Well I think I got my engine light to go off.

wackfx · #1 11-05-2009, 01:06 AM

So I would like to start working on my stereo.I have a 97 f-150 and when i got it the radio reception was so bad that I pulled it out and I could not believe what I was looking at .The guy had cut the antenna wire and just shoved it in the back of the radio and held it in with duct tape.I went out and bought a new wire put it in and the radio is actually worse.The antenna wire does not seem to fit as well as it should ,to loose.Tonite I stopped and checked at best buy to buy the right wire the guy tells me that these trucks have a problem with getting rust in the system and that I might want to get a new wire and antenna from a dealer.Crazy ? I really just want a working radio nothing fancy just to many demons to not have some music.

thanks

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Sundevil2188 · #2 11-05-2009, 02:24 AM

Get an aftermarket radio with an IPOD/MP3 player hookup. The only time Ive listened to radio in the almost 3 years Ive had my deck is when my girlfriend steals my ipod and I have no CDs in the truck.

I think the only way to check the antenna to see if its rusted is to take the fender off, just like you would have to to replace the antenna. Ive never tried to follow it any further then behind the glovebox though. I personally have never seen it happen, but I dont live in the rustbelt like you do.

Low_e_Red · #3 11-19-2009, 02:22 AM

Theres a way to fix the antenna problem. Ive done this in many customer cars.

Take a new antenna adapter and chop the end that doesnt end up in the radio off. Then find the center lead and strip everything about 1" back. Ground this to the Black wire on the radio harness and solder. Should get you about 75-80% of the stations back at minimum.