Ever since i got me 93 LX, the radio reseption has been horrible. theres basicly onle one station i listen to and i cant really get a good signal where i live. IT doest com in constantly untill i drive about 10 miles north (closer to the tower). Also once i get in the city where the tower is, the reseption gets horrible again.

Im thinking it the antenna (concitering the head unit is brand new and i never had reception issues in my last car with the same brand). Mostly because its bent and only moves about 3 inches, so im guessign somethings broke.

So heres my question should i just get a replacment oem antenna or go with something like this...

http://www.amazon.com/Metra-44UA200-...pr_product_top

 

A whip antenna which is factory style will work way better than the Metra. I put a amplified Metra in my 89 Civic Si and the reception was horrible. Stick with a stock replacement as it should extend more than 3 inches.

 

Oh no, it is all the way out, but only pushes back in 3 inches

 

Test the ant. before you replace it, but I agree if you need to replace it go with the stock type, Metra 44-HD98, [OEM replacement]... http://metraonline.com/part/44-HD98.

To test your ant. you need a multimeter set to continuity, first test continuity of mast, one probe an center pin of ant. plug the other probe to mast, there should be full continuity, next test for continuity between mast and shield, one probe stays on center pin of plug the other goes on outer barrel of plug, there should be no continuity, [short], then test for continuity to ground, one probe to outer barrel of plug the other to chassis ground point, there should be full continuity.

The most common problem with these ant. is no continuity to ground, [ant. has no ground plane], the ant. is grounded by the mounting screws, the screw(s) or nut(s) they crew into will rust and ant. looses it's ground, sometimes all you need to do is unscrew them and screw them back in.

Here is a hint that will make things easier if you do replace the ant., remove the screws, pull ant. assembly out fat enough th access the ant. lead, cut the ant. lead and remove the rest of the ant. assembly, plug the center pin of new ant. plug into the old ant. lead and wrap a little electrical tape to hold it in place, then pull the old lead out through the A pillar opening behind kick panel as you insert the new ant. assembly, [pulling the new ant. lead along with it]

Another way is to tie a string to the old ant. lead and pull it out through the ant. opening at the top of A pillar and connect the string to the new ant. lead so you can pull it through.

Take my word for it, running the new ant. lead without a "guide" is a real PITA. 94

 

i installed one of those hidden antennas in my ej1, and i got to say, the reception is great, just as good as OEM. if you do the installation great and make sure you have a good ground, then you will be happy