I just wanted to share this with everyone that might be having trouble with their FM reception. I finally got around to checking the connections at the control box in the back under the headliner and found the connections to be good and everything seemed fine :? so I went and pulled the HU out to check the connection in back and that is where, I believe, my problem was. When I looked at the antenna connection is appeared to have a lot of play foward and back and I believe it may have worked its way loose. I wish I would have taken pics but the actual connector is in a brace that holds it in place while you slide the HU into place. This brace has an open area on the back where the antenna connection slide through and connects to the back of the HU. There is a lip on the connector that prevents it from slipping all the way out but it still allows it to slip back about 3/8 to 1/2 inch. What I did was put a piece of duct tape on the back of that brace to hold the cable in place and not let it move while I slid the HU back into place and it appears to have done the trick. Hopefully it will also keep it in place so it won't work its way loose again.

Long winded I know but hopefully it might help someone else with the same problem! Thanks,

Mac

THANKS mac

I had my dash all apart to work on installing an iPod adapter. I found I needed some parts so when I reassembled everything as I wait for parts, my reception was horrible!

I immediately suspected the antenna connector. When I have it apart again to complete the iPod installation, I'll look for what you found.

After reading your post a little more carefully mac, I remembered having taken a picture when I did my TNR800 install. I pulled the antenna connector out because of the type of connections on the new radio and secured them in another part of the dash. Long story short, there is a little black retainer on the back of the assembly to prevent forward/backward movement of the metal antenna connector. You can see it in the pic below. With this missing, the whole connector can slide backwards in the plasting mounting preventing good contact.

ddalder...that is exactly what I was missing!!! So duct tape to the rescue. I was going to jb weld it but I figured I may need to take it out sometime!! I am so happy to be able to listen to my local classic rock station static free!! Thanks!

Hawk...hope this is your problem as well...good luck!

Mac

I had a similar problem, although my "clip" is different:



When I had it apart, I noticed I had access from under the dash. So I got a wooden stick the right size and poked it up from below to hold the antenna lead when I slid the radio into place.

Cris...did it improve the reception and did you have any luck with your IPod hookup?

Mac

Mac,

Yes, reception is vastly improved! Just like before...

Still working on the iPod installation. I'm also installing separate amps and passive equalizers so there is more wiring for that. When I began, I discovered there is a lot of preparation I needed to do. Y'know, making sure I have the proper wiring and connectors and stripping and tinning the wires, etc. along with making a wiring diagram so I don't loose track. I'm about half way through that.

I'm now in the middle of the process and am driving around with my dashboard apart.

DON'T WORRY! I'LL BE POSTING THE WHOLE PROCESS WHEN I FINISH

I'll PM you when I do...

Hawk...thanks but it sounds like it is going to be quite a bit more intense than I was hoping for! Maybe you can fly down here and help me with mine when your done with yours! Right now I have to fix my right rear window...yep it got me! Thanks for the PM when your done though I am anxious to see what you have done!

Mac

Actually for adding an iPod, it will only be a matter of adding three wires and splicing three more into the body harness.

I'm doing other upgrades beyond the iPod adapter that you won't need.

I am not happy with the lame tone controls on the OEM head unit and I cannot adjust the sound to my satisfaction. The factory head unit has adjustments for Bass, Midrange and Treble. There is so little control of the audio spectrum, I want to add equalizers for the front and rear. This means I need access to line level signals (or attenuate the speaker level outputs, which sacrifices sound quality). I got a Bose head unit because its outputs are line level.

So while I have everything apart for the iPod installation, I may as well do the other wiring too!

Cool...then I will be anxiously waiting for my little tidbit of info from the overall audio project you are attempting!! Good luck!

Mac