Antenna issues with new stereo head

themiller13

New Member
So I recently installed a Kenwood KDC x395 head int my 97. And as the reviews stated the radio reception is spotty, but my best estimate is because the antenna isn't (for lack of a better term) being deployed. There is no interface in the stereo to make the antenna "deploy".

So is it possible to run a new wiring system to the antenna that bypasses the stereo head and instead goes to a manual toggle switch to operate the "deploying motor"?

I'll worry about aesthetics later i.e. types of wiring, the switch, and how the actual wiring is run. But first i want to know if it's possible.
 

BeatBox

Real Good!
never hooked up my antenna in my 98 ls BUT there should be a wire thats for the power antenna, you hook that up to the after market's amp turn on wire, usually blue. thats what i would do, hard to explain but there should be wires set for the power antenna
 

NemesisCBR

Boredest Member
The stereo should have been hooked up correctly to the factory wiring that operates the antenna as normal. Get it corrected.

Reception will be poor with it unextended.
 


TheSkygun

New Member
I agree with nemesis. I have a kenwood in my 97 and it hooked right up to the write fire the power antenna. Maybe it wasn't pushed in all the way. Did you do it yourself or did someone else do

Edit: when I get home I'll check mine since the wires are the same and see why it might not be working, but a toggle switch would be nice to have just to keep it down if you want to use the stereo with an iPod with out the antenna up
 
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TheSkygun

New Member
I used the USB port for iPod on mine but I'll try it although i'm pretty sure it stays up
 


NemesisCBR

Boredest Member
If you cant use the aux port while switched into cd mode, thats poop. I dont keep up with the stereos but im pretty sure most have a aux mode that u switch to just like going back n forth from cd to stereo. If thats the case then you can just switch to it from cd mode where the antenna was down. This is my theory but if the stereo pops up the antenna everytime, its gay and stupid. lol Im not familiar with how it works with the usb port. Closest i got to messing around with a newer head unit that has aux inputs on the front is when i installed one in my sisters car but her antenna is stationary so i never had to figure it out and nor did i spend time figuring it out in my ex's integra. I would just assume that in that mode it has no reason to extend the antenna which is the same reason it retracts in cd mode.

My current head unit is 14 years old. Well overdue for a change, but it still works and i have my ipod hooked up via wire to the rear auxilary so.
 

TheSkygun

New Member
I have a red Kentwood that has the iPod plug and aux and one that lights up blue instead with built in Bluetooth
 

TheSkygun

New Member
nope, mine goes up no matter what

back on topic though im home now but it is dark so ill look at the kenwood i have in the closet

Edit:

This is the one i used to have in but not anymore
on the back you should see something like this, for the most part
what im pointing at is where the antenna should be plugged into, make sure its in all the way or that could be why its not working for you.
 
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TheSkygun

New Member
^ yep, now that you have the idea in my head i think i may try to make a relay switch that can control wither the antenna gets the power to go up or to stay down now. cant be too hard plus i have a switch i can use, only issue i see is feeding wire from the antenna to the switch then to the back of the stereo
 

easy web

New Member
Header, cat back exhaust, underdrive pulleys, cams (can be pricey), spark plugs and wires, ignition box, light weight flywheel, weight reduction. All that should give you decent power. I had an all motor LS-Vtec that was running low 13s w/ slicks.
 

NemesisCBR

Boredest Member
Header, cat back exhaust, underdrive pulleys, cams (can be pricey), spark plugs and wires, ignition box, light weight flywheel, weight reduction. All that should give you decent power. I had an all motor LS-Vtec that was running low 13s w/ slicks.
Yes but how do u get more power from your antenna?
 
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