Hi Guys

I have an A3 8) 2.0 Tfsi Quattro S-Tronic Black Edition with the RNS-E satnav, Bose sound and multi-function steering wheel. I have just had the ICE upgraded with a Pioneer head unit which gives me Apple Carplay and Android Auto, with DAB radio. The system works fine apart for the FM reception, which seems to be an aerial issue, I've been told that the sharkfin contains aerials for the satnav and the telephone and that the FM aerial is in the tailgate glass and has an amplifier, can anyone confirm this and perhaps suggest how I can test the FM aerial.
Many thanks

 

That's what I have believed. Just looked at my basic manual and confirmed that yes, that is correct. The antenna amplifier is shown to be near the top of the tailgate under the trim. I would think an amplifier would need power so you may want to verify it.

 

Hi Matt

Thanks for confirming this. My ICE guy has now fitted an updated sharkfin which he says, includes the FM aerial as well as the DBA aerial, but the FM reception is no better. He is now going to change the Pioneer head unit, watch this space!

 

Yes, the shark fin on your car typically houses antennas for the GPS (satnav) and the telephone. The FM aerial for the radio is often integrated into the rear glass, and there might be an amplifier associated with it. To test the FM aerial, you can try switching back to the factory head unit temporarily to see if the FM reception improves. If it does, the issue may be related to the aftermarket head unit installation or its compatibility with the existing FM setup.

 

Hi Dolores Thanks for the reply. I'm pleased to say that the Pioneer is now working very well. The ICE guy replaced the head unit and the problem remained, he tested the original in his workshop and there was nothing wrong with it. He has now replaced the wring from the sharkfin to the Pioneer and the FM now works fine. I now have DAB as well as FM as he installed the upgraded sharkfin at no cost to me. I am very impressed with his diligence in resolving my probelem. He also installed front parking sensors and rear view camera for a very competitive price. If any one in Hampshire UK needs a reliable ICE guy, then I will be happy to provide his details.

 

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

 

Thanks, I also want to know it.


 

hi
So in your case it seems the shark fin does supply the FM? My 06 B7 has had worsening radio reception on FM and suddenly AM is bad now too. It only works in areas where I guess gets a super good signal.
My B7 may be similar to yours I hope - it has no satnav but does have the sharkfin. I’d like to chat to your guys about it please.
what’s that head unit you got too please? Maybe I’ll upgrade and get car play.

thanks lots.

 

When I upgraded my head unit from the old Concert II (single DIN) to a Kenwood Exelon DDX9904S (double DIN), I had wanted to utilize the shark fin for the GPS signal. I figured it would be a good bit superior. But the auto install shop from where I bought my head unit adapter kit told me not to bother, that it would be far more work than it is worth. I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. PLUS... since I prefer to use my phone for GPS navigation, it's kind of worthless in that regard. I simply don't like the navigation software on that head unit. Periodically it will lock up. But not only that, if I want to access music or the phone, it means swapping out of the GPS navigation mode. I'm perfectly satisfied with Google Maps or Waze for navigation on my phone. I have a magnetic mount (by Clear Mount) designed for the A3 8P that puts the phone right between the two vents. It works brilliantly.

And yeah, that shark fin doesn't double as an FM antenna. I guess the wider the antenna area (through the rear glass) is a better signal receiver.

 

Sorry that I missed your request, the company is Holbury ICE in Southampton.