# 2013 Volkswagen Passat radio and calls cut in and out

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-volkswagen-passat-radio-and-calls-cut-in-and-out/115383>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** volkswagen, passat\
**Created:** [April 10, 2018, 4:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-volkswagen-passat-radio-and-calls-cut-in-and-out/115383 "2018-04-10T04:25:46Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Vernetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/13edae/32.png) [@Vernetta](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Vernetta)\
**Post date:** [April 10, 2018, 4:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-volkswagen-passat-radio-and-calls-cut-in-and-out/115383/1 "2018-04-10T04:25:46Z")

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My “Fender” car radio (3.6 SEL) Passat, which includes the navigation system, frequently fades in and out…that radio will stop playing, the screen goes black, then the radio starts playing again. I can also be in the middle of taking a call (hands free), and eventually the call with drop, OR, I cannot hear the person on the call; however, that individual can hear me. Can someone please provide soon good sound advise about what could possibly be wrong with this radio, and how I can get replaced by VW dealership? FYI, I currently do NOT have an extended warranty on my vehicle…cannot afford it…am a recovering cancer patient.

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**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\
**Post date:** [April 10, 2018, 2:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-volkswagen-passat-radio-and-calls-cut-in-and-out/115383/2 "2018-04-10T14:38:15Z")

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Vernetta, I have no idea what a “Fender” radio is. Is this a factory installed unit?

If so, you might want to contact a Volkswagen Dealer Service Department and explain your symptoms and have them take a look at **Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin** (written for Volkswagen Technicians) **91 14 03 February 25, 2014 2036481** (7 page document).

**RNS 315 Navigation Radio Software Update for Locking, Rebooting, Switches Off at Random**  
See if this describes your symptom(s):  
-radio switches off at random  
-radio locks out  
-radio reboots

This bulletin was issued for 2013-2014 models and outlines a procedure for updating vehicle software.

I’m not sure if this will help you, but it’s all I’ve got.  
_ **CSA** _🌴🕶🌴

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**Author:** ![Vernetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/13edae/32.png) [@Vernetta](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Vernetta)\
**Post date:** [April 10, 2018, 9:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-volkswagen-passat-radio-and-calls-cut-in-and-out/115383/3 "2018-04-10T21:47:12Z")

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Thank you kindly for your response.

Yes, this is a factory radio installation, and this is the brand VW uses in their vehicles.

Appreciate your time.

Continue ti have a blessed day❗️

Ms. V

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**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\
**Post date:** [April 11, 2018, 10:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-volkswagen-passat-radio-and-calls-cut-in-and-out/115383/4 "2018-04-11T10:25:30Z")

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> [@Vernetta](#):
>
> Ms. V

You’re very welcome. I hope your recovery goes quickly. Please visit us at Car Talk again if this car problem or other car problems or question arise.  
_ **CSA** _🌴 🕶 🌴