General Info AM/FM Antenna Booster

[mdzaudi]

This doesn't really need a DIY because it's simple but for those people that have poor radio reception and don't know why, hopefully this helps them out a bit.

Its easy enough just to check your antenna booser to diagnose if your poor reception is due to the booster. Pull off the back portion of your ceiling hard (it'll sound like you're breaking clips as you pull even though you are not).




Now it's as simple as inspecting the black rubber cap for cracks, that you see covering the majority of the green circuit board. If you see a crack, then you need to replace the antenna booster. I've heard of multiple attempts to try and fix these boosters and not a single success story. The worst part is that they are around $300 new (i got mine from manguyen for $100, thanks!).



I did a bit of investigating myself and tore off the rubber cover to find that there were almost no electrical components contained within the cover and i couldnt' see what the crack had ruptured (if anything). So i suppose the mystery of these poorly engineered antenna boosters continues....

[manguyen]

i take it you have good reception now :-)

[mdzaudi]

i take it you have good reception now :-)

Yep, only took me ten minutes to do this and my reception had improved tenfold.

[CO AVANT]

Nice

[mlchael4]

Is there anything inside, or on the back of that rubber piece???

I have been dealing with this same issue for a long time now...and can't seem to find the correct part from a used dealer.

I really wanted to pry that rubber off, but didn't want to do any too drastic as I do not have a replacement yet.

You didn't find anything suspicious behind the rubber that would lead to the piss poor reception???????

[manguyen]

if you pull the rubber off, u will pull some of the circuitry with it. ive done this already. Im not sure what the rubber is used for besides enclosing the circuitry. Only thing i can think of is when it cracks, it expands and pulls apart of the circuitry.

[mlchael4]

if you pull the rubber off, u will pull some of the circuitry with it. ive done this already. Im not sure what the rubber is used for besides enclosing the circuitry. Only thing i can think of is when it cracks, it expands and pulls apart of the circuitry.

Yeah I guess that's possible.
Mine is a hairline crack though, I can't imagine it damaging the circuitry, but ya never know with Audi.

I guess I won't peel my booster til I get a replacement.

[mdzaudi]

There are very few electrical components encapsulated in the rubber, however if there were very fine wires that ran between these components in the rubber and it cracked, it would probably expand and sever any wires. The problem is, these would probably be very small and difficult to see, let alone fix. I would say nearly impossible.

[mdzaudi]

Yeah like manguyen said, don't pull off the rubber unless you plan to destroy your booster. It is mounted somewhat firmly on and you will pull peices of circuitry off of the board as you remove the rubber.

[mlchael4]

Cool, Thanks for the input.

That booster is hard to track down...well a good used booster anyway.

[mdzaudi]

Cool, Thanks for the input.

That booster is hard to track down...well a good used booster anyway.

Yeah there's a long line of people that want them but aren't willing to pay $300.

[mlchael4]

Well, not only does my radio reception suck..but now my 6 disc in-dash changer has crapped out leaving me with NOTHING to listen to while driving. (Correction, I can listen to AM...which is only good for sports radio)

I'm just looking for feedback from anyone who has experience with these universal window mount antennas. Below are 2 options I am looking at, both from Crutchfield. I know something similar to the first image has been used by some on here...but I am curious how the reception compares to stock, etc.

[MMMB00ST_A4]

Sorry for the thread jack, but i had absolutely awesome reception before replacing my HU with an aftermarket D3 Unit. How would i go about getting my reception back to what it used to be? As of right now i get little to no reception most times. I got my second unit from Daniel(B6Lovin) and he had some kind of antenna adapter but im not sure if maybe i wired it incorrectly??? TIA

[mlchael4]

Maybe I'm not fully understanding but...
You have the correct male/female adapter to plug the antenna into the new HU correct? Or are you looking for an adapter to switch the factory antenna wire to aftermarket?

[MMMB00ST_A4]

Maybe I'm not fully understanding but...
You have the correct male/female adapter to plug the antenna into the new HU correct? Or are you looking for an adapter to switch the factory antenna wire to aftermarket?

Ok, this is the antenna adapter that was included in the wiring harness Dan gave to me:



This is the connection for the antenna from the factory:

[ConroeS4]

No, that is not the antenna connection. I'm not sure what it is, but I know on my headunit it is different, it looks like a regular antenna connector.

[MMMB00ST_A4]

No, that is not the antenna connection. I'm not sure what it is, but I know on my headunit it is different, it looks like a regular antenna connector.

Well that is the connection that i have. And there are many differnt HU setups, but mine was this way and that peice came driectly out of the antenna slot on the HU..

[Cdn Wolf]

i'm having the same poblem as mmmboost a4
stock HU = perfect reception
my alpine deck = 5/10 reception
it's really f'in annoying

watching this thread for updates

[tommy782]

I seach on the web and I can't find a antenna booster. people who know a good site for this at a resonable price?

[audballz]

Well, not only does my radio reception suck..but now my 6 disc in-dash changer has crapped out leaving me with NOTHING to listen to while driving. (Correction, I can listen to AM...which is only good for sports radio)

I'm just looking for feedback from anyone who has experience with these universal window mount antennas. Below are 2 options I am looking at, both from Crutchfield. I know something similar to the first image has been used by some on here...but I am curious how the reception compares to stock, etc.

I'm actually using that rectangular antenna for my external hd radio tuner. Works good as long as you hook up the 12v wire for amplification. I mounted mine on that small center visor above the rear view mirror. This had best reception, I tried different places but that was the best. Not sure if this would work on the OEM HU though. That other antenna, I heard does not pick up AM radio.

[audballz]

You will never get as good reception on an aftermarket HU because only the OEM HU knows how to control the antenna booster/controller. Our cars have 3 seperate antennas on the rear windows, only the OEM HU knows how to use the 3 antennas or switch between them to get the best reception. When you install aftermarket HU it will be using only one of those antennas provided you have the amplified antenna adapter. If you really want to get good reception from aftermarket HU, you need to bypass the OEM antenna and install those old school whip antennas or if you are in close range of the radio towers, you can use those rectangular hidden antennas.

[mlchael4]

Ok, this is the antenna adapter that was included in the wiring harness Dan gave to me:



This is the connection for the antenna from the factory:

Yellow connecter is for IF connection. Black connector (circled in drawing below) is for HF connection. There is an adapter to convert that standard male antenna connector to VW/Audi style. (second image) The connector you show is specific to VW Golf & Jetta.

[mlchael4]

I'm actually using that rectangular antenna for my external hd radio tuner. Works good as long as you hook up the 12v wire for amplification. I mounted mine on that small center visor above the rear view mirror. This had best reception, I tried different places but that was the best. Not sure if this would work on the OEM HU though. That other antenna, I heard does not pick up AM radio.

Yeah, you would definitely have to hook up the 12V power wire. Does it have a ground wire as well?? The larger style antenna to the right comes with both power and ground wires. The ground wire will help eliminate any hiss or outside noise.

[widgget]

i have crap reception also, don't get anything really.
vagcom reports an open circuit on the FM antenna. could that be referring to the booster? i have just assumed that i knocked the antenna plug out fo the back of the head unit and it's not a big deal so i haven't bothered to pull it and check.

[mlchael4]

i have crap reception also, don't get anything really.
vagcom reports an open circuit on the FM antenna. could that be referring to the booster? i have just assumed that i knocked the antenna plug out fo the back of the head unit and it's not a big deal so i haven't bothered to pull it and check.

I suppose it's possible. I don't have VAG to check if I have any codes...but I believe my problem is also related to the booster. I don't know if there is actually a way to test these boosters other than "if the radio works..the booster works".

I do know they are waaaaaay to expensive to replace...and damn hard to find used.

[mdzaudi]

I seach on the web and I can't find a antenna booster. people who know a good site for this at a resonable price?

The easiest place to get it is at your local dealership but i don't know that i'd call the price reasonable.

If you want a deal, i would keep your eye on the AZ classifieds as well as ebay perhaps. Its a very sought after part for below new price.

[audballz]

Might want to try your local German junkyards/recycle centers. bwautodismantlers.com has a couple used ones for $150 if that helps. Just do a parts search for antenna and it should show up! You can also do a parts inquiry and they are quick to respond.

[audballz]

MMMBOOST,
There are 2 antenna connection coming from your a4. The yellow connection will no longer be used if you are connecting an aftermarket HU. The other antenna connection (black) will be used on that adapter given to you. Like I said earlier, your am/fm reception will not be optimal with this amplified adapter because it is using only 1 of the 3 antennas on the glass. May not be noticeable if your local radio towers are close by.

[bennybiggs]

genuineaudiparts.com

It is $200 on here brand new

great website. bought my dual mass flywheel off here when my cousin welded it to my clutch.

[kovachian]

genuineaudiparts.com

It is $200 on here brand new

Amen, that's where I got mine. They were around $180 a year ago and now they're $205, and that's as cheap as it's going to get for a new booster. Those of you with scheiße reception, don't bother holding your breath for used boosters to pop up or otherwise you might as well keep your eyes peeled for a purple unicorn. Prices on this part will only be going up as time goes on, so get 'em while they're fresh!

[BARRY]

Amen, that's where I got mine. They were around $180 a year ago and now they're $205, and that's as cheap as it's going to get for a new booster. Those of you with scheiße reception, don't bother holding your breath for used boosters to pop up or otherwise you might as well keep your eyes peeled for a purple unicorn. Prices on this part will only be going up as time goes on, so get 'em while they're fresh!

how should we reinforce this? the new booster? i might cave in a buy a new one if none of the aftermarket ones are adequate in performance.

JB WELD?

question though, if using a brand new antenna does the radio work beautifully and is crystal clear? my 86 toyota corolla owns my audi, even when my radio worked.

one other question is, when using HD radio...do you need to upgrade to an aftermarket antenna, or does the stock antenna work?

[BARRY]

nobody?

[etnies]

ya im in the same boat, i only get local good reception i cant really listen to my fav stations. Wouldnt mind finding a patch kit for this but looks like there is none. Plus these things are hard to find at a wreckers.

[puz84]

this is a bit side tracking here, but could be useful for many of us...i have an 01 b5 s4, and I'm also looking for an antenna booster, but my question is what boosters other than the b5 s4 are compatible with mine. Knowing which booster is compatible with another could make our lives much easier...theres tons of a4's in my local junk yards so id like to search there first.

[mdzaudi]

how should we reinforce this? the new booster? i might cave in a buy a new one if none of the aftermarket ones are adequate in performance.

JB WELD?

question though, if using a brand new antenna does the radio work beautifully and is crystal clear? my 86 toyota corolla owns my audi, even when my radio worked.

one other question is, when using HD radio...do you need to upgrade to an aftermarket antenna, or does the stock antenna work?

I used to only get local stations before i did this and as soon as i put the new booster on, i was getting stations from Denver (1 hour away) again.

As for JB weld? I don't know exactly what you mean, but if you're trying to fix a booster, belive me gluing, soldering, you name it has been tried and no one has been successful to my knowledge.

[BARRY]

I used to only get local stations before i did this and as soon as i put the new booster on, i was getting stations from Denver (1 hour away) again.

As for JB weld? I don't know exactly what you mean, but if you're trying to fix a booster, belive me gluing, soldering, you name it has been tried and no one has been successful to my knowledge.

no i ment to reinforce the backing rubber so it doesn't split and crack.

[9803audiboy905]

what do you know i've been having crappy reception on my radio for a while and had no idea why, read this thread and then went outside and checked out my booster i have the same crack as picture #3, cant really figure out how it happened..anyone with cracks had tinted windows? maybe the installers broke it when and if they pulled off the panel to make it easyier to tint the rear window...that's just my .02

[treedodger]

This is a really common problem. Mine is bad as well! I tried to fix mine, but with less than perfect results. I have better FM, but AM is bad. I'm looking for an excuse to buy one now. I would be worried that an old used one my soon have the same problems. Audi changed the part number on this part, so it likely they fixed this problem.

I don't think these antennae amp failures have anything to do w/tint installers, because a lot of people have had this problem never had tint installed.

The problem looks like a thermal expansion mismatch between the black overmold and the PCA (printed circuit board).

[mongs]

Is there any aftermarket replacement for the antenna amplifier (8E5035225D) or can you fix it by changing some component? (I see that the crack in the black top material is quite common, probably due to some heating problem..)

[BARRY]

i did this...yet to install though. hopefully it doesn't hurt performance, but in either case its better than NO reception i bet. thanks for the booster minh.