Viano radio reception issues

[Soupy]

Hi,
I have a 2010 Viano avant-garde with sat nav.
Having issues with poor radio reception on my Viano, suppose to be a top quality system NG2.5 but really is crap. Merci wanted £300 for a new antenna amplifier ouch, and could not guarantee to give better reception. What are the options / alternatives, thinking may put a better stereo system in. Would this be the best solution as the way have is poor as well CD player not very good either. .

Thanks
Soupy

 

[Blobcat]

Antenna amplifier not working is likely. Fitting a new head unit won’t improve the reception if the antenna amplifier isn’t working.

 

[M80]

The antenna amp is a bit more than £30 from memory, I think I have a new one.

Before assuming that though look to see what extras you have powered up.
Many USB fed devices put out RF interference, but anything you might have wired or plugged into the van can do the same.
Unplug and if you've wired anything in dewire those 2nd. Then see how reception is on a weak FM station.

If you have a dash cam it really needs to be to one side of the screen. The obvious mounting place would be close to the mirror, but the antenna amp is just above it.
Phone chargers are a common culprit, there are some, and not always the expensive one's, that can improve RF interference.

 

[M80]

Also, if you opt for a replacement you would enjoy much more from an Android.
Often poo poo'd but I enjoy my 9" Chinese, model specific HU.

 

[Blobcat]

The antenna amp is a bit more than £30 from memory, I think I have a new one.

Before assuming that though look to see what extras you have powered up.
Many USB fed devices put out RF interference, but anything you might have wired or plugged into the van can do the same.
Unplug and if you've wired anything in dewire those 2nd. Then see how reception is on a weak FM station.

If you have a dash cam it really needs to be to one side of the screen. The obvious mounting place would be close to the mirror, but the antenna amp is just above it.
Phone chargers are a common culprit, there are some, and not always the expensive one's, that can improve RF interference.

Good call, lots of Chinese electrickery with poor shielding available these days...

 

[Kev555]

Same on my Vito as regards interference. I installed a reverse camera to see the tow bar in relation to trailer hitch(painted bumpers) monitor is at aerial screen mount and when I hit reverse monitor comes on and all I hear is hiss instead of radio I think my Amp isn't healthy or fuse blown that is mentioned on the forum wherever thats at as my stations are weak

 

[Soupy]

Hi.

Thanks for the reply the only accessory I have fitted is a mirror mounted reverse camera which is only on when reversing. I would prefer to change the head unit for an Android one but won't I still need to sort the antenna out. Merci definitely quote £293 for the part ouch.

 

[Kev555]

As M80 said Soupy you will still need to sort out antenna first, then when you get your reception right you can enjoy upgrading your head unit

 

[Soupy]

As M80 said Soupy you will still need to sort out antenna first, then when you get your reception right you can enjoy upgrading your head unit

Thanks chaps.
I will start by removing the antenna amplifier from under the interior light unit above the mirror and take the part to the local Merc garage and hopefully it will only be around £30 will let you know how I get on.

 

[M80]

The Viano light will drop easily enough once you've removed the o/s lens (I think) you then have access to the 2 spring clips.
Check for a 12 volt feed to the amp when the radio is on, it's usually the blue output wire from the head.

What I have is an antenna amp in a box.
The amp is marked as A 639 820 00 89
The box is marked A 639 820 23 89.

That indicates that I fitted the new one from the box. But like you I was searching for the fault, and the amp wasn't it.
An eBay search brings up plenty of the later (box number) amps at around £20.
It's worth that just for diagnosis.

Common on earlier Mercs was the centre core of the skinny coax coming adrift inside.
The 9v battery type push on connector will be connecting to the front screen antenna, you might try bits of wire there to eliminate the screen antenna or connections to it.
Another is the possibility of the amp coax being in the wrong Fakra receiver at the head unit.

 

[Soupy]

Hi,
I removed the amp part number is A 639 820 22 89.it's green with a connector that attached to the windscreen it has 2 connections 1 beige 1 black.

 

[Soupy]

 

[M80]

Yours looks very similar to both of those I detailed.
The difference looks to me to be that your power is via what looks like a coax connector, so not interchangeable.
I can't see the fly lead connector but I assume that to be the same.

Have you measured 12 volts at the amp when the radio is on?

 

[MinionBob]

Do you have any 12v USB cigarette lighter adaptor things plugged in.

In my experience, only the Garmin ones do not induce FM interference; all the other I have tried (branded and cheapo) do.

 

[Soupy]

Do you have any 12v USB cigarette lighter adaptor things plugged in.

In my experience, only the Garmin ones do not induce FM interference; all the other I have tried (branded and cheapo) do.

Hi,
Nothing plugged in and new antenna amplifier has been ordered, should be here tomorrow.
Hopefully this will solve the problem and I can listen to pop master

 

[M80]

Hi,
Nothing plugged in and new antenna amplifier has been ordered, should be here tomorrow.
Hopefully this will solve the problem and I can listen to pop master

Best of luck,
at least it's an easy change out.

 

[Soupy]

Hi,

So new part fitted and we now have a working radio, radio 2 is spot on.
Thanks for all the help.