FM reception with new head unit - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Stunnd · 11-01-2005, 06:37 PM

I just had a Kenwood X889 installed in my 2000 Solara and the FM reception sucks. The installer said that it's bad because I don't have a power antenna. The antennas aren't built into the rear windshield. Toyota prides themselves on maximizing reception with their stock unit (per the dealer). Has anyone else experienced this and was what your solution? I'm thinking I'll just have an external antenna installed, but I hesitate to do that because the car's lines are great without it.

***RningOnFumes*** · 11-01-2005, 06:43 PM

why punch a hole into an otherwise clean body?

try looking up those sites that deal with old/ vintage/ restored autos, i'm sure you can find a decent hidden antenna?

1st Gen Sol · 11-01-2005, 08:32 PM

I have an aftermarket radio in my Solara and the reception is great. I'd check the connections first and play around with the wires connecting the radio. If that still doesn't help, just get one of those internal antennas that either run behind the rear view mirror on the front windshield or get the antenna that is similiar to that of the stock antenna on the rear in another location.

I wouldn't drill another hole into the body for an antenna.

bassthrive · 11-01-2005, 10:15 PM

Its gotta be the kenwood. Either that or something is messed up with the antenna connection. My Clarion ProAudio radio reception is great!

Stunnd · 11-02-2005, 09:08 AM

I'll check out the internal antenna. thanks

WortownSolara · 11-02-2005, 02:54 PM

okay if its a 2000 solara, it has an antenna in the rear windshield, and it is considered "powered" the power ant. lead on your kenwood should be hooked up to the lead from the car. Coming from someone who just got rid of thier sol AND worked in car audio for 7 years. Take my word for it. not to mention that kenwoods have the best tuners on the market.

Stunnd · 11-03-2005, 07:53 AM

the installer said that the rear windshield has 2 antennas in it...one is primary and one acts as a backup...he didn't say anything about it being powered though...he replaced the Kenwood with a Pioneer but the Kenwood had better clarity, and the reception isn't any better with the Pionner...do you think an internal antenna will fix the issue? would he mount it on the dash somewhere?

WortownSolara · 11-03-2005, 09:32 AM

NO I AM 100% POSITIVE THAT THE POWER ANTENNA LEAD NEEEEEEDS TO BE HOOKED UP!!
And dont take the pioneer, no offense to any fans out there, but the excelon unit will sh*t all over a pioneer.

I KNOW THIS CAR!!!!! I had 5 DIFFERENT complete systems in this car. There is no doubt in my mind that this antenna lead NEEDS to be hooked up.

Stunnd · 11-03-2005, 05:00 PM

thanks bud, i'll let you know how it goes