mundo

Has anyone every had bad radio reception. I posted yesterday, 28 views, no replies. Its hard to believe no one else has this problem. There are 2 C5s in my family and they BOTH have lousy radio reception on AM and FM. Is it the GM radio, antenna in the windshield? I've heard there is an antenna booster? If so where is it?

RomanZ06

It seems like my radio cuts in and out sometimes. I think its because my antenna always loosens up. I need to find a rubber washer to put in between the antenna and the car. Your antenna is on the back of the car right?

jrose7004

The reception has been fine in both of the C5's that I've had.

bobby777

Go get a 20 foot whip antenna--great reception and real eye grabber-

RomanZ06

HAHA i actually LOL'ed at that.

mundo

I don't have an antenna on the back of my car. It looks like its in the windshield.

So why is this so funny? "just put a 20ft whip antenna on it". I'm asking a question on a tech. forum. I was hoping someone could help me with my problem rather than someone trying to amuse themselves with a funny joke.

65 Drivr

I have an aftermarket Pioneer radio in my 99. The antenna is in the windshield and the radios reception sucks. That's why I usually listen to MP3s on CD.
I remember when I was alot younger I had bought an "FM Booster" for a 70 Plymouth Gran Coupe I owned. I think it was from Radio Shack and it made a big difference. It plugged in between the antenna cable and the radio and just needed 12v power.
It's just a suggestion.
Try this....

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...&oq=fm+booster

I hope this helps.

djengr

My FM was fine, but the AM was a bit weak. I unplugged the rear defrost and it improved the reception on the AM. The plug is at the top of the rear window.

Give it a try and good luck.

and BTW the FM has a shorter range than most of my other cars, could be the vette is so low to the ground.

Bill Dearborn

There are two antennas in the coupe. One in the hatch window and the other in the windshield. The windshield antenna is for FM and the hatch antenna is for both FM and AM. The hatch antenna signal goes through an antenna buffer which is mounted above the roof bow interior panel and from there it goes to the antenna module which is located on the lower part of the Driver's B pillar. You will have to check all wiring and connections to and from the antenna buffer, the antenna module, the radio and each antenna. You should also check the hatch antenna to make sure it hasn't been damaged.

Here is a description of how the antenna system works on the coupe:

Antenna System (Coupe)

The Corvette features a diversity antenna system designed to deliver the best radio signal reception possible.
Two antennas are used to form a diversity system. The primary antenna is attached to the rear lift window similar to a defogger grid. This antenna is used to receive both AM and FM signals. The secondary antenna is attached to the windshield in the same manner as the primary antenna. This antenna is used to receive only FM (diversity) signals. The antenna reception signals are sorted by a reception processing module. The module then sends the clearest, strongest signal to the radio control.
Multipath or signal flutter is the quickly fading in and out of FM radio signal reception. Multipath or signal flutter most often occurs in down-town areas or wherever large obstructions are present. A radio signal reflects off of buildings at various angles. When one signal crosses paths with a same signal (at a different angle) they will cancel each other out. The signal will be received and then not received very rapidly by a vehicle audio system. This causes a fluttering effect to be heard through a vehicle's speakers. With the Corvette diversity antenna system one of the two antennas will virtually always receive a strong signal and widely limit mutipath.

Bill

minitech

Bill, what are the voltages going into pink wire and Dk Green wire in the diagram going into the module? I ask because with an aftermarket radio install the module needs to be powered up to work as it no longer gets the signal from the stock radio.

dgrant3830

One other minor item but very important is the plug in at the back of the radio itself. If its worked lose, you'll have problems but I would think it wouldn't be weak reception, rather no reception.

RomanZ06

Technically I am helping by moving this thread to the top of the page. Poor sense of humor I'd say.

BigGun

Here is a description of how the antenna system works on the coupe:

Antenna System (Coupe)

Check the case ground on the antenna buffer. It was a while back but I think that was the problem with mine. B\G