Go Back   986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners > Porsche Boxster & Cayman Forums > Performance and Technical Chat

Post Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-21-2015, 06:30 PM   #1
Registered User
 
jim_hoyland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sunset Beach, CA
Posts: 305
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 ?



jim_hoyland is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-23-2015, 05:05 AM   #2
Registered User
 
jim_hoyland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sunset Beach, CA
Posts: 305
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.....
jim_hoyland is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-01-2015, 03:44 PM   #3
Beginner
 
Jamesp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,659
Garage
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?
__________________
2003 S manual
Jamesp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-03-2015, 04:44 AM   #4
Registered User
 
jim_hoyland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sunset Beach, CA
Posts: 305
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamesp View Post
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...
jim_hoyland is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 07:11 PM   #5
Beginner
 
Jamesp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,659
Garage
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?

__________________
2003 S manual
Jamesp is offline   Reply With Quote
Post Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:39 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page