My pioneer head unit doesn't seem to pick up radio stations well...?

Question

I have checked the antenna connections and they seem secure. I even replaced the outside antenna with a passive "amplified" one, no luck. now if I am standing really close to the outside antenna, I seem to get a bit of a better signal, but other than that... any solutions out there????

Answer 1

What kind of vehicle is this? There may be antenna connections in the vehicle that you don't know about; ie, with Jeeps it's common to find an antenna connection behind the glove box, and in GM's you often find a junction in the passenger kick panel area. If a connection is loose it would cause poor reception. Also, if you have an in-glass antenna or a small rooftop antenna you may have to hook up a wire in the radio harness to activate a stock antenna amplifier.

I've had lots of experience with Pioneers and haven't found their radio reception to be worse than any other brand. Note that radio reception is one area where many stock radios outperform after-market radios, but the difference shouldn't be that great.

Answer 2

There's no such thing as a passive amplified antenna. If it's amplified, than it's active. If reception improves when you're standing next to the old antenna, than the amplified antenna isn't plugged in. If all else fails, buy a motorolla type marine antenna and route the wire through the dash in a straight line, if possible.

Answer 3

Take a magnet, see if it sticks to the place where the antenna is mounted. If not, you have non magnetic parts, aluminum or fiberglass, and the antenna is lacking a ground plane to work as it should. See about an antenna recommended for your vehicle if that is the case.

Answer 4

I have noticed this problem with pioneers, trust me its not just you. The marine idea works or see about getting a different antenna. either way you go good luck