Flaky radio antenna connection

sasjzl · Post by **sasjzl** » 25 Aug 2010, 18:19

I have a bad connection somewhere between my radio and my antenna on a 1996 960.
Sometimes it is connected and receiving fm signals clear as a bell. Other times it is just static and receives absolutely nothing. Just static. I am assuming it is the antenna that is disconnecting but it is possible it could be something else. There is no in between. Either the signals are clear and strong or absolutley nothing EXCEPT I can get AM stations very badly with quite a bit of interference from the ignition system.

Any likely suspect areas to check?

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee

Post by **billofdurham** » 26 Aug 2010, 12:21

When you are getting poor reception does it improve if you hold the antenna?

Usually intermittent reception problems are an earth (ground)fault at the base of the antenna. As well as the earth contact at the antenna check all connections between the antenna and the head unit. The lead out of the antenna is short and feeds into a longer lead that goes to the head unit. I have seen this connection badly corroded.

Bill.