Smart Forfour Radio Dead: Faulty Antenna Issue Alert

Based on my experience with a 2017 Smart Fortwo EV, I can share some relevant insights about a similar radio signal issue. The symptoms matched exactly what you describe, complete radio failure with error messages. After some troubleshooting, it turned out the antenna ground connection was corroded, and the signal amplifier had failed due to moisture damage. The repair at my workshop involved: Testing signal strength at various points, Replacing the faulty antenna unit, Installing a new signal amplifier, Clearing the error codes Total cost was 255€ including parts and labor. The static noise disappeared completely after the fix and radio reception has been perfect since then. To provide more specific advice for your case, could you share: Does the error occur right after starting the vehicle? Are you still getting any sound at all? Does the issue affect other vehicle electronics or just the radio? Which error code is stored in the system? This information would help determine if you're facing the same antenna ground issue or if it might be something else in your vehicle electronics setup.

My car was just serviced at 77503KM and I appreciate your detailed response about the signal amplifier issue. After reading your post, I checked if the error appears immediately after startup and yes, it does. The problem only affects the radio, no other vehicle electronics seem impacted. There is zero sound output through the speakers when using radio functions, though USB audio works fine. The system shows error code E567-4, which seems related to poor signal reception or antenna problems. This matches your theory about the antenna ground connection being the potential culprit. The costs you mentioned are helpful for budgeting. Might get the signal strength tested first before agreeing to a full repair, just to confirm its actually an antenna issue rather than something else interfering with reception. Would you recommend testing the antenna connections first before replacing any parts? The radio interference started gradually over a few weeks before failing completely.

Thanks for those additional details about your Smart Forfour, the symptoms are nearly identical to what I experienced, especially with error code E567-4 and the gradual signal degradation pattern. Since your USB audio works fine, this strongly confirms the issue lies with the radio reception components rather than the amplifier or speakers. The fact that the problem developed gradually before complete failure matches exactly how my antenna ground connection deteriorated. Testing the antenna connections first is definitely the smart approach. When my signal amplifier was checked, the technician found clear signs of moisture damage affecting the signal strength. A simple connection test saved diagnostic time and confirmed the repair path before any parts were ordered. A few quick checks you can request at the workshop: Signal strength measurement at the antenna base, Continuity test of the ground connections, Visual inspection of the amplifier housing for moisture intrusion, Full diagnostic scan to confirm no other codes are present My radio interference issues completely resolved after addressing both the ground connection and signal amplifier. If your case follows the same pattern, you might be looking at a similar 255€ repair cost, though prices can vary based on parts availability.

Thanks everyone for the detailed feedback about car radio issues. After getting all this information about possible antenna ground problems and signal amplifier failures, I feel better prepared for my workshop visit. The error code E567-4 combined with the gradual failure pattern seems to point strongly toward the antenna connection theory. Since USB audio still works fine and the radio interference affects only the FM signal reception, I will definitely have them test the connections first before replacing parts. Will schedule an appointment to have the signal strength tested and ground connections checked. The 255€ repair cost reference helps set expectations, though I understand prices may vary. Having a clear diagnostic approach focusing first on the antenna system and potential moisture damage makes sense given the symptoms. Will update once I know more after the signal testing and inspection. Really helpful to hear about similar experiences with vehicle electronics issues before heading to the workshop.