1stRL

Hello guys and gals,

So besides listening to NPR, I tend to want to listen to FM music from time to time. However the reception is really poor. I have a 08 RL. and live in NYC. I've never had any issues with reception before but wanted to know if there was some way to check / fix this issue.

Thanks,

oo7spy

When did the problem start? Is your rear window tinted? Is there any chance your rear window defrost is on?

1stRL

The car is bone stock. I.believe my defroster is off.

oo7spy

Did the problem start recently, or has it been there for as long as you've owned it? Are you the first owner?

Also, what year and trim?

1stRL

Rl 2008 tech package.

Its not poor but there is noticeable static in every music channel.cds and aux sound great . I think it's always been there since I owned the car.

fuzzysig

is there a problem with tint and defroster on this car?

oo7spy

From what I recall, it depends on the model. Some models have the shark fin with the antenna contained inside. These models should be unaffected. Some models have a dummy shark fin with no connections, and others have no fin at all. For these models, the antenna is placed either at the base of the rear window or one of the C-pillars. With the antenna in that location, metallic tint can interfere with the signal, and having the rear defroster on causes interference. That said, not all metallic tint will affect it, just certain types.

fuzzysig

I got 05 rl sh-awd that has shark fin.
Non metallic film and my reception goes to sht when defroster is on.
Integra has on glass antenna and is not affected by defroster

thoiboi

Does the RL actually use the Shark fin antenna for FM/AM? I always thought it was for XM.


That might just be true for the TL then..

oo7spy

I don't remember.

Now that you say that, I think you're right. The fin is probably for XM and the radio antenna is near the rear window.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Thought is was by the third brake light... find it and connect an antenna to it, then stuff it back in the headliner.

teh CL

iTrader: (1)

Must only be for XM. RL's up here don't have XM or shark fins

RL09

Mine does have a shark fin.

I just had a similar problem like op. i believe op needs to double check if the rear window defroster makes a difference in reception.

i noticed when rear window def, is on, i get static, and RDS info disappears. Turn off rear window def. and back to normal.