Car Stereos: antenna wire not working fully, dodge stratus sxt, antenna wire

Question
QUESTION: hey Scott,
i pulled out my antenna wire from my stock radio of a 05 dodge stratus sxt, and i didnt mess anything up but not when i try to push the wire in all the way the stations are very staticy and i was planning on buying a new head unit so would that fix it?

ANSWER: Kyle, You may have damaged the wire while trying to remove it.  The new antenna wires have a locking mechanism that keeps them from getting pulled out easily.  If you pulled it out, without releasing the lock, it may have damaged the plug.  You can try another radio, but I am guessing you may need to replace the whole antenna wire, and that is not fun.  Hope this helps, Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i wouldn't be able to cut and attach a new jack? and im getting a new head unit so the wire adapter for the antenna won't work?

ANSWER: You definitely can not cut the wire and reattach a new end on it.  You may, however, get the current plug to work with one of those antenna adapters or in an aftermarket radio.  I would definitely try to make it work, before going through the trouble of replacing the whole wire.  It may work just fine with a new radio.  Keep trying, Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok so any idea how i can fix the locking thing? because its just not working anything i do

Answer
The only other option that I can think of, would be to contact the local dealer's service department.  Perhaps they have run into similar problems, and they know of a quick fix for it.  Oh yeah, and also, an online forum for your car.  I have done some repairs on my truck, and I have gotten step-by-step instructions from an online forum about my model of truck.  There are guys on there that have done all kinds of things to there cars, and they may have the perfect fix for such a problem.  Give it a try.  Good Luck, Scott