Need help troubleshooting Jeep antenna / radio problem.

brian0128

Any car audio guys familiar with the Jeep Cherokee platform in the MD area?

I've got a 99 Cherokee Sport that is my play vehicle and I'm not getting any radio reception. I've had this problem now for about 6 months but I really want to get my radio working again. I've got an Alpine head unit that was installed 2 years ago. Out of nowhere, the radio reception went to crap. I replaced the antenna because there was a small bend in it but that didn't help. I pulled the head unit out and checked to make sure the antenna was plugged into the head unit.

What do I do now? I don't know how to see if the cable is screwed correctly underneath the antenna. Do I have to pull the quarter panel for that? Is it a 1 piece antenna cable? How does it route? Is there a way to test if the antenna cable has a break in it? Any suggestions?

I'd be happy to provide beer and pizza to someone that will help me figure this out.

Here is the thread I posted on the jeep forum.
How hard is it to replace antenna and wiring on a 99? - JeepForum.com

brian0128

I don't even know if it's the antenna but that's my best guess. I'll give a case of Mobil 1 Synthetic as well as provide beer to whoever can fix my problem. I'll even drive to you.

eastwest2300

You know what I'd do, I'd go to Best Buy, and talk to an installer, catch the installer when hes not but and or being rushed 9/10 times, depending how you talk to him, he'll help you out.. I use to work at best buy.

Just a thought.

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eastwest2300

If you all ready replaced the antenna, and you're still having the same problem, it could be the radio, how old is the radio? radios are known for fm tuners going out, its very possible, depending on the age of the radio.

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brian0128

It's a 2 year old Alpine. Is there a way to test from the end of the antenna or antenna base to the connection at the back of the radio to see if there is a problem with the cable or attachment location in the fender well?

eastwest2300

Sorry, I just saw that in the initial post. Have you pulled the radio out for anything? if you have recently, the antenna adapter may have come unplugged from the radio, thats very possible too. Jeep's require an antenna adapter for after market radios, again, thats my best buy car stereo salesman experience there.

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brian0128

I only pulled the radio to make sure the antenna was plugged in.

eastwest2300

If I were you, what I'd do is start at the radio, than work your way from there. So in other words, get another radio, wire it up, same problem with a different radio, than you know its the antenna, not the radio. Then trouble shoot the antenna. I mean hell, you already replaced the antenna. I dont think its your antenna, So your situation is weird.

If you dont have another radio, you could always go to best buy, buy one, and return it within 30 days, no questions asked for a full refund.

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brian0128

I just went outside and swapped radios with my neighbor's Alpine. It wasn't the problem. My antenna mast is new, but my antenna cable is not. I can't even figure out how the thing is routed.

eastwest2300

All right, so we know its NOT the radio, where can you get that antenna cable? try autozone or shop like that. get the cable, and I'll help you throw it in. we'll make the attempt.

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