Volkswagen: 2002 Passat Radio, market signal, signal levels

Question
The Monsoon radio in my 2002 Passat GLX wagon will no longer pick up stations more than about 20 miles away, AM and FM.  The dealer mechanic told me that to just diagnose the problem would require about 3 hours labor and require pulling the ceiling liner out.  The CD changer and cassette player work fine and the radio itself works fine both with very limited range.  Have you incountered this problem and do you know what I can do to fix it?

Thanks,

Mac Willis

Answer
it sounds like the amplifier for the aerial is not working, this is located above the head lining. another possible option is to try fitting an after market signal booster between the aerial connection  and the radio. for this you will need to remove the radio. it should improve the signal levels, but may not be as effective as the genuine in the car. but considering the cost differences, i would certainly try it.