Need Radio Antenna Alternative

[rrglenn]

Not sure if the antenna is broken, the result of an OEM radio upgrade, or the install of an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, but I've lost nearly all of my FM reception in my Bird. I had a car stereo dealer connect a regular car radio antenna to the OEM radio and the reception was great and they think I may need to replace the windshield (a section of the antenna on the windshield appears to be broken). I'd rather avoid replacing the windshield and don't want to install an external antenna on the car. Does anyone have any other suggestions that would be not require drilling any holes in the car (i.e. to mount an external antenna) or would be generally mostly invisible?

Thanks in advance,

Rob G.

[DavidA]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

There are ways of fixing the broken windshield antennas. I think it's covered in the tech electrical manual. I'll have to dig it out to check, but a good high-end radio shop should be able to fix it.

[Will]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

It might be time for you to get Sirius.

[texasbird]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

How about this option. I know a guy who knows a guy who can set you up!!!
James

[Kokomo]

Hidden Radio Antenna Alternative

You might try one of these:

http://www.ecshylites.citymax.com/page/page/761353.htm

I don't know if they are as good as they claim but, it should be an easy fix if it is.

[rrglenn]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

Thank you all very much for the replies. I'll definitely look more closely at the "hidden" antenna option.

I actually have a sirius radio, but miss one of my favorite local stations and sirius traffic options are not the greatest for where I live.

Thanks again!

[Eyelawdoc]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

So, has anybody tried the "hidden" Am/FM antenna? Reading the vendor's description it sounds as it would be an easy install under the trunk liner.

[Sealy]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

Before you get carried away, check to make sure that your installer connected the antenna's power supply to the antenna power from the new radio. Some people may not see an antenna automatic up and down motor and think the antenna does not need power, but there is a lead for it in the plug in.
I used a hidden in an old vehicle and wasn't too impressed with it.
Good luck & we need pics of the install.

[007Cruiser]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

I seem to remember DavidA getting great results with aluminum foil.

[Ediron]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

These don't work anymore ???

[PaulD]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

Before you get carried away, check to make sure that your installer connected the antenna's power supply to the antenna power from the new radio. Some people may not see an antenna automatic up and down motor and think the antenna does not need power, but there is a lead for it in the plug in.
I used a hidden in an old vehicle and wasn't too impressed with it.
Good luck & we need pics of the install.

Had me worried there for a minute because I did not use the antenna power lead in the wiring harness that came with my new sound/nav system. My radio works fine without that connection so I re-checked the factory wiring diagrams to see if I missed something. According to the factory wiring diagrams manual, the stock antenna gets its power from fuse F4.01 in the BJB (Battery Junction Box) which feeds the REM (Rear Electronic Module) which feeds the EHAM (Electronic Hidden Antenna Module). Power does not come via the radio. Only direct connection to the radio is the coax feed from the EHAM.

[Sealy]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

Power does not come via the radio. Only direct connection to the radio is the coax feed from the EHAM.

Not arguing - maybe a difference of suppliers. This is what I got.

[PaulD]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

Not arguing - maybe a difference of suppliers. This is what I got.

Same alighnment as I received. Wiring harnesses (2 ea) were from Metro. I also installed the PAC JACK for the steering wheel control to add to the confusion. I called Chrutchfield before I started soldering to verify wire alighnment and figure out some loose ends. I asked about that blue antenna wire and they said it was to supply power to the motor to raise the antenna...if applicable.
I am curious...if you hooked your blue wire up, what did you hook it to? Mine is capped off.

[Sealy]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

I am curious...if you hooked your blue wire up, what did you hook it to? Mine is capped off.

Into the harness & beyond. If it had a wire on the plug, it got connected. I figured it was either a power supply or a trip to turn on the antenna. Either way, it works - on the rare occassions when I listen to the radio. I got all the steering wheel/remote connections and sirius, as well. Just keep connecting wires and crossing your finger.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Need Radio Antenna Alternative

I think if my antenna broke I wouldn't even worry about it. I barely listen to the radio at all in any of my cars. Some of the stations I used to enjoy have gone out of business or changed formats, so usually I just enjoy the peace and quiet or put in a CD.

Admittedly, it is nice at times to have the radio available when you're travelling on the highway though.