Audio Systems: Aftermarket Radio AM Reception Issue, power antennas, chrysler concorde

Question
I recently purchased a 2002 Chrysler Concorde LX.  This car's antenna actually shares the grid of the rear window defroster.  I decided to remove the stock AM/FM Cass and replace it with a nice Kenwood AM/FM CD head I had used in my last car with no problems.  I was lead to believe that in the install process I would need an antenna adapter to mate the antenna wire to the Kenwood.  However, when I pulled the center bezel and removed the radio, the lead was a standard type, and mated up perfectly with the Kenwood.  Immediately after installation it became obvious the FM reception was markedly degraded, though useable, but the AM reception was altogether gone.  I accessed the Antenna/Defroster unit connection in the right read upper trim panel adjacent the window.  The coaxial connection from that unit forward to the radio was slightly loose, and reseating it more firmly completely cleared up the FM reception woes.  AM however is still non-existant.  The AM element is actually seperate from the defroster grid and above it on the window, with a seperate smaller lead connecting that to the Antenna / Defroster unit.  I reseated this connection as well, and now can faintly get some signal, but nothing useable.

Any suggestions?  Do you think it would be worthwhile to purchase and install a signal booster?  If so, would a 10 boost be sufficient ya think?  Thanks!

Answer
Tony,
You could try a signal booster, it may help. On many of the vehicles with the in glass antennas they will work great if you are in the city, however 30-35 miles plus away from the transmitting stations the in glass antennas are just about useless. The in glass antennas were possibly made for city use so some crud/vandal wouldn't have something to damage by snapping off the antenna. In many of these vehicles I install power antennas in the trunk that when the stereo is turned on the antenna will extend to give the best possible AM and FM reception. As for the in glass antenna I have seen signal boosters that install right near the window antenna itself to give maximum signal boost.


TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net