VW Up Radio System Failure, Complete Sound Loss

Based on my experience with a 2021 VW e-Golf, I encountered nearly identical radio reception issues. Having some experience with car electronics, I initially suspected a simple interference problem, but it turned out to be more complex. The symptoms matched exactly what you describe, complete audio system failure and error codes. After dealing with static noise for a few weeks, the FM signal eventually disappeared completely. My workshop performed a thorough diagnostic check and found the antenna ground connection had corroded, ultimately requiring a full antenna replacement. The radio interference was actually a symptom of the failing antenna assembly. The repair included: Complete antenna unit replacement, Installation of an updated antenna booster, System reset and recalibration, Full diagnostic scan to clear error codes Total cost came to 255€ and fixed the issue completely. No radio problems since then. To provide more specific advice for your case, could you share: What error codes are showing up? Did the problem start gradually or suddenly? Have you noticed if the reception is worse in specific locations? Are all audio sources affected or just the radio? This information would help determine if your issue matches the antenna fault I experienced or if it might be something else.

Thanks for the detailed response. Just had my 34282km service done last month and they did mention some electrical system anomalies but didnt specifically check the radio unit. The error codes showing are E-4401 and E-4402. The problem started quite suddenly after a particularly rainy week. Initially thought a signal amplifier might help but seems the issue could be more serious based on your experience. All audio sources are affected, not just the radio. Even USB playback fails to work. The static noise comes through regardless of the audio source selected. Starting to think this might indicate a broader electrical system issue rather than just poor FM signal reception. Can you share how long the full repair process took in your case? Need to plan whether a rental car might be necessary.

Thanks for those additional details, the fact that its affecting all audio sources does point to a wider issue than what I initially encountered with my e-Golf. While my repair was primarily focused on the antenna and signal reception problems, your symptoms suggest a possible fault in the main audio control unit itself. In my case, the workshop completed the repair in about 4 hours, but your situation might require more extensive diagnostics since the error codes and symptoms indicate a potential central electronics issue rather than just poor car radio reception. When my static noise issues first appeared, only radio reception was impacted. The fact that your USB playback is also failing suggests the vehicle electronics may need a more thorough investigation. The error codes you mentioned typically relate to the audio amplifier circuit, which would explain why all sound sources are affected. Based on the timing after heavy rain, water ingress might be involved. The workshop should check: Main amplifier unit connections, Ground points for corrosion, Wiring harness integrity, Central electronics control unit My full repair ended up being relatively straightforward at 255€, but given your symptoms, you might want to budget for a more extensive repair. I would recommend planning for a full day repair at minimum, though a rental may not be necessary if the workshop can provide a courtesy car. Would you mind checking if the system responds at all to a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes? This helped temporarily with my signal issues before the full repair.

I appreciate the thorough analysis of the problem. The timing with the rainy weather does seem significant, and your experience with similar symptoms is helpful in understanding what I might be dealing with. I actually tried the battery disconnect reset yesterday following your suggestion, but no change in the system behavior. Still getting complete audio failure and those error codes. The static noise persists regardless of what I try. Given that the problem affects all audio sources and your point about the error codes relating to the amplifier circuit, I agree this looks more serious than just an antenna ground or FM signal issue. I will book the car in for a full diagnostic check and request they specifically examine those areas you mentioned, especially checking for water damage and testing the main amplifier unit. I will contact the workshop tomorrow to schedule the repair. Since it seems this could take a full day, I will arrange for alternative transport. The comprehensive fix you described with checking all ground points and wiring makes sense given my symptoms are more extensive than your original antenna-related problem. Will report back once I have more information from the diagnostic check. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely causes.