Hi,

My Ford Focus Titanium X (2014) was repaired recently, due to a fault with the gearbox and drive shaft. For several reasons, I'd rather not return to the same garage. I will do if required, but wanted to ask here first, to see if this is an easy fix and just a small issue.

The DAB radio in the car isn't fully working:

• The location of the car is exactly the same as the last 5+ years when the radio has been faultless and great 
• The radio works only for maybe one minute when driving, and then loses signal
• The error "No station found" appears on each station I select
• I have tried a re-scan but that has not solved the issue

 

I have read things about removing fuses for a short while, or doing a SYNC Master Reset. Could you suggest some things to try before I make a decision on whether to return to the same mechanic?

Thanks

Gary

could any software have been updated and a setting changed - is there a setting DAB reception is diabolical, automatically revert to FM signal.  Some cars had it. Most need it. If fitted see if its on now?

Double check with a similar car if their reception is working OK.
Go to a local location where you expect the signal to be the best and retune the car to the multiplexes out there - if lots no longer show up it indicates something changed
Broadcasters are forever tinkering with a crap system that never really worked - and they can easily kill a signal that was once bearable - check to see if they admit to messing it up
If the obvious can be proven to be correct.  Its possible they stole some parts, damaged something, updated something or forgot to connect up some wires

My sisters 2014 Focus titanium with sony radio always showed a DAB antenna error in diagnostics since the day she got it brand new - always made me think something needed sorting - she never bothered and threw that car in a skip 3 years ago...

 

On 5/21/2025 at 3:56 PM, Botus said:

could any software have been updated and a setting changed - is there a setting DAB reception is diabolical, automatically revert to FM signal.  Some cars had it. Most need it. If fitted see if its on now?

Double check with a similar car if their reception is working OK.
Go to a local location where you expect the signal to be the best and retune the car to the multiplexes out there - if lots no longer show up it indicates something changed
Broadcasters are forever tinkering with a crap system that never really worked - and they can easily kill a signal that was once bearable - check to see if they admit to messing it up
If the obvious can be proven to be correct.  Its possible they stole some parts, damaged something, updated something or forgot to connect up some wires

My sisters 2014 Focus titanium with sony radio always showed a DAB antenna error in diagnostics since the day she got it brand new - always made me think something needed sorting - she never bothered and threw that car in a skip 3 years ago...

 

 

Thanks for this, I will consider and try some of this out. However, I think it's an issue with the car/antena itself. 

I've had the car about 8-9 years, and the DAB has been flawless since then. I used it daily from my house to the gym/shops/local area/work etc. Never a single problem. Then magically after going in for a repair, it's entirely broken. 

The garage who did the work say they wouldn't have gone near the DAB which sounds a broad statement to me. So I have two options:

1. Pay Ford for a diagnostic service and then further work
2. Use a local specialist company who do DAB radio work for the same service as Ford are offering

Both are similar prices for the initial diagnostic.

Thanks again - will try some of what you suggested. 

46 minutes ago, redrabbit said:

 

 

The garage who did the work say they wouldn't have gone near the DAB which sounds a broad statement to me. So I have two options:

1. Pay Ford for a diagnostic service and then further work

Thanks again - will try some of what you suggested. 

the garage might not have needed to go near it - but thieves that work there might have needed one and helped themselves without the boss knowing

Over last 8 years every garage !!!  (posh reputable ones for major premium brands) have stolen and swapped parts over on every car I took in - even places where I thought they weren't like that, and ones where we almost have a personal relationship - we live is a sick twisted country where crime is the ONLY way the ave person can keep head above water...