Poor FM/AM Antenna Reception

KZChi · Tue Jan 14, 2014 8:42 pm

Hey guys, does anyone else get very poor FM reception? I had the Non RF radio and installed a double din pioneer and still seem to have the same problem. Could I change the antenna or add something to it to get better reception? I don't know if it deals with the same issue but I don't get any AM stations either.

Triggerhappy · Wed Jan 15, 2014 12:03 am

I did when I installed an aftermarket Kenwood unit. Fixed it by connecting the wire on the antenna adapter to the Power control/ Antenna control wire on the head unit. If you didn't buy an adapter, buy this: Metra 40-HD10 Antenna Adapter.

murcod · Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:26 am

KZChi, do you have tinted windows?

Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:37 am

murcod wrote:KZChi, do you have tinted windows?

I have tints, but my reception is excellent. I think the type of tint matters more. I have the ceramic type which is not supposed to interfere with the antenna lines.

murcod · Wed Jan 15, 2014 7:24 am

KuroNekko wrote:
murcod wrote:KZChi, do you have tinted windows?
I have tints, but my reception is excellent. I think the type of tint matters more. I have the ceramic type which is not supposed to interfere with the antenna lines.

Yes, metallic tints are what causes the problem- but there was no point going into the details if the windows aren't tinted.

My windows are tinted, with no change to the reception, using a carbon tint.

I was thinking that may be the problem- given both head units have been the same. It could also be the location where KZChi lives. The lack of the correct antenna lead adapter with the aftermarket head unit could also be a problem (through no power being supplied to the antenna amplifier- as Triggerhappy noted.)

KZChi · Fri Jan 17, 2014 5:03 am

Triggerhappy wrote:I did when I installed an aftermarket Kenwood unit. Fixed it by connecting the wire on the antenna adapter to the Power control/ Antenna control wire on the head unit. If you didn't buy an adapter, buy this: Metra 40-HD10 Antenna Adapter.

Well I had this problem before I had my tint installed so I don't think that's the issue. But you know Triggerhappy, I'm not sure if I did connect that wire in the antenna adapter. Im gonna have to peak behind to check it out.

SamirD · Sat Mar 08, 2014 4:32 am

I found out from Steve at Ray Suzuki today that a host of things can cause issues with radio reception. Tint is one of them, but another thing is HIDs or any electrical add-on.

murcod · Sat Mar 08, 2014 4:47 am

That makes sense - things like HID ballasts could introduce electrical noise onto the 12v supply line. That could affect the performance of the amplifier.

Mon Mar 10, 2014 12:34 pm

My reception sucks in the Kiz and always has, stock RF, no tint, live in the middle of know-where. When I get near a population center then it gets much better. Never cared for these lousy window antennas since I've never lived in a densely populated area close to transmitters. All the vehicles we own with old fashion whip antennas pick-up everything clearly as one would expect.

SamirD · Sun Mar 23, 2014 12:46 am

Ronzuki wrote:When I get near a population center then it gets much better.

I'm not going to say anything.

But I have to agree that there's nothing that can replace a real antenna.