So I just got my car and every time I turn the key to any of the power on positions, the antenna will raise up. Previous owner had an aftermarket head unit installed, and was apparently told that they could not wire the power antenna to it properly. (she wasn't really sure of what they told her though)

I've seen the schematics for wiring a relay to an aftermarket radio. Is this control something that is in most radios?

And would it be a bad idea to just wire up a separate switch and control the antenna manually? I'm thinking I can do that and just have it pop up when I need it. Winter is gonna suck if it gets iced over and tries to raise every time I flick the key.

 

I bet they wired it to the key on power for the radio instead of the headunit's antenna wire. I hate crappy radio wiring its one of my biggest pet peeves! Although I am not 100% sure if the FC antenna works differently I don't see why it would though.

 

^ i agree. every stereo that i have ever seen has has a power out for the antenna. You could wire it with a switch, or just use the ant power from the stereo. Stock stereo? how often do you listen to the radio? If it were me, i would just use a switch, i never listen to the radio, and it would be obnoxious to have it come up every time the key is on.

somebody5788: improper wiring pisses me off too, luckily for me, the previous owner messed up everything BUT the stereo... go figure. still finding suprises.

 

I think I would take bad radio wiring over the rest of the car being screwy lol. 10min rewire vs nightmare of wiring diagnostics.

 

yea... the luckily was supposed to be sarcastic. I forget, its hard to pick it up over the internet.

 

For the power antenna to function with an aftermarket deck there HAS to be a relay to power it. The antenna WILL NOT work without a relay.

Most good aftermarket decks will only raise the antenna while listening to the radio, then lower it once switched to a different source.

 

I got also an aftermarket deck and the antenna keeps on raising while im listening to my cd's. I think the previous owner didnt wired it right.