad connection or a bad component on the other end. Since there are no schematics for this car it seems, I could really use for somebody with reference manuals to help a brother out.
#13
From what I can find - it looks like the wire goes back to the head-unit of the radio. I ASSUME it gives +12V when powered on. I am only reading +3V indicating a problem in the head unit or a bad contact. I really don't want to tear the dash down to hunt it, so is there a convienient ignition switched power source in the back hatch somehere (wipers/door locks) or nearby that I could just tap to?
#15
Thank you Dan--
I have checked fuses, (but not #30 specificially). I will give it a go today. My diagram is not quite like that, and the wire colors are different. I have found bits and pieces, and let me recap the best info. I have now:
There are 4 plugs on the amp.
1. 3 wires going to the window (FM) antenna grid. Black flat plug, red/yellow/black wires. Black is connected to ground. I think this is X13389
2. White flat plug with one thin black wire. This is the power in, and the problem. I think it is X13174 (Circuit A421?) +3V here. Should be +12V.
3. White Euro coax plug. To AM antenna. I think it is X13365
4. Black Euro coax plug. This is the amplified signal going back to the head unit in the dash. I think it is X13344
I've checked fuses 5, 23, & 45.
I have checked fuses, (but not #30 specificially). I will give it a go today. My diagram is not quite like that, and the wire colors are different. I have found bits and pieces, and let me recap the best info. I have now:
There are 4 plugs on the amp.
1. 3 wires going to the window (FM) antenna grid. Black flat plug, red/yellow/black wires. Black is connected to ground. I think this is X13389
2. White flat plug with one thin black wire. This is the power in, and the problem. I think it is X13174 (Circuit A421?) +3V here. Should be +12V.
3. White Euro coax plug. To AM antenna. I think it is X13365
4. Black Euro coax plug. This is the amplified signal going back to the head unit in the dash. I think it is X13344
I've checked fuses 5, 23, & 45.
Last edited by Italianguy63; 02-02-2014 at 12:48 AM.
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Wow! Finally I've found not one, but TWO people with what sounds like my radio issue! I've also got an '07 R56 with no FM reception. Been driving around for a couple weeks now with my dash trim, interior panels and rear seats hibernating in the garage. Has anyone found the source of that wire? Italianguy63, did the jump to 12v work for you long term (if you didn't get the wire source info, of course).
Thanks for that diagram, danjreed. Doesn't match my '07 but its more than the squat I've gotten from my posts! Nice work!
Thanks for that diagram, danjreed. Doesn't match my '07 but its more than the squat I've gotten from my posts! Nice work!
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