Focus MK2 poor radio reception fix

Since I bought this car last year, one of the things that bugged me was the rubbish radio reception.
It didn't became an issue im until after the summer when the commute got longer.
Luckily, I found ways of fusing the issue without spending too much money.
Amazon aerial link:
www.amazon.co....
#ford #fordfocus #fordfocus2
I am also on Instagram and Facebook where you can also contact me:
Instagram:
/ gentilsgarage
Facebook:
/ gentilsgarage

[@garryputt3784]

Thank you, video well put together and I like you working the simple/low cost things first. Enjoy the holidays.

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you very much sir.

[@garryputt3784]

Hi, just fitted new aerial and mount. Aerial gained couple of stations, swapped the base to and think doubled number of stations first had. Thanks.

[@laurencelagden]

I have seen info regarding the bolt. You have to grind away the outer edge of the bolt as they are badly designed and the bolt edge can touch the outer ring which shorts it out. Grinding the bolt massively improves the reception

[@GentilsGarage]

Thanks. I have recently changed the radio and reception improved again. Also, I have now DAB and Bluetooth so FM isn’t used as much as before

[@scotthughes5832]

Nice one I'll give that try and let you know if it works. Thanks alot. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you, hopefully it will have some sort of improvement. Merry Christmas and happy new year!

[@janevans1835]

Brilliant - thank you.

[@GentilsGarage]

You’re welcome

[@johnfitzpatrick9994]

Great video and a good solution, thank you 👍

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you very much.

[@Kiwigucci]

The worst thing about Focus mk 2 radio is the sound. The satellite speakers have an awful metallic sound. Much better in the mk 1 with the full tone units.

[@GentilsGarage]

yes, they're rubbish. and sound insulation in the Mk2 isnt great either

[@nowthenad3286]

Great video. It never even occurred to me that I could attempt to improve my radio signal. Good idea. Is money tight because you have bought a stately home with hard-wood panelling and marble mantlepieces, with an awesome view?

[@GentilsGarage]

Hahah, yeah, that Spanish marble fireplace nearly bankrupted me 😂.

[@billadmond9450]

So the solution is a "brand new antenna"? And is it the same as the original or does it have improved performances?

[@GentilsGarage]

In my case, it was a new one as is the same spec as the old one. The old ones cas suffer from corrosion that affect the signal pick-up. Also, grounding is an equal cause for poor signal reception in this car. To help, you can grind the edge of the screw that holds the aerial in place.

[@Joe-ug1vu]

Another connection was on the a trim on the drivers side. You have to pull the plastic trim off by the windscreen and there is an antenna cable connection in there that is a poor design. Ford should just run one cable from the antenna to the radio

[@GentilsGarage]

thats correct. not long after this i upgraded to DAB as many stations were leaving FM and i wanted Bluetooth connectino too

[@Joe-ug1vu]

@@GentilsGarage from new the mk2 focus had problem with medium wave and fm channels. The connector in the A trim is hit and miss

[@GentilsGarage]

glad they sorted it on te mk3. much better audio all round.

[@Joe-ug1vu]

@@GentilsGarage I brought a 1.8 tdci focus zetec climate in 2007 five months old with 7000 miles on the clock. When parking it up in the winter at work or home the interior windows were always dripping with condensation. I was looking for water leaks and looking at forums but everything was for the mk1 focus and the pollen filter. I decided to sell it as the windows were icing up on the inside in the winter. Now I know these cars had problems with welded seams in the boot and roof rails that caused the problem.

[@richard29415]

I think replacing the aerial may do the trick. Also depends on where you park your car, reception will be no good if you're parked at the bottom of a hill and will drastically improve when you're parked on top of a hill depending on where the station's transmitter is. Could also be a loose connection somewhere and weather conditions can affect radio reception. Although Classic FM and all the BBC stations never have any reception problems.

[@GentilsGarage]

I am well aware of the different conditions that affect radio reception, however, the issue here lies with the Focus MK2 in particular. Many owners have reported poor radio reception compared to other generations of the Focus. While most cases are due to poor earth at the base of the aerial, others are related to the aerial itself and premature wear. I used have issues even with BBC Radio 2 on my commute to work, but it was gone since I sorted the aerial.

[@max-to-max]

Thanks from 2024!

[@GentilsGarage]

You're welcome

[@seeyouthen]

Slightly off topic but if it helps anybody I recently bought and fitted a Burlink Bluetooth module in ali express for the Focus MX2, Focus Fiesta Mondeo for €12 incl delivery and it works like a dream. 12 pin AUX for the 6000CD.

[@GentilsGarage]

Yes, it’s a good alternative. However I wanted DAB, so I upgraded the unit later

[@zainulabideen7124]

Hi Sir, I hope you are safe and well. Can you please upload the video regarding how to remove AC/Heater vent control knob of Ford Focus 2010 model??

[@GentilsGarage]

Will try

[@GabrielSolmosi]

Gentil, do you recommend to change the aerial base as well? I've change the aerial on my mondeo recently and I think it's even worse now :D

[@GentilsGarage]

Hi, it depends. Mine was a bit corroded so it had to be replaced.

[@BoraDusiciel]

Good idea is instal a original Sony unit sound quality id much better ten this Ford radio.

[@GentilsGarage]

Yes, I installed later a Kenwood unit which is great.

[@marksmith762]

The radio reception can be flaky on mine. Worth looking at replacing the aerial

[@GentilsGarage]

I’ve upgraded later to DAB as some of the stations I like have moved to DAB

[@boyantomovski6613]

The radio perception on this car is poor since condition new.

[@boyantomovski6613]

The radio device is not good enough in reality.

[@GentilsGarage]

Well, i agree it's not a great unit, but it does the basics and what it is designed for. Many mk2 owners upgraded to better radios and the reception quality didn't improve. The aerial earth connection in the mk2 in particular, is known to degrade over time, so even if you upgrade to the best radio in the world, your reception won't get any better if you have poor earth. What I've done, made a big difference in terms of reception quality, but as I said in the end of the video, money is tight and I can't afford a new unit for the time being.

[@boyantomovski6613]

@@GentilsGarage Money is tight and the Ford is present.