Powering FM Antenna
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 96
From: Asheville NC
Powering FM Antenna
My FM reception is not too good. I did my HU install a few days after I got my car so I have nothing to compare it to. I asked my installer if he powered the FM and he wasn't sure. I read every thread but read conflicting information. Here is what I have:
12v on the white wire at B3 of the main radio connector.
If it still isn't acceptable you can rig up and add +5vdc to the yellow wire at A4, but that is only helpful when playing FM, and it may cause other problems. What problems can it cause? Do I need to hookup both wires for the best reception? Using a PAC module.
FYI, this will also supply the stock amp if you haven't removed it. Pull AMP fuse 31 to remove the constant 12v from the bose amp.
12v on the white wire at B3 of the main radio connector.
FYI, this will also supply the stock amp if you haven't removed it. Pull AMP fuse 31 to remove the constant 12v from the bose amp.
12v on the white wire at B3 of the main radio connector.
If it still isn't acceptable you can rig up and add +5vdc to the yellow wire at A4, but that is only helpful when playing FM, and it may cause other problems. What problems can it cause? Do I need to hookup both wires for the best reception? Using a PAC module.
FYI, this will also supply the stock amp if you haven't removed it. Pull AMP fuse 31 to remove the constant 12v from the bose amp.
12v on the white wire at B3 of the main radio connector.
FYI, this will also supply the stock amp if you haven't removed it. Pull AMP fuse 31 to remove the constant 12v from the bose amp.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Th only thing I'm positive of is that you need 12v on the white wire at B3 to power up the stock antenna module.
In a C5 coupe it is definitely a 5v signal that gets added when playing AM, but I have never personally verified exactly how a C6 antenna works other than the one 12v signal.
If you have aftermarket amps, odds are the installer did not connect the amp remote to your B3. You can verify that without taking the dash apart if you pull the rear vertical 'carpet' down and use a meter on the antenna module. I believe the power wire is the only white one at the modules, C6 prints are HERE
If you don't have 12v at the module, hook it up, it definitely helps some.
If you do have the module powered and reception still sucks you can try an inline amplifier for under $10. I've seen good results with them.
If that still isn't good enough you're pretty much stuck with getting an aftermarket antenna of some type.
In a C5 coupe it is definitely a 5v signal that gets added when playing AM, but I have never personally verified exactly how a C6 antenna works other than the one 12v signal.
If you have aftermarket amps, odds are the installer did not connect the amp remote to your B3. You can verify that without taking the dash apart if you pull the rear vertical 'carpet' down and use a meter on the antenna module. I believe the power wire is the only white one at the modules, C6 prints are HERE
If you don't have 12v at the module, hook it up, it definitely helps some.
If you do have the module powered and reception still sucks you can try an inline amplifier for under $10. I've seen good results with them.
If that still isn't good enough you're pretty much stuck with getting an aftermarket antenna of some type.
