Has anyone ever experienced radio static when the rear defrost is turned on? REAL annoying, My rear defrost elements are all fine, no scratches. When the defrost is off, no static... There is supposedly some antenna amplifier up in the headliner...? Has anyone ever had this problem?
Radio static when rear defrost is on.
- Thread starter Boose
- Start date
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0627Devildog
Member
I have not had any problems with the rear defroster causing issues, but I DEFINITELY had a bad/loose connection somewhere that drops in and out when I hit bumps in the road.
The rear passenger side window holds the antenna and the connection to the ant is above the headliner right at the window. There has been a loose connection that drops the am/fm stations for the last 25K miles or so. I believe that the connection is bad where the wired connections makes the transition to the window connection.
It is in such a funky place I am not sure how to address. Can this be repaired without replacing the whole rear window? Is the headliner removed easily?
The antenna lead definitely goes to the unit I'm speaking to which is supposedly tucked up above the headliner... I haven't attempted to try to pull it down yet. Is you connection at the window good as far as you can tell?
stamp11127
Full Access Members
You may be experiencing noise on the power line to the radio. Search online for car audio noise filters. Or you have a bad connection somewhere that is arching and the radio antenna is picking it up.
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stamp11127
Full Access Members
Think about it, what do radios do? Receive signals. Only two ways for that to happen, interference through the power leads (they also act as antennas) or through the antenna itself. There is something on that circuit that is giving a signal that the radio is picking up.
0627Devildog
Member
Bad ground on either the radio, or rear defroster maybe?
0627Devildog
Member
My connection to the actual window itself is definitely what the cause of MY issue is. . . . The connection from the ant. cable to the connector that leads to the window is solid. But where that connector transitions from cable to the connection inside the window is weak.
I just have no idea how to fix it because of the ****** spot it's in.
ExpeditionAndy
Full Access Members
Ford Dealer?
0627Devildog
Member
I brought it there 3 times for the same issue when it was under warranty. Mysteriously, while it was under warranty. . . . they could NEVER seem to replicate the issue, even though it did it on the way there AND on the way home.
It's not consistent unfortunately. I am going to try to test this with a wet vs. dry lift gate glass. I have a feeling it has something to do with the power draw of the defrost. When I try it now when it is warmer out, I did not get any static. Over the winter, when using the defrost to actually clear up the rear glass, the static was all the time.
B
bedrck46
Just a thought.
When you used the rear defrost did all the grid lines look as though there were working? If they all were not defrosting there is a break in one or more of the grid lines and it could be possible that it was arcing across the break causing the interference with the radio.
When you used the rear defrost did all the grid lines look as though there were working? If they all were not defrosting there is a break in one or more of the grid lines and it could be possible that it was arcing across the break causing the interference with the radio.
To be honest with you I never got around to actually validating each line was conducting. On appearance, I never saw any blatant gaps in the heating elements. I am going to scope the lines with my multimeter for consistent voltage & resistance. Great recommendation, Thanks!
FordCustSrvc
Full Access Members
Boose and 0627Devildog,
Happy Friday to the both of you! Since your vehicles are out of the new-vehicle limited warranty, and has no recalls, or Customer Satisfaction Programs, it’s recommended that the vehicle be brought in to your dealer and speak to your service manager about the concern.
He is in the best position to ensure a proper diagnosis, and will be able to provide available options and/or coverage for any work needed.
Also, Please check here to see recalls notices. All you need to do is plug in your VIN. =)
You can schedule an appointment online here.
Since it’s not always consistent try to get the vehicles in to the dealer right away when they're actively experiences these symptoms.
I hope this was helpful and have a great weekend!
Tricia
0627Devildog
Member
Boose and 0627Devildog,
Happy Friday to the both of you! Since your vehicles are out of the new-vehicle limited warranty, and has no recalls, or Customer Satisfaction Programs, it’s recommended that the vehicle be brought in to your dealer and speak to your service manager about the concern.
He is in the best position to ensure a proper diagnosis, and will be able to provide available options and/or coverage for any work needed.
Also, Please check here to see recalls notices. All you need to do is plug in your VIN. =)
You can schedule an appointment online here.
Since it’s not always consistent try to get the vehicles in to the dealer right away when they're actively experiences these symptoms.
I hope this was helpful and have a great weekend!
Tricia
Hey Tricia,
While I certainly appreciate the insight. . . . .Considering I brought it in 3 times while under warranty, none of which found the issue, I am not sure another trip back to the dealer is the remedy I'm looking for.
JM
FordCustSrvc
Full Access Members
0627Devildog,
I understand. I’ll be glad to document your dealer feedback. Please PM the following: details of your experience, your full name, VIN, dealer, and best contact number. I’ll make sure it’s noted.
Also, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions/concerns in the future.
Tricia
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