AM / FM antenna

Silver SLP · 10-22-2012, 06:44 PM

I understand that the am/fm antenna is built into the rear window grid. I installed an aftermarket radio and now I get some FM reception, and no AM reception.

*None of the grids are broken and there is no problem with the wiring*

What I want to do is install a small aftermarket antenna, preferably on the roof near the front of the windshield. I would like to use an onstar antenna (like from a 2009 Malibu, or similar), however I understand that the plugs are different and it will not work. I will then get an antenna wire extender and run it from the new roof antenna to behind the radio.

Anyone have any ideas? I am good with this kind of stuff and I think it would be a fun project.

Thanks in advance!

Shiwnath · 10-22-2012, 07:21 PM

Stupid question, but did you use an antenna adapter?

zzyzzx · 10-22-2012, 07:31 PM

You do know that the OEM antenna is powered, don't you? I am not sure if it's powered by an aftermarket head unit without having to do something (like run a switched power wire to the antenna amplifier). Something like that. I still have an OEM head unit so it's not like I have personally had to deal with that. Possibly this is what Shiwnath was referring to.

Silver SLP · 10-22-2012, 10:02 PM

Yes, I used an antenna adapter. I've done a lot of audio installs over the years, good idea though.

a.graham52 · 10-22-2012, 10:28 PM

the antenna IS "amplified" it will require additional wiring but i dont know to what extent. the antenna amp is built into the rear window defroster i think???

Shiwnath · 10-23-2012, 12:42 PM

You could try checking the defroster/antenna module. I'm not sure what really to look for, but it might be the route cause of your problem.

brickkk · 10-23-2012, 01:25 PM

weird story never had that problem always had am/fm radio with my alpine even without the adapter in the begining i didnt want to buy i just pushed it in and tapped it as is ! all bent haha but it would work fine !!

Silver SLP · 10-23-2012, 07:15 PM

Well I have tinted windows, and I get great reception with the stock radio... Need the iPod though haha

Silver SLP · 10-23-2012, 09:21 PM

So what you guys are saying is, 1.) I need to have the antenna adapter (which I've done) and 2.) There is another wire coming from the head unit that I need to use to turn on the power antenna?

I always thought that power antenna meant the motorized pop-up antenna. I didn't think that it had anything to do with power meaning a signal-turn-on type of booster??

Blackthunder99 · 11-02-2012, 01:40 AM

I think the aleros have that wire the power antenna because I get great fm but no am and I like to listen to the football games some time so if I wire that power antenna up I should get better am