99 grand prix cda 9811, bad am

...or more accurate, no AM. Installed the CDA-9811 with the GM antenna adapter. The FM works okay, but I can't even get bad static for the AM...there's nothing (there is some background static...but no noise typically heard when the stations aren't coming in good). This unit was in another vehicle and the AM worked fine (AM worked fine with stock unit as well on the Grand Prix). It is just odd that I can't get anything. Has anyone seen problems of this nature or am I probably looking at a bad AM unit?

Thanks.

What you failed to mention is the type of antenna on the vehicle. Apparently you have issues there. Either the cable is bad..or the ground to the antenna is corroded or non existant. It can't hurt to try another GM antenna adaptor as well..wouldn't be the first time one of those were bad out of the package. (yes, they are very cheaply made)

If it is a windshield antenna you might want to replace it with a mast type..it can be a pain to fix those and could even require replacing the glass if need be. If the car has a power antenna or a mast you will need to check the mounting point where it grounds..or any ground straps. The ground of the antenna is all to do with AM performance..FM will work without a ground..all FM really needs is a piece of wire technically to work. Am is a different story.

Good Luck

he did mention that the A/M is fine with the factory radio installed 

good suggestions though

I have the antenna built into the windshield. I can live without the AM...though I like to get my news during the morning commute. I've got a spare antenna. I'll conntect it for testing when I pop the dash off to run my signal and speaker wires to the trunk. I'll end up replacing the head unit eventually so that I can get something compatible with the stock steering wheel controls if the new antenna doesn't work.

It seems to always happen that the aftermarket deck never quite gets as good reception as the factory unit. We'll see how it goes.

Thanks a bunch, guys!

True..I also find most occasions that the factory deck will have superior AM as oppsed to an aftermarket,however, AM should still work to an acceptable level.

The test antenna is a good idea but this is important.....when using a test antenna to check AM you MUST make sure the BASE of the test antenna is solidly grounded..otherwise the AM will not work at all and can mislead you to blame the deck instead. Of course if the AM works with the test antenna you have simply verified that the problem lies elswhere.

Best of luck, there is no reason not to get the AM back if you desire it.

Oh BTW..there is no aftermarket deck made that is compatable with the steering wheel controls other then a factory deck. However PAC makes a great piece called the SWI-X which will work with many aftermarket decks that utilize a wireless remote control. IF the deck can utilize a wired remote control PAC makes a piece for that as well which is easier since the SWI-X requires programming but I do them alot and the install usually takes about 10 minutes with programming once you get the hang.

If you are unsure check the PAC adaptor website and it lists compatable head units.

It was the PAC stuff that I was looking at to interface with the steering wheel controls to the newer HUs that support it.

Thanks for the tip on the AM antenna...I'll remember that for sure