Radio turns off when braking. Help please

[andrewollason]

Interesting. If it is an electromagnetic interference issue the root cause can be tricky to track down. Problem seems to be present on a lot of units so unlikely that it’s defective parts although could be a batch issue. Does your dab reception die when braking everywhere or only in areas where the signal is week (usually rural).

[Motiv8]

Interesting. If it is an electromagnetic interference issue the root cause can be tricky to track down. Problem seems to be present on a lot of units so unlikely that it’s defective parts although could be a batch issue. Does your dab reception die when braking everywhere or only in areas where the signal is week (usually rural).

Mostly rural when braking.

[griff]

Not sure whether it's been highlighted before - I usually listen to BBC Radio 4, and have never had any issues with the radio, until I changed station to Times radio - everytime the car breaks, either during regeneration or by pedal, I lose reception. Why does this not happen with Radio 4?

[MO1]

This issue that I originally reported (radio turning off when braking or slowing down with OPD) has been fixed. I took it to Volvo multiple times and each time they fobbed me off. Eventually they sorted it when I had had enough and am on the verge of handing this car back due to the many issues. Anyway, they changed the brake light and after a few weeks of driving it it seems that it’s been solved. It certainly hasn’t done it again. There does of course remain many other issues with car but this one that isn’t software related seems to be fixed. And Volvo did acknowledge that this issue is very common and they see it all the time

[zaphod]

changed the brake light to fix the radio.

yeah, that doesn't shake my confidence at all.

[andrewollason]

The dab aerial is mounted near the brake lights. Interference from the led lights causes attenuation of the dab signal which can lead to loss of audio while braking.

[SP1959]

The dab aerial is mounted near the brake lights. Interference from the led lights causes attenuation of the dab signal which can lead to loss of audio while braking.

Aerials used to be mounted on top of the roof, well away from sources of electrical interference.

The invention of glass roofs means car manufacturers have to find new locations, and unfortunately all possible locations are nearer possible soures of electrical interference.

[zaphod]

yeah both in my xc60 and the ex30 I have to back into the [attached] garage to get good wifi signal. doesn't happen with other cars, just the volvos.

related, when I changed the incandescent lights in the garage door opener for bright LEDs, I had to mess with the opener antenna as it no longer responded to remotes. Known problem with LEDs in openers.

[PF EX30]

I fitted a dashcam with rear camera. I routed the rear cable really neatly and put everything back together. Was pleased with myself and with the car fully back together I discovered that the radio no longer worked. Turns out the cable for the rear camera crossed the antenna cable and stopped it working. I had to reroute the cable and we seem to be back to normal now.

[PF EX30]

Not sure whether it's been highlighted before - I usually listen to BBC Radio 4, and have never had any issues with the radio, until I changed station to Times radio - everytime the car breaks, either during regeneration or by pedal, I lose reception. Why does this not happen with Radio 4?

I generally find that the BBC channels are the strongest on DAB. So if I listen to Absolute 80s it cuts out far more than BBC R2 does. A weaker DAB signal will be more prone to interference from the brake light.

Additionally BBC R4 has an FM transmission frequency, so the car will flick between DAB and FM to maintain your enjoyment of Today or PM. Over on Times radio I believe it is DAB only so it won't be able to do this.