Hi all,
Searched the forum, but really, the responses have not really solved the problems posted.
Wifes SC430, I went to drive it recently and noticed her AM reception is OK, the FM reception is there but poor, some static and for a local college station which on my old toyota comes in strong, but on the SC430 is poor.
The antenna operates properly for AM and FM length. I have not seen a thread posted which actually solved the problem. Has anyone had the problem and actually solved it to get good reception again?
Reception used to be better.....2006 SC430, had the car for many years

Your help is appreciated

 

The reception is not known to be as good as modern vehicles but I would say the first thing to check is that the connection is not loose or disconnected at the back of the head unit.

 

It's my understanding the SC has two antennas--the mast, which changes length to best receive the tuned frequency, and the windshield antenna. They work in concert to give one the best reception. Have you had your windshield replaced? If so, perhaps the tech didn't make a proper connection? Otherwise, check all connections as advised above. If all good, it must be a bad head unit, and time for an upgrade!

 

"Being wrong brings wisdom, admitting it brings humility, learning from both makes you wise".

My post here was completely wrong. Sorry for the bad info.

Paul

 

I’m with Wilson. Your windshield antenna may be broken.

 

There are two antenna connections at the head unit FYI. An AM and a FM. At least this is my understanding how they are separated.Maybe they are not separated and work in conjunction but there are definitely two of them.

 

There are two. One is to the antenna in the rear and the second cable which is smaller in diameter goes to the NAV Antenna.

Paul

 

ah heck. I hate to admit when Im wrong about stuff. In the Tech Manual, the NAV Antenna is called the "Magnetic Field Sensor". The connector when looking at like units on ebay does not appear to be a coax cable. So, I will just think about this some more. But I can leave you with this picture to mull over while I go wash my girl. She is filthy and has had a rough week.

Paul

 

OK, while cleaning the car, I had an epiphany. One that shocked me to my core. LOL. After driving my girl for almost 17,000 miles, I saw the antenna in the windshield. Blew me away. So I went back to my previous long post and deleted it. Gman, I'm sure the larger of the two coax at the back goes to the trunk. My "guess" is the smaller one goes to the windshield.

Paul

 

As noted with previous posters, check the connections at the antenna and remove and clean. Definitely possible a little water or humidity caused some surface corrosion. Also, have you considered putting in a Bluetooth module, like the GTA car kit? You can tune to any station you want using an app and it sounds like CD quality. Also, the antenna stays down while you use it, instead of being up in AM/FM mode. You won’t lose reception as you drive around or out of town as it’s using cellular data. Only downside would be the cost for cellular data if you do t have a unlimited plan or poor cell service in your area. If you’re going to check the antenna connections, you’ll have to pull the radio anyway, so why not install one if you have the stock radio already removed?

 

You are correct, IIRC. The larger connection does go to the motorized antenna. The smaller one is for the windshield antenna.

 

Yes, get the GTA car kit. 👍 I'm selling mine for 1/2 price as my head unit failed. It works great and sounds as good as the CD. Seriously, PM me if interested.

 

I choose not to do a stubby antenna when I installed my Kenwood as the reception is poor quality on advice of the stereo shop.