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NigelM



Member Since: 20 Nov 2014
Location: South
Posts: 111

United Kingdom 
Help - MW Radio Interference
I got fed up with not being able to listen to the radio due to appalling interference so have just fitted a new Kenwood system. It's now nearly perfect, the only gripe is bad interference on MW only when you turn the headlights on. Fine during the day with no lights - as good as MW gets anyway.

I have done a lot of searching and think that the answer must lie somewhere in the grounding of the lights. Can anyone lend a bit of experience to the problem and tell me how to fix it?

2000 TD5
Post #380049 18th Dec 2014 6:05pm
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NigelM



Member Since: 20 Nov 2014
Location: South
Posts: 111

United Kingdom 
Bump - anyone?
Post #380107 18th Dec 2014 9:08pm
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NigelM



Member Since: 20 Nov 2014
Location: South
Posts: 111

United Kingdom 
Major success this morning. I read somewhere about the ballasts on HID lights causing radio interference if bolted to the body without insulation. Checked mine and found they were on metal brackets bolted straight to the body.

Took them off, insulated the ballasts from the brackets and put them back on.

Problem solved, MW now clear as a bell with lights on or off.

Might be useful for someone else.

Nigel
Post #380273 19th Dec 2014 2:20pm
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mk1collector



Member Since: 17 Sep 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 6769

England 2004 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Bonatti Grey
Thumbs Up thanks for sharing the cure
Post #380283 19th Dec 2014 2:52pm
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BuckBlu110



Member Since: 19 Apr 2014
Location: in the pub
Posts: 709

United Kingdom 1994 Defender 110 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel CSW Buckingham Blue
Just out of interest, have you got hids in some spots or in the headlights? Could you post a picture of what they look like when they're on please?
Post #380730 21st Dec 2014 4:38pm
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NigelM



Member Since: 20 Nov 2014
Location: South
Posts: 111

United Kingdom 
BuckBlu, The pictures have just highlighted just how badly adjusted they are! There's a job for over Xmas.

Front shot of car


Click image to enlarge


Dip Beam


Click image to enlarge


Main Beam


Click image to enlarge


And this weekend I have added a couple of 18 Watt slimline LED work lights to the back so I have added these for contrast

Rear shot


Click image to enlarge


LED Floods


Click image to enlarge


The HIDS are a Virtual Daylight kit added by the previous owner. I think they are 35 Watt bulbs. They are much better than standard light but I doubt they are as good as LED's. Will be much better when adjusted properly!
Post #380745 21st Dec 2014 5:28pm
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BuckBlu110



Member Since: 19 Apr 2014
Location: in the pub
Posts: 709

United Kingdom 1994 Defender 110 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel CSW Buckingham Blue
Thanks Nigel, thought about getting some HIDS for mine, but may save up for some truck lite LEDs, haven't made my mind up yet. I've got some 18w slim worklights to go on the rear of mine too, like yours, just got to get round to fitting them!
Post #380749 21st Dec 2014 5:46pm
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NigelM



Member Since: 20 Nov 2014
Location: South
Posts: 111

United Kingdom 
I am amazed by the little slim LED's. Fantastic little product if they last.

As for the HID's, They give plenty of light for road driving, which is what head lights are for after all. A Defender doesn't go fast enough to warrant anything brighter. Off road is a slightly different matter however.

I think a combination of the HID's in the headlights and a 120 Watt LED light bar on the roof is probably my combination of choice, the light bar not being rigged to the main beam but on a separate switch, just for off road.

Here is my next purchase - slim line and with 10W bulbs for penetrating distance.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181608968306?_tr...EBIDX%3AIT
Post #380750 21st Dec 2014 5:52pm
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