SteveFalatko

I have a 2001 S4 with the Symphony/Bose combination. I recently realized that I have no AM reception. FM works on the preset stations but when I scan for stations it doesn't lock up on any. This leads me to believe there is a problem with the antenna system but I would appreciate any advice offerred. I checked the connections in the C pillars to no avail.

I've searched the forums but can't seem to find anything relevant to my problem.

Thanks,
SMF

Cryptic1911

mine has gotten pretty ****ty lately too... hmm

Oo.et.oO

diversity antenna ist kapputt.

do you have a sedan or an avant?

in the avant the amp is in the base of the roof mounted antenna. you can swap it out as they are pretty cheap. but you have to drop the headliner... fun fun

SteveFalatko

I thought that there were multiple amps - one for AM and one or more for FM located in the C pillars (AM on drivers side and FM on passenger). Am I wrong?

Thanks for the reply.

SMF

Hal_TT::CBP

windshield, and a switch in the trunk on the drivers side in front of the toolkit area. Be careful working with the rear package shelf as you can damage the lower two(wires/plugs) removing/sliding it around while unbolted... know from experience unfortunately.

Oo.et.oO

which wires/plugs did you damage? the one coming from the amp on my FM diversity in my avant busted

SteveFalatko

I assume when you talk about the tool kit the switch is behind the access door to the toolkit - I'll look around and see if I can spot what you are talking about.

Is there any way to troubleshoot the system to narrow down/isolate the problem? How do I figure out what is not functioning if I don't find something simple like a disconnected or loose wire?

Also - does the fact that I have reduced sensitivity on both AM and FM mean anything?

Thanks,
SMF

Hal_TT::CBP

as well, both hidden from view). You can troubleshoot by getting access to the switch and trying things by unplugging the antenna/transponder leads there ie unplug one and see if the reception gets worse, one at a time. The way I think this all works is there are 4 leads in the rear glass and the switch picks the reception from the strongest transponder and uses that as the primary, the switch swapping as necessary to maintain reception. If you have poor reception now(with no transponders pulled) I'd start at the back of the headunit and check the cabling there and at the switchblock in the rear. Maybe the cable or switch is the issue...

Let me know if I can help.

Hal_TT::CBP

Driver's side lower transponder. Cable socket pulled out. Reception is fine with the other 3...

SteveFalatko

Thanks. I'll start at the back as I don't have the tools to pull the head unit. I was thinking it had to be a common component as both AM and FM have reduced sensitivity.

SMF