Defroster interference with radio?

[89 2wd]

Does anyone else have a problem with their radio reception when the rear window defroster is on?

I wonder if it has something to do with the smaller plug attached to the antenna plug behind the radio?? I have an aftermarket headunit, but originally had the full DIN radio with 2 plugs for the antenna. Now that smaller plug is just hanging behind the radio.

[marc780]

I dont have this problem, but if i did, i would fix it by installing an antenna on the fender, front or rear. Maybe a retractable one. Also you might consider a "hide away" antenna like this one so you dont have to drill holes.

http://www.autobarn.net/metaw-ua200.html

[89 2wd]

I already have an antenna though, it only messes up when the defroster is on. It's the original power antenna (power unplugged because the nylon teeth started to chatter) and it's fully extended.




Could there be a ground wire on the harness that causes this? I thought the entire body of the antenna was grounded where it’s mounted to the chassis.

Also I want to replace the mast (the nylon piece at least) but I can't find it anywhere. Has anybody else had luck someplace other than the dealer?

Thanks

[Mike Gerber]

"Also I want to replace the mast (the nylon piece at least) but I can't find it anywhere. Has anybody else had luck someplace other than the dealer?"

I know Pep Boys carries one for the generation 3. Not sure about the generation 2. You may want to check there.

Mike

[89 2wd]

Thats the problem man, every auto parts store I check has the mast with the large nub on the end that the gen 3 Camrys have and various Lexus models of the early 1990's. I don't like the replacement power antenna units...never had any luck with those fitting right or working for more than a year.

[Mike Gerber]

I can suggest a wild thing to try to eliminate the static, that will only take you about 5-10 minutes. Access the connector that hanging and is currently disconnected. Take a piece of cloth or anything else that is non-conductive and wrap it around that connector. Use electrical or even duct tape to secure it. You may even use the tape as your non-conductor, just make sure you cover it completely . Now take some aluminum foil and wrap that completely around the piece of cloth or electrical tape and secure it with the same tape. Now see if the static goes away. I'm thinking that unconnected connector might be picking up the static when the defroster is on because of current going through a wire close to it, maybe the wiring leading to the defroster. I'm thinking of trying to insulate the connector. The cloth is just so you don't short anything and the aluminum foil might just block any static caused by current that is going through wiring near that connector. I'm thinking along the lines of older Corvettes that had a metal casing over their external ignition coil in the engine compartment. The metal casing was there to insulate against radio static produced by the coil. Remember, Corvettes were (still are) fiberglass and had no metal firewall to block the static. This is really only a hunch, but will only take 5 or 10 minutes to try.

Mike