Expert: Cleggsan - 3/30/2011

Question
I have  2007 chrysler sebring LX with a factory radio and the short screw in antenna on the roof. I have horrible fm reception, I got a new screw in antenna and it helped some, then got in behind glove compartment and checked that connection, still the same. People tell me it is'nt getting a good ground, if so, how do I do that? thank you

Answer
Some Chryslers have an antenna booster amplifier which must be powered from the 12v line somehow and if the fuse is out or if it is not getting good voltage - or bad ground - then it would yield bad reception as well.

So, you must look to see if there is a booster amp and then check all the grounds.  I don't know exactly how the antenna is mounted but the ground is usually at the place where it is mounted into the metal cowling or roof area and often requires to go underneath the vehicle to get at it.  Sometimes they are mounted in from the top and the portion in contact with the metal can be screwed out.

In any event, the antenna metal to metal contact must be solid and it is usually achieved on the under side of the mounting hole and to get a good ground it often requires the antenna to be removed and the metal parts wiped clean and sanded down with emery paper to make sure the rust and dirt is cleaned out.

Hope this helps.

PS: Some roof antennas are mounted only with physical attachment and the grounding is at the end of the cable where the plug inserts into the back of the radio.  You will have to study that to see what system is employed.  Chrysler has so many variations for the same model and year of car.  If you google for your make and year you can find a variety of antennas and accessories.  They are not all the same, unfortunately.