RD3 Radio no/very poor signal

[klaxhu]

Hi guys,

I just bought a 307 with a RD3, refited by the previous owner as he had a different stereo before.

The problem is that I only managed to find 1-2 channels here in London and also both are quite poor quality. I have checked the other threads on the same problems and tried so far :

- checked all connections on the driver side, earrthing is good, cable seems fine
- open rear light and checked under the aerial, also there connection seem fine.
- I also sticked a wire instead of the antenna with no improvements

Is it possible that the radio has a fault? - I wil try another stereo when I get the chance, but I would rather fix this one as I will only use it with a Sat Nav radio trasmitter+iPOD.

What other stuff do I need to check? - Should I open up the aerial and check if there is everything allright?

Thanks!

Andy

[klaxhu]

I've actually did just one more test:

- put the radio on the one station I can find on manual/ FM and unscrewd the antenna from the top aerial and the signal got totally lost, which probably means the FM reception (and AM) in the radio is the problem.

I will test with another radio just to make sure before buying a new stereo, but let me know if you guys think otherwise.
Would be good If I would get confirmation from here before buying a new stereo, I don't know If I can find one with the same wiring to test it.

Also, if If I find a 3rd party stereo like JVC for example and fit it, would the radio/cd commands on the steering wheel still work?
And if I buy another RD3, do I need to code it to my card, that costing me some more ££ ? So what do you recommend?

A big thanks!

Andy

[klaxhu]

hi again

if I buy another RD3 from ebay (found some for 20-30£) how much do you guys recon it would cost me to recode it for my 307?

thx!

[john_h]

hi, ive heard that the base unit on the aerial can cause signal issues. from what i have heard they are pretty cheap to replace.

if that doesnt help, and the signal is still pants, it will most likely be the unit receiver has gone duff and a new unit will be in order.

as for coding im not sure from dealer but if you find someone local with planet (check bettyswollocks sig for a link) they will do it for a few beer tokens.

[klaxhu]

Originally Posted by john_h

hi, ive heard that the base unit on the aerial can cause signal issues. from what i have heard they are pretty cheap to replace.

if that doesnt help, and the signal is still pants, it will most likely be the unit receiver has gone duff and a new unit will be in order.

as for coding im not sure from dealer but if you find someone local with planet (check bettyswollocks sig for a link) they will do it for a few beer tokens.

sounds good - so before I buy a new unit, I will try to open the base unit for the aerial and have a look.

thanks for the tip with somebody around me having planet, I will try to find someone and I will be more than glad to offer some rewards
thanks John!!!

[john_h]

the base bit im referring to is the bobble thing at the bottom of the aerial....where it screws onto. thought id clear that up before you go opening things up

no worries

[klaxhu]

Yep. Thx mate.
I already had a look on ebay,its about 20 quid.

I also heard smb saying the easiest way to open it is by getting out the rear interior light and unscrew there, but it seems uite hard from looking now
I will have a look on friday and take some time with it

[john_h]

keep us posted

[klaxhu]

So,I opened the base and everything seems fine.
Also,I put a cable instead of the antenna that screws into the base and it seems the signal is much better (still the radio dosn't find channels on auto)

So i will get first a new antenna and see what happends, i don't want to get snother base or another rAdio and then realise that wasnt the problem.

Any other ideas!?

[klaxhu]

I bought another antenna today, put it on and I've got the same results ...

I am thicking that the radio/cd unit itself is causing the problem.
I will try with another radio unit when I get a change.

Any ideas welcome!

thanks!