Rear demister interferring with E46 Stock radio

[red89mx 0]

Hi all

Anyone had any problems with their stock radio reception when the rear demister is on? If so what have you done to fix the issue (RAdio or Read demister issue?)

Been a bit chilly lately so have only just noticed that the radio signal go to rubbish when I put the demister on?

Swapped out the head unit on the weekend (Thanks Oli) so will check if it still happens. It was a pain getting the unit back in flush - still not quiet there. Seems the wiring at the back bunches up....must be a knack to this.

Cheers

[jochen 4]

You have a cut element in the rear demister which is arcing and sparking and causing radio interference

3 ways to fix it:

1. Fit a brand new rear window :-)

2. Repair the broken element using special conductive paint - go to Repco for a demister repair kit

3. Make the cut wider so it doesn't arc, which consequently puts the element out of action permanently.

[red89mx 0]

Cheers Jochen

Will have a look for the break and try to fix it.

This also explains why the demister seemed to take forever to work.

[red89mx 0]

Hi Jochen

Should I be able to see where the rear demister is broken? Spent some tine on weekend and could not track down.

Also not as noticeable with the replacement radio/Tape unit.

Ta

[jochen 4]

Hi Jochen

Should I be able to see where the rear demister is broken? Spent some tine on weekend and could not track down.

Also not as noticeable with the replacement radio/Tape unit.

Ta

Hard to see sometimes

Easiest is to mist up the window then switch on the demister

Look for any demisting irregularities - a spot that clears faster = a hotspot in the wire = potential arcing

When you see the irregualritie, mark it quickly with a permanent marker for later detailed fault-finding. You can clean the marker pen off afterwards.

If an entire line doesn't demist, use a multimeter and tinfoil as the conductor (otherwise you scratch the wire more) and start following the conductor until you find the break. Measure from ground to wire, you'll see where the break is.

If many conductors in one block don't demist, then suspect the common connection on the side of the window.

If you live in Rotorua or a thermal area, the window may be beyond repair as all the copper conductors may have corroded away to nothing (I've seen this!) due to sulphur in the air.

[*Glenn* 854]

The rear elements may also have been damaged if it previously had tints and they have been removed by an idiot.

Have seen this heaps of times, if so, as Jochen says, you'll need a new rear screen