SwaintaN

So is there a way to get better radio reception, an antenna improvement?

donbrew

The antenna is amplified, sometimes the wire gets compromised or the amp fails. Sometimes folks install after market radios and forget the pink wire; it is power for the antenna and turn on signal for the amp/subwoofer..

SwaintaN

When I install the new radio, ill check it out. I just know with the stock radio, seems like its hard to get in radio stations.. When in the excursion, the stations come in just fine, but hhr dont.

donbrew

FM is "line of site"; if you are a fair distance from the tower or in hilly terrain raising the altitude of the antenna can help. The length of the antenna mast does not matter; what matters is the wire wrapped around it must be the right length (approx 1 meter).

SwaintaN

Getting ready to finally install all new stuff, so Bud had extra "in line amp booster" for his antenna, swears it works... so gonna try, will update.

SwaintaN

I installed the little inline antenna booster, to my surprise, it does actually make stations come in clearer, that were just a little static, now clear. Seems to be working fine... Or could be the new head unit...

sleeper

PulpFriction

The paranoid me thinks OEM’s deliberately give you a marginal FM antenna so that you’re more likely to continue your subscription to SiriusXM to get decent sound.

I am looking for the best/easiest options to improve my FM in both of my HHR’s and a Buick, too, and I don’t much care what the antenna looks like.

jimvw

I replaced the short stubby antenna with a longer one. I don't have a garage, or park in ramps and live on the edge of reception areas for radio stations. It has made a big difference. Best $15 I have spent.