VW Passatt aerial

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=31588
Printed Date: July 06, 2025 at 7:49 PM

Topic: VW Passatt aerial

Posted By: aboutsound
Subject: VW Passatt aerial
Date Posted: May 04, 2004 at 3:56 PM

Hi,
I have installed an FM modulated cd shuttle to a 1998 Passatt factory stereo and discovered the stereo now has very weak (if any) AM. I think the Fm control box has disturbed the signal to the antenna. The VW's have an amplified antenna mounted in the rear of the roof and I think they receive power for the amplifier down the centre pin of the co-ax. Is this true? Can any one tell me a way to wire the system so the antenna still receives power to increase the signal for AM frequencies?

Thanks
About Sound

Replies:

Posted By: Ravendarat
Date Posted: May 04, 2004 at 4:05 PM

Is the FM Mod on when you are trying to use the Radio, if so make sure you kill the power to the FM Mod or else your reception will be sh*t

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double-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer

Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: May 04, 2004 at 5:04 PM

try turning off the modulator when you are using the radio, or else you may need the active antenna interface .... we use the Metra 40-VW53

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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979

Posted By: aboutsound
Date Posted: May 04, 2004 at 11:28 PM

Hi,
No, turning the Modulator off is the first thing I checked but that is not what the problem is. I'm not sure if I could get a Metra 40-VW53 in New Zealand. Who makes them? Is there a DIY way to do it.

Thanks
Kent

Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: May 05, 2004 at 1:38 PM

METRA makes them... there is a way to modify the antenna itself to eliminate the amplification circuit, i've done this in the past with success, it essentially leaves you with a passive antenna on the vehicle.....

-------------
Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979