My 98 Accord has been run thru the wringer. It has 205k and still smokes the tires. I had a whole new stereo installed the day I got it home and until a few weeks ago worked great. Now I'm assuming something is wrong with the antenna since stations fade in and out on bridges, in trees and around curves. I doubt its loose on the unit since it still works sometimes and has not been disturbed. Best Buy said its likely the antenna embedded in the back glass that went bad, and is a common problem. Any truth and solution?

 

I haven't heard of many of the embedded antennas going bad. 9 times out of 10 for these it is the contacts to the strips on the glass. Same issues that arise with the rear window defogger. However a scratch in the embedded strip close to the start will break the connection.

Check the connection to the antenna found under the head liner. It could have come loose or maybe have some signs of corrosion. If you don't find anything there you should check the antenna strip itself. If someone scratched it will be like a broken antenna. These can be fixed using the same kits and methods as the defogger strip repair kits.

 

my headliner is starting to sag. I will check this when I get the free time. For now I am OK with connecting my phone to the AUX port on the stereo. thanx

 

Usually factory embedded back window antennas are very reliable.
Have you checked the back of your radio to see that the antenna cable is plugged in properly?

I've heard that tinting windows block the signal. Other than obvious breaks in the glass or wire connection glass antennas are good.

 

no tint on windows, glass intact. radio was installed at bestbuy about 2 years ago when I got the car. I called and asked he of course said its not likely and blames window antenna. Will pull panel under it today or tomorrow.

 

Most window antenna have a amp that's powered by the head's power antenna wire [blue]. Make sure it's connect to car's harness and make sure the deck's blue wire is putting out 12.5+ volts when powered up [Meter, never test light!!!!]. I would hope BB uses a harness plug and not hack up factory harness. If they had they should had it wired on the bench and just plugged in. Could be a bad amp above head liner. To test check there for power with head on. If you have power unplug window and try a 30" wire antenna off antenna wire.

I've fixed this mistake many times as a former installer. Many high end ero cars! VW screwed us when they started using the fubor roof antennas. They powered it thru the antenna wire. That's a story for another time....