Radio Reception

[Silversalmon]

Hi there, new to our 2011 CT200h SEI however one thing tat really narks me is the terrible radio reception, our 2005 Sportcross, a 13 year old design was heaps better. For anyone with any Scottish geography, we live in Glasgow and within about twenty five miles, just short of Loch Lomond reception just breaks up. This is FM, not DAB, wish i had that option. Does anyone else have any experience of this. Not quite sure how to bring this up with the dealer, not really going to drive 50 miles are they to ttest reception, and it's all a bit subjective, not like ahandy knocking noise is it!

Has anyone tried the DAB upgrade? I'm seriously considering this if only to improve reception. I go up north fishing a fair bit but if i cant get radio reception I'll just need to take our other, gas guzzling car. Thanks for any replies.

Ed in Glasgow

[ColinBarber]

DAB is typically worse for reception compared to FM on most vehicles. I've certainly seen other complaints of the FM and DAB performance of the CT.

[adnewton]

I agree, it is poor. Check your settings to ensure you have AF ON. Some stations broadcast on different frequencies throughout GB.

I tend to switch off and play music off USB now. Many have commented on the poor reception when in mine.

If enough of us complain, they may start to investigate.

[ColinBarber]

I wonder if a different antenna would improve things? It would either be an antenna issue or a poor connection from the antenna to the headunit.

[adnewton]

I've asked them to investigate mine when it goes in for a new drivers for check arm - clicking when opening/closing.

This car has been in more times than my yaris ever was. Time to change me thinks.

[Silversalmon]

Wife has the car today, I'll check that the AF is on, always wondered what that was! Hopefully it'll improve things, makes sense.

Sorry you're having woes, my last Lexus was exemplary. also very worrying re Lexus customer care, they always seem to get rave reviews.

Also, thanks to Colin Barber, i wonder if you can get better aeriels as a straightforward screw in fix?

[Pidu]

I wonder if you can get better aeriels as a straightforward screw in fix?

Better - not so sure, longer - yes. You have to check aerial connection to the base - male/female/size of the crew and there is plenty out there to choose from. To see if it helps you would have to try. On one of my previous cars I was using SHORTER aerial while driving with roof box and there was no difference in FM reception.

EDIT: Have looked at ct forum and it was mentioned aerial with M6 screw is needed. There is a few 16 inch long available on eBay, do not know how long is the oem one.

[Pidu]

A little update - bought a bmw mini aerial from local break yard. I know what you will say but that was the only one with proper thread The thread was too long, had to cut off abt 2mm so it would fit the base better. The aerial itself is more than twice as long as oem one. To determine the difference I have used pre-set stations - could immediately notice a change as a local radio station I had no reception at all using oem aerial i could receive (with an interference, but still) using the new one. Many stations I can now hear load and clear, without interference I was getting before. Did 30 mile trip and I'm happy with the improvement, can actually listen to the radio while driving. It is only FM modulation so reception depend on many factors, living in other area might give different outcome of the change so I do not expect miracles, but IMHO it was worth spending few quid.

OEM aerial

"Upgrade"

The aerial does not touch roof spoiler when you open the boot.

[ColinBarber]

Glad you got an improvement. :)

[adnewton]

Maybe an email to Lexus would prompt them to look at this issue. Seems to be too many with this problem.