Why in the world...

[ohtwell]

Why in the world does my radio get staticy, when I turn on the rear defrost?? It stops when I turn the defrost off! It will be crystal clear, but as soon as I hit the button it messes up!

My car: 2003 Infiniti G35 with 226,000 + miles (though I feel the mileage is not related to this issue)


: ) Amanda

 

[yh125d]

The antenna is built into the rear window. Also built into the window are electrical traces. When you turn on the defrost, current flows through those traces heating up the window. Side effect of that flow of electricity is interference in the radio antenna.

 

[coxmaster]

Radio antenna is embedded into the rear windshield possibly? I know a lot of cars did/have this, so it could be related to that..


Edit: Argh, beat by a minute

 

[ohtwell]

I thought it might have something to do with that, but it threw me off because it just started happening the other day. I've not had an issue until two days ago.

Thank you both for your help!!


: ) Amanda

 

[Bartman39]

Sounds like ground problem or increase in resistance problem just developed...? (with the antenna)

 

[KIAman]

The antenna in the windshield is just a conductive electrical trace. Try getting some conductive ink and retracing your antenna, it could have gotten weak or damaged over time.

It could also be a bad ground problem in general. Try plugging in something that sucks up decent juice in your car electrical port. Also try the test with engine started and with the engine stopped.

Then reboot your car... this part is a joke.

 

[hanoverphist]

is the window tinted in the area of the trace antenna? mebbe there is some wear due to the adhesives?