AM radio reception / A pillar antenna question
 

I know this topic has been around. My AM reception has been bad. Took off the A pillar cover and pass side visor to get at that amplified antenna.
First thing I did was to remove the screw that holds the unit in place and sanded down the paint under the screw head.

One wire, white one, has 12 volts with key on ; the black wire looks like it goes to the windshield. Disconnected both connectors and reconnected. 90% of the static is gone. Buttoned everything up and did a test drive. Ok so far

Have other owners done anything different ? Any insights ?

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1424575837.jpg

Has anyone replaced the amplifier ? Doesn't seem like the kind of thing that fails...

Interestingly, I first tested the am using a coat hanger. Even inside the garage it was crystal clear.....:)

I've been looking for an AM reception thread. I live near a huge AM station, and can't bring it in clearly. Is this the fix?

I was told that a radio that fails the coat hanger indicates a bad radio (am only), and a successful test indicates an antenna problem.

Once I had the passenger side A-Pillar cover off, I turned the radio on and unplugged the 12v wire and amplifier to antenna wire connectors. Then I unscrewed the amplifier hold down screw and sanded off the paint around the hole (this had been recommended in previous posts). Test the 12v wire with key on.
Then reconnect each wire, I found that there was a sweet spot when connected. Keeping the radio on I tried all my weak stations, taped the wires to the pillar, then replaced the A-Pillar cover.
Still working fine.

The take-away is you can test the radio, the power wire, and inspect the connectors without shelling out $$ to a shop...:)

I looked for an amplifier and could not find one. I have an 03. anyone have information on how to improve am reception on an 03?