DAB in car radio problem

**allover** · 13-05-21, 11:18 AM

Can some one give me rational reason why my in Ranger DAB takes one half hour to start playing whilst driving, once it commences playing it cuts in and out until after an hour it becomes stable (have timed it on several occasions)
I can pull up at lights, place in park and it will play normally
As i want to claim it on warranty, the ex grease monkey at reception claims he needs the car for the day, as it is my work ute that means a days wages plus i don't think they would have a clue
It has never worked from the day go but did not worry me until i found an old rock station on it i like

**hoe** · 13-05-21, 11:56 AM

sounds like a loose antenna connection...

**mtv** · 13-05-21, 03:09 PM

Are you in a good signal area? If signals are marginal, being digital they will cut in and out, sounding the same as a loose antenna connection.

It could actually be a loose antenna connection or loose connection inside the unit, including a dry solder joint, etc.

**allover** · 13-05-21, 04:22 PM

Thanks guys, my bad, should have mentioned am, fm are fine, as mentioned when in neutral reception fine. Friends Everest has no problem at same locations
Would loose aerial affect only DAB?

**mtv** · 13-05-21, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by allover

Would loose aerial affect only DAB?

DAB would be affected more than AM/FM... digital V analogue, but I would expect you'd notice some difference on the analogue bands.

Could possibly be an interference/earthing issue.

Is your vehicle diesel? RF noise from injectors is fairly common.

It could of course just be a faulty unit.

**Adobe** · 13-05-21, 04:48 PM

Have you got any third party LED lights fitted to your car, as they can cause all sorts of problems with marginal signals on DAB

Adobe

**mtv** · 13-05-21, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by Adobe

Have you got any third party LED lights fitted to your car, as they can cause all sorts of problems with marginal signals on DAB

Adobe

Valid point... re: interference.

Just odd that it only happens when the vehicle is in gear, which suggests some form of generated interference.

Still wondering if it's a crook earth.

**hinekadon** · 13-05-21, 06:44 PM

I think the first problem is the biggest clue ? !/2 hour to get started tells me its faulty internally , to test earth put your multimeter on the radio chassis and on the car ground , if theres any volts there its a crook earth altho is it ok on fm from the word go the radio is fvcked

**allover** · 13-05-21, 06:48 PM

Thanks guys for the tips
Yep, after market leds, but radio was not operating correctly before installing them plus this occurs when lights are off, reverse camera, forward facing camera, but have pulled the fuses to check for interference, non!
Really only leaves me with brake unit, but that is wired to Ford specs and am unsure where the fuse is
ps leds are Stedis so reputable brand
Is there any way an auto elec can trace down?