This is a new one on me.
Inadvertently discovered today that having headlights on affects the signal quality on weaker radio stations.
Can’t find anything on here about it. Google produces explanations in ‘tech talk’ that are beyond me. And in any case they almost always apply to non standard bulbs. I still have original halogen as far as I am aware.
Anybody else come across this?

Only whilst listening to the 'Light Programme'.

(You have to be of a certain age to understand that one.)

AM or FM?

AM usually is affected by the slightest problem. My Waeco fridge is an issue when its compressor is running. This thread shows the effort I have gone to https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic34035.html

Although AM has more interference issues than FM, at night the car can pick up radio stations a 1000 km away, Sydney in western NSW. I have taken 2 portable radios so we can listen to the radio when the car is off due to the car's battery drain rate. The car's radio is in a different league of picking up signal. Never had an issue with headlights on, my headlights are halogen.


This is a brilliant website for AM radio information https://radiojayallen.com Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

FM.
Rarely listen to AM. Always seems to be poor reception. Not just on the FL2, but previous motors too.
3landertwo, very sharp!
Of course I remember The Light Program. In particular Two Way Family Family Favourites with Jean Metcalfe. There was also the Home Service which I think did the shipping forecasts and the Third Program. Which side was the Goon Show on?
Then I discovered Radio Luxembourg!
Ha!

^^^^^^ Kage, you forgot the floating stations , which were a revelation in my youth after the BBC stodge. The most famous, Radio Caroline is still broardcasting on the internet , and medium wave to East Anglia.

Kage wrote:

In particular Two Way Family Family Favourites with Jean Metcalfe.

And not of course forgetting her husband, Cliff Michelmore.
Another one showing his age

3landertwo wrote:

Only whilst listening to the 'Light Programme'.

(You have to be of a certain age to understand that one.)

excellent  Jules

Kage wrote:

FM.
Rarely listen to AM. Always seems to be poor reception. Not just on the FL2, but previous motors too.
3landertwo, very sharp!
Of course I remember The Light Program. In particular Two Way Family Family Favourites with Jean Metcalfe. There was also the Home Service which I think did the shipping forecasts and the Third Program. Which side was the Goon Show on?
Then I discovered Radio Luxembourg!
Ha!

I haven't got a clue as to what you're on about..
Dave.  DAVE.

Kage,

Are you sure that it related to the headlight circuit and not just a Voltage dip problem.

What if you turn off the headlights but turn on the heated seats and the front/rear defroster then how is the FM reception?

Thanks

Paul

I’ve not tried that Paul. I’ll give it a go tomorrow and let you know how I get on.
Thanks for the tip.

Different car but similar symptoms found out someone had fitted a after market Zenon kit to the headlights removed and perfect after

I got an LED replacement bulb for the top brake light and my DAB would go silent when I would brake. Replaced with standard bulb and it was fine..

I thought I could have coped with it but started to realise I would try and not brake if something good was on..decided that wasn't a great way to drive.. For Sale: 2012 Freelander 2 GS (https://www.freel2.com/forum/post431941.html)
Current: 2013 (62 plate) Freelander 2 GS
Me: Web Developer by day, Search & Rescue comms manager for Severn Area Rescue Assocation by night

You could have driven like a 'Mega-Miler' ........ no you were right to change back to approved bulb.