Audio Systems: 2002 VW Jetta Radio, antenna connection, antenna cable

Question
My radio (AM and FM) is all static.  It is my factory radio and I am the original car's owner.  I can't afford the $600 radio the dealer suggested I purchase to replace it.  I have taken it to a mechanic who took the radio out and made sure the connection was secure.  Any way I can check the antenna which is located on the back roof of my car?  Any suggestions on how to try to fix this problem?  Also, if the solution is to buy a new radio where can I buy radios that fit my car (I would rather not spend $600 if I can help it).

Many thanks!

Answer
ONE:  Car dealer is the last place to go for radio help.  Their knowledge of electronics is limited and their prices are about 3 times what  they should be.

TWO:  You can find the radios that will fit your car at

www.crutchfield.com

and if you decide to purchase from them you will get the wiring harness and installation instructions with the radio.

THREE: You can check the radio easily to determine if it is the antenna or the radio itself. But first, just wiggle the antenna cable and see if that makes an improvement.  If not, check out the radio.  Here is how:  

You must be able to pull the antenna cable out of the back of the radio and insert a long piece of single strand insulated wire into the antenna jack. This is a substitute antenna. Skin about 1/2 inch insulation off the end of the wire (make it about 10 feet long) and insert it into the center hole of the antenna jack.  This substitute antenna will provide you with enough signal strength to determine if the radio is working normal or not.  If you get a pretty good signal then it means the antenna cable or antenna in the car is defective.  You must know this because if you put in a new radio and the problem is the antenna connection the new radio won't work any better than the old one.

If you need to pull the radio out of the dash in order to get at it, here is the instructions to do so:

http://installdr.com/InstallDocs/VW/PDF/890001.pdf

This is for a little older Jetta, but I think it is generally good enough to guide you.

Good Luck,
Cleggsan