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OEM Radio problem

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Tynyyn, Sep 24, 2018.

  1. Tynyyn

    Tynyyn Member

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    I have an '04 Prius with an OEM head unit. I'm very happy with the vehicle, yet am disappointed in the radio reception. I've read some previous threads about OEM radios yet I guess I didn't seem to get an answer to my problem while looking through those threads.

    Here goes: My wife's Nissan Armada gets great radio reception on various AM and FM stations. When I tune my Prius' radio to those same stations I cannot get any AM stations and the FM stations are very weak. My question is, should I look at the wire going into the head unit and the antenna or something else? Could the problem be as simple as a wire not being plugged in properly into the head unit? How should I check the in line resistor on that wire?

    Suggestions would be helpful. If there is a thread which would explain my situation I'd would appreciate a link to it. Thanks.

    Terry
     
    #1 Tynyyn, Sep 24, 2018
  2. BarronrdPri

    BarronrdPri New Member

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    I had poor connection due to a aftermarket antenna swap. And in a other instance I had forgotten to plug back antenna connection so just maybe it might loose back there.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 BarronrdPri, Sep 24, 2018
  3. BarronrdPri

    BarronrdPri New Member

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    I have a 2005 Prius

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 BarronrdPri, Sep 24, 2018
  4. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    #4 audiodave, Sep 24, 2018
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    could be faulty roof antenna or simply corrosion on the mast threads. I'd unscrew the mast, clean the threads and tighten it with a 10mm wrench and see if that helps any.
     
    #5 69shovlhed, Sep 24, 2018
  6. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    so you all know that there is an antenna pre-amp that is in line with the FM antenna right?????? The unit is located in the passenger roof above the headliner, close to the pillar between the front/rear doors! If it's lost power, or dead, your reception will go to hell really quick....
    If this were my car, the way I might test the theory is 1- I would make sure that antenna connector is securely pushed into the ant socket if that produces no significant results, check # 2 - would be to take a cheap antenna you might find at auto zone, etc, and plug it into the radio and see if FM improves. Make sure the antenna has the proper sized Motorola connector, tere are several sizes, or get an adapter. You are not going to install that antenna, but if it helps, it narrows down the field to the root of the problem. If indeed the pre-amp is bad, You can have Toyota fix the problem, costly, or buy the pre-amp and install it yourself. I myself am comfortable doing that, some are not! Also an ohm check from the input to he pre-amp unit to the socket of the antenna might be in order to see if the coax is open... while it's a simple fix, there are steps you need to check out to resolve the problem it takes some time, equipment/tools, and replacement parts!
    good luck, let us know how you get the problem solved!
     
    #6 KK6PD, Sep 24, 2018
  7. Tynyyn

    Tynyyn Member

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    Thanks to everybody for your replies. I shall delve into the problem. Although I haven't yet done anything, I'm thinking the problem lies with the pre-amp. Exasperating to be a techno dolt, though.
     
    #7 Tynyyn, Sep 25, 2018
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