saltysteve

just got a tl and noticed that the radio is not working right.

everything works but the am/fm.
it works and searches for stations but all i get is static.

im guessing its the antenna. how can i trouble shoot this?
where should i look for the antenna connections or fuses for this problem?

thank you for your future help

saltysteve

also can someone direct me to the service manual? 2004

tl_rox

Hey saltysteve, is your car tinted? and if it is, is it metallic compared to "moleskin"-that might be the problem because it might interfere with the antenna of the car.

saltysteve

nope not tinted

saltysteve

is there a wire connecting to the back windshield for the antenna?

playa4real

iTrader: (3)

moleskin is not a type of tint. it is a felt applied to the wipers within the door so that the tint is not scratched when the windows are rolled up and down.

the basic types of tints are metallic, non-metallic, & ceramic. metallic tint may affect AM reception, but i do not think it would affect FM reception. many A-Ziners have metallic tint on their rear windshield, including myself, but we have not noticed significant drops in AM reception.

now to the OPs question, that is odd that you are getting a lot of static and no stations, you may want to talk to the dealer about that (its a CPO right? (certified pre-owned)) - it should be covered under warranty. let us know what happens

saltysteve

no its not a cpo. thats why im trying to fix.
it doesnt get anything at all. just static it must be that it has no antenna hooked up. i need to know where i should look for this since i think that it d be the first thing on the trouble shooting list.
does anyone know or does anyone have a manual?

j8711

The antenna connection to the radio is located right beneath the passenger side panel on the side of the console where the radio is. You have to take off the metal "trim" piece, then take out the glove compartment. Then you should be able to get the side piece off and the antenna connection is right there, and you can also access the actual plug into the radio for the antenna from there. There are a couple of "guides" on here that have some good pics on how to access this area. It's really easier than it sounds. Good luck.

saltysteve

guide links?
and thanks

j8711

Try this
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-112/comptech-short-shifter-install-pics-3g-garage-086-a-590326/

It's from the faq in this forum, and is actually pictures and instructions for installing a "short shifter", but popping the silver trim piece off and removing the glove compartment & side panel are the same. Just remember you only need to do the passenger side. The drivers side will get you no access to the antenna connection you are looking for. Takes a little patience and some very careful prying, but not too terribly difficult.