[Bonza_Beauty_Mate!]

Hello all,

I find my AM radio crackly ... seems like it's more of an issue when the car is in motion... so I'm guessing maybe the aerial ....

Anyone else had problems with this?

FM radio works fine... but I like old man radio ... soooooo it's annoying...

Tried to find some info, some people have mentioned a faulty aerial base....

Any help is appreciated..

[Dazzler]

Fair bit on here about it. We haven't had the problem in any of our 3 i30's but seldom use the radio. 

 Definitely seems to be an aerial thing. The connection of the aerial to the back of the head unit can be a bit flaky apparently. AM reception not a strong point in the i30 at the best of times.

[Johnno]

Not tuned into a AM station for about 40 yrs

[Shambles]

Not tuned into a AM station for about 40 yrs

Don't worry - the songs haven't changed.

[Johnno]

Not tuned into a AM station for about 40 yrs

Don't worry - the songs haven't changed.

 

[Surferdude]

I like am, but my radio doesn't.
The aerial itself doesn't seem to be the problem.  The reception is affected by the engine.  Turn it off and reception is perfect.

so the idea of a loose connection somewhere has merit.

[Phil №❶]

Must be all that HV petrol engine ignition circuit. 

[Surferdude]

Must be all that HV petrol engine ignition circuit. 

Too right. 

[Hornet]

Last year I had similar problems as Bonza. The Dealer checked the wiring, connections and aerial, all were OK. Hy replaced the complete head unit, that fixed it for a short time when the AM reception again become unlistenable but only when driving. This indicated to me a loose aerial connection. As the radio was more than 3 year old I was informed it was now out of warranty and not their problem. So much for the advertised 5 year warranty and no mention of exceptions.
I now listen to FM only but at times would like AM. I tried to access the rear of the radio to check connections, removed the screws in the top tray over the radio head but could not see an easy way remove the tray. To pry it out with a screw driver could do some damage resulting in swift, savage and severe reaction from my good lady who just loves our i30. I am not game to take any chances fearing the consequences. 
Is there a simple way to look at the rear of the radio unit without doing damage? If so it may also assist Bonza should his i30 be out of warranty.

[How I Roll]

Last year I had similar problems as Bonza. The Dealer checked the wiring, connections and aerial, all were OK. Hy replaced the complete head unit, that fixed it for a short time when the AM reception again become unlistenable but only when driving. This indicated to me a loose aerial connection. As the radio was more than 3 year old I was informed it was now out of warranty and not their problem. So much for the advertised 5 year warranty and no mention of exceptions.
I now listen to FM only but at times would like AM. I tried to access the rear of the radio to check connections, removed the screws in the top tray over the radio head but could not see an easy way remove the tray. To pry it out with a screw driver could do some damage resulting in swift, savage and severe reaction from my good lady who just loves our i30. I am not game to take any chances fearing the consequences. 
Is there a simple way to look at the rear of the radio unit without doing damage? If so it may also assist Bonza should his i30 be out of warranty.

I assume an fd i30? In that case... You will want to hold the cover to be about 50% open and pull the assembly (where the grove is) up and toward the windscreen. Will pop out, some are tight.

Follow that by a single screw behind that tray for the main trim surrounding the radio unit and has a/c controls, pull that toward you from the top (where the screw was) and disconnect connectors.

There you have it. 4 screws remove radio. Hope that helps.

[i30mad]

aerial base corrosion, also worth investing in a inline aerial booster amp. only a few quid on flea bay

[Bonza_Beauty_Mate!]

I assume an fd i30? In that case... You will want to hold the cover to be about 50% open and pull the assembly (where the grove is) up and toward the windscreen. Will pop out, some are tight.

Follow that by a single screw behind that tray for the main trim surrounding the radio unit and has a/c controls, pull that toward you from the top (where the screw was) and disconnect connectors.

There you have it. 4 screws remove radio. Hope that helps.
[/quote]

Just put up a few pics from my attempt.
You would need a bent screwdriver to get to a couple of the screws.

[Bonza_Beauty_Mate!]

With the top tray removed.
There's 4 screws the hold the tray down. 2 at the back. 2 at the front.
I held onto the part where you open it.. and pulled up... it came out OK..

[Bonza_Beauty_Mate!]

Pull the surround from the top towards you...
It comes out OK.. there's a few clip type things that you might want to pry with a flathead... but I think it still comes out anyway.
can easily access the radio now..

[Bonza_Beauty_Mate!]

aerial base corrosion, also worth investing in a inline aerial booster amp. only a few quid on flea bay

Would it be possible to pick out an appropriate one and put a link up?
I've had a look, they all look similar, but I thought I'd ask someone with experience.

And I guess it just attaches to the back of the radio?? Remove the old aerial plug and put in between?
 

[Hornet]

Pull the surround from the top towards you...
It comes out OK.. there's a few clip type things that you might want to pry with a flathead... but I think it still comes out anyway.
can easily access the radio now..

Bonza, thanks for the info and the pics. I will give it a go when the Mrs goes shopping otherwise she will stop me from removing the radio unit.

[Phil №❶]

 

Same problem. 

[cruiserfied]

Hell even I have that problem

[Phil №❶]