Car Stereos: Audi A4 Convertible Radio Antenna, fm radio reception, fm antenna

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2003 Audi A4 Convertible that won't pick up radio stations.  I've been told that the antenna needs to be replaced at the cost of approx $350.  This hidden antenna runs through the cabin and back into the trunk lid.  There is some wire housing going into the trunk lid that when wiggled will allow radio stations to be picked up, but only intermittently.  The local expert tells me he can't work on it due to Audi's plug being different than what he has.  Aren't there adapters available that will allow me to run a common antenna placed under the dash or elsewhere instead of replacing the current OEM setup?  I just don't have the $350 or so right now to put into a radio antenna.  Any less costly suggestions are greatly appreciated!

ANSWER: Hi Herby,

You can certainly connect an universal after-market antenna to your factory head unit, if you use the right adapter.  The Metra part number for the adapter you need is 40-VW21.  You may or may not be able to find it at a local car audio shop; it's not a very commonly used item, so your best bet might be to find it online.  

Hope this helps!

Brian

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

QUESTION: Great!  Do you forsee any drawbacks from going around the OEM setup?  Will I lose any functionality or anything?  Thanks again.

Answer
I've worked on a few cars where, for one reason or another, we used a short rubber-mast AM/FM antenna buried under the dash.  Usually, FM radio reception is still fairly good, but AM reception may suffer.

Metra makes an amplified AM/FM antenna that's designed just to stick to the inside of the windshield.  It does require a power wire connection, but it might be worth a try.

Good luck!

Brian