Splicing into Factory Antenna

[gedwards]

I have had an issue for a while with my radio reception. I installed a new head unit, but after noticing horrible radio reception (like no stations at all) I took back the head unit. I wired up my original, factory Delco head unit. Still horrible reception. I took the advice from one of the other posts, I tried wiring my antenna amplifier wire to my Accessory Positive wires -- Nothing. Then I just simply wiggled my antenna plug around in the socket... and finally I had a radio signal. Yet it wouldn't stay. So I wrapped some electrical tape around the tip of my antenna plug so it would fit nicely into the radio. It works. Yet the reception is still not to the quality it once was when I bought the car and did not f* with the radio on my own. So here's where I need some help. Can I just splice into the antenna like I would any other wire? Could I buy a $5 kit from Crutchfield, splice it to my wire and plug it into the factory Delco radio? http://www.crutchfield.com/S-I...0GM10Can anyone who knows more about audio help me figure out how to fix my antenna plug? I appreciate the wealth of knowledge you guys have here.Thanks. -George.

[Jahntassa]

The adapter you pointed out is an adapter to make the factory antenna plug fit into an aftermarket radio, it won't plug into the factory radio. You can "splice" a new connector on, but you'll need to get the part from GM, as it's a GM part, and not a standard antenna plug. Either that, or get a Metra 40GM20, and cut the antenna connector off that. I'd have to wonder if the connector on the inside of the radio is messed up. It needs to connect fully with the antenna plug (no tape around it) to get the best signal..

[gedwards]

Good catch on the wrong Metra part. I think I'll use this instead of the GM20. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-2...4EC18 I don't think it's the connector in the radio, because even with a GM adapter to my aftermarket head unit, the reception was horrid.As for splicing, should I solder it or could I use a large crimping connector?

[cohocarl]

I wouldn't splice into the factory coax. I picked up an adapter/wire from BestBuy also. Aftermarket stereos have the standard (larger) antenna jack on the rear. GM started using the newer, smaller jacks a couple years ago I believe.Sorry, I just re-read your post and I didn't notice you were trying to get the original unit back up and receiving stations. In that case, ya, you may want to check with a car stereo install place and you may be able to pick up a new jack to solder onto the end of the coax if you snip the old one off. May have lost a connection in the jack. Do you have another H.U. you could try first to see if it's not in the stereo?

[gedwards]

Yeah, but I'm working with my factory radio now. So how do I make the wiring for the antenna better without splicing it somehow? How hard is it to run all new wiring?

[Jahntassa]

Because the antenna is on the roof..not sure how easy it'd be. Generally there's a connection at the antenna somewhere, and the wire in behind the dash is an extension.The problem you're going to have is that the factory radio uses the GM size antenna (which has actually been around since late 80's according to the guide we have at Circuit City). If you wanted to use the factory radio, you'd have to get a 40GM10 to convert to standard aftermarket antenna wire size, get an extension for that, then a 40GM20 to change it back to the proper size to work with your radio. Of course, each connection you add in the chain reduces reception.You might want to take it by a dealership. I'd have to wonder if somehow the amp in the antenna didn't die..

[ragingfish]

This sounds like it could be a complex problem...and may be a warrantable repair...I'd say let your dealer fiddle with it...if they determine the wiring needs to be replaced, I say let them do it!

[gedwards]

Okay, so since I don't have $100 to pay my dealer to just fix the radio reception, would it be possible to really splice into the "coax" and how would I go about doing it?All I've ever used for splicing is the (removed) connectors that you stick the stripped wires in each end of the connector and then crimp it on both ends. So if I could have a few tips before I start monkeying with my wiring again, that would be awesome.Thanks for the help.

[Jahntassa]

Yes and no, but do you have another connector to splice? Generally you don't splice coax as you lose a lot of signal quality. The best choice is to see if you can get an add-on connector somewhere.There're two things you'd need to splice, the center part of the wire, which carries the main signal, and the "sheild" which is the silver wrap around the inner part of the cable.

[cdFxer]

Unless you are very good at soldering, I would look for a solderless connector to replace what you need. Usually to splice coax takes a special connector and just the right amount of solder/heat in just the right spots, for just the right amount of time. Even then, I would not recomend splicing a receiver lead in wire if you can at all avoid it.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by gedwards »Okay, so since I don't have $100 to pay my dealer to just fix the radio reception, would it be possible to really splice into the "coax" and how would I go about doing it?Note I said "it MAY be a warrantable repair."Not implying you should pay if it won't be free. Just that, if the car is under warranty, and under the 3/36, it should be something the dealer would cover in the bumper to bumper...not telling them how it happened of course.

[gedwards]

Yeah, that would be a great deal, but as soon as they open up the radio compartment, they'll see the spliced wires already in there. There's no hiding that. So the manufacturer's warranty would not really cover it.I already called a dealer, they said it would be $75 for the "diagnostic" and then $75/hr + parts to fix whatever they find in the diagnostic. It's a ripoff. I think I'll call Circuit City and see what they say.Do you guys have any chain stores that you trust more for installations? Circuit City? Best Buy? Tweeter?