Audio Systems: Honda Power Antenna Problem, antenna input, power antenna

Question
Hello Mr. Clark. I have a 1997 Honda Accord wagon with a factory AM/FM cassette. A while back the mast on the power antenna broke. I bought a replacement mast and installed it, and it moves up and down like the original, but the radio reception has never been the same (it has been worse) since the original mast broke. I re-checked the connections at the antenna and they all looked good to me.

Any idea what the problem(s) may be?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Michael,
When you replaced the antenna, did you only replace the telescoping top part, mast? To test the stereo reception you may want to purchase an inexspensive antenna from WalMart and plug it into the antenna input jack on the stereo to see if the reception improves. If you only replaced the top part, you may need to purchase the complete antenna/motor assembly. I find on some vehicles that come into my shop for repair of broken antennas, that the connection that makes contact with the metal telescoping portion will also break and even if you replace the top portion, the antenna will not work correctly and you will have poor reception.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net