[Liffy88]

I've had terrible DAB reception on my 2009 S4 since day 1. The signal just drops out constantly, seemingly with every minor change in the car's location. It has had a new DAB tuner module which made no difference. I suspect I have aerial issues in that there just is not a strong enough signal reaching the DAB module to maintain a connection.
So, presumably, could be either the aerial itself or the signal amplifier (I believe there is one in the wiring to the aerial). But where are all these components ?
Curiously, when folding the nearside rear seat forward the other day I noticed this little part (hadn't noticed that for years !). It looks like part of one of those aftermarket DAB aerials.
Had the previous owner tried curing the DAB issues by installing this instead ??? As the car came fitted with DAB I assume the original aerial would be in the rear windscreen.
Anyway, the task now is how to get this sorted. I live in Somerset - anyone know of a decent car audio techie within reach ? Or how to get at the DAB aerial wiring ?
Thanks

 

[JohnS4]

Welcome. The DAB antenna module is usually in the right hand rear pillar (at least it is for a facelift car). This is powered by the tuner via the co-ax. You should scan the car with a tool like VCDS to obtain the fault codes. This will then point you in the right direction. Check the wiring to the existing DAB module for continuity, if the cables go into the rear lid the flexing can damage the cables. I would be tempted to trace the wires from that small device and remove it.

 

[Liffy88]

Welcome. The DAB antenna module is usually in the right hand rear pillar (at least it is for a facelift car). This is powered by the tuner via the co-ax. You should scan the car with a tool like VCDS to obtain the fault codes. This will then point you in the right direction. Check the wiring to the existing DAB module for continuity, if the cables go into the rear lid the flexing can damage the cables. I would be tempted to trace the wires from that small device and remove it.

Thanks
RHS ? From which direction ? Nearside or Offside ? The car is a B8 pre-facelift. It is a saloon so can't see that wiring would go into the bootlid.
I don't have VCDS. Also a little worried about trying to remove trim to get at wiring in case I snap anything.
Hence hoping there might be a specialist not too far away that has some experience with this.

 

[JohnS4]

Right hand if you were sat in the car driving. The pre facelift saloon has the amp on the right hand side of the rear screen. Sorry, no idea who can help in that area.

 

[Jezz]

The A5 rear pillar cover comes off easily.
There's a tab that says airbag or something similar.
I used a normal knife to pop it out and then cover just pulls off.
If you're rear screen is tinted this can effect the radio receiver because they are built into the rear screen.