ppinto1

This is a cross-post from Audio forum:
I've been reading a lot through the forums, and can't really find the info I need. I have the factory Bose system with the in-dash changer. Something is wrong with the Diversity antenna - again. I had this same problem once before, and the dealer fixed it. The radio will scan forever FM or AM. I can manually tune to very strong signals (FM), and AM is almost non-existant. Since I would have to bring it in to have fixed again, I'd like to try a different way. Is there an adapter that would let me use an aftermarket antenna? I really want to fix this once and for all. Installing an amplified AM/FM antenna which could actually be serviced would be much better in the long run, I think. BTW - I have VAG comm to diagnose if that would help. Thanks in advance.

brat2.ua

I'd try pulling out the radio myself and install some piece of metal, or other antena in the place where the original antenna goes in. That way i would probably know where to search. Would probably give you an idea. Im not a technician or something, so im not much help...

I saw a guy parked a 98-99 2.8 next to my house. I was surpised to see a little black antenna between the trunk and the little side-rear window on driverse side. Something like that would probably be an option for you.

Good luck!

SouthboroAudiGuy

I've got the same problem with no tint. Is the OEM antena just poor?

Boston Driver

you can remove the D-pillar to check the connections, but it is not for the faint of heart. Are you covered under warranty???

ppinto1

The car is completely stock - no tint. There's about 38000 left on the warranty. But, I bought the car used in Florida (I live in PA). No dealer in my area offers a loaner. So, when you add up the $50 for the service fee and a day or two of a rental, I think I'd just rather spend that money on something that will be a reliable antenna. The car's already had the problem twice, so I have no reasonable expectation it won't have it again. I do a lot of driving, and the radio is important to me. I perform all the mechanical service on the car myself. It's my 3rd Audi, and I find them to be very reliable. My 98 A6Q has 245K on it. This problem with the radio reception is going to drive me crazy, though.

Boston Driver

if you avhe radiokeys, pull the head unit out and see if the antenna is connected properly on the back of the head unit.

Next, pull the D pillar trim so you can check the antenna connections to the diversity antenna built into the rear window. Here are the steps:

1. Remove the little "AIRBAG" tag right above the B-pillar on the driver's side. That will expose a T-25 torx bolt that needs to be removed.
2. Remove the square plastic caps on the grab handles above the driver's side rear door. That will expose another two T-25 torx bolts that need to be removed.
3. Remove the little coat hook, using a philips-head screwdriver. Once the coat hanger block is removed, you should see an additional T-25 torx bolt that must be removed.
4. Where the rearward bolt for the grab handle was located, look for a brass colored oval washer. Grab that with a pair of pliers, and pull HARD towards the front of the car. This will release a clip lock that holds the pillar trim in place. You should hear it pop, and it will only need to move an inch or so.
5. Remove the pillar trim, which is now only held in by a few metal spring clips. Just pull the trim downward starting from the end closest to the headliner.
6. Make sure that all the metal clips are removed. Sometimes, they slide out of the slot in the D-pillar trim backing, and remain in the slots in the D-pillar frame of the car.

Check the connections to the antenna, you should see some leads that go into a small block along the side of the window.

If all connections look fine, then something else has failed, either between the antenna in the rear window and the head unit, or within the radio itself. The only solution for you at that point is to bring you car in for service, since you are covered under warranty.

If you really want to replace the antenna, look at what TeddyBGame did to install the OEM "sharkfin" antenna, but again, you might not be solving the problem if the issue is with the radio itself.

Best of luck!

ppinto1

Thanks! The Bentley manual wasn't so specific. I don't have the radio keys, but I guess I can order them from Crutchfield. In the mean time, I will check the connections. The last repair from the dealer was a replacement of the diversity switch. So, I don't think it's in the radio - if the same failure has occured. The symptoms are exactly the same. I'd still like to go to a more reliable solution, though - if one exists....

Boston Driver

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ppinto1

The antennas are pretty good when they're working correctly. I live in East Stroudsburg, PA - about 10 miles west of the PA/NJ border, and I can receive WWOR (710AM) - which is just outside of NYC. But, that's when everything's working....

ppinto1

I don't have tint. I'd like to be tinted all the way around, but I think tinting the fronts is illegal in my state.