bscout52

I've changed the head unit and kept everything else, I get some radio stations but not all that I should. The guys at crutch field say the power antenna/booster wire should be with the rest of the power connections but there's no wire there, so was the bose system running the 12v through the antenna cable to the booster?

frizzlefry

Sounds like you have the same problem I did...try this: Using some windex, clean the inside of the back window where the antennas are. Even if the window is clean (mine was). Use long horizontal strokes. This fixed the lousy reception in my C5 A6. Issue was that there was invisible grime/moisture/film/whatever on my rear window that was completing a connection between the antennas and the defrost wires. That was killing my radio reception. And when I turned on the rear defrost, the radio would lose signal all together. Cleaning the inside of the glass around/on the antenna area fixed it instantly. I was even able to get radio stations 10 stories under ground. My car was just detailed too (just got it from the dealership) so the window was clean. Just not clean enough around the antennas apparently.

Hope this fixes it for you. And if it does, sorry you replaced the head unit

HuskerAudi

Would this be a reason for no AM stations coming in? Occasionally I will hear a little.

radhaz

AM reception is from the external whip antenna.

mithrilG60

Only the Avant has the external whip antenna.

Huskerbob

I have terrible AM static. Do you think replacing the whip with a new antenna will help? How about one of those shark fins? It's impossible to listen to now.

mithrilG60

The AM band is a weaker frequency than FM which is why it requires a powered signal booster. You could try replacing the antenna, the whip portion just unscrews of the base so it's an easy thing to try, but more likely you get weak reception because your booster has died or isn't properly connected to 12V. If you have an aftermarket deck installed I'd look at the later as it's often overlooked during install.

Huskerbob

I just got this car. There is some Bose stuff behind a panel in the cargo area. Would one of those deals be the booster? If not where is it located? Thanks for any help. I'm big on AM talk radio.

mithrilG60

The Bose stuff in the cargo pod is you subwoofer. I'm not sure exactly where the booster is located in the C5. Most only VW's with whip antennas had the booster located in the antenna base so if I had to guess I'd say it was the same config with Audi.

Huskerbob

Thanks for the help. I did unscrew the whip and I can see how the base comes off so I will start there.