Antenna/Radio reception poor

I recently spent some time fiddling around the area of my cruise control unit (under the driver's side knees roughly), and also pulled out my stereo. After I put everything back together (and made sure all the wires including the antenna cable were plugged into the stereo) my radio reception went to heck. I can't receive any AM and FM is only good right inside the city.

I tried taking the whole radio out to have a look if the antenna cable came loose during me putting it back, but it was snuggly in place.

The only thing I have done recently to the antenna assembly is to oil it with a bit of motor oil - as it was sticking a little bit while extending/retracting.

Any ideas what might have gone wrong? I do some long drives and music is a must.

The reception used to be sharp as a nail to about 120 miles outside the city limits - now its good to about 5 miles.

thanks,
mike

[This message has been edited by mike456 (edited 06-14-2000).]

[stevebfl]

My non-scientific approach would be to pull the radio out and try another antenna in it. Plug it in and hold it outside the window.

Be sure the ground wire is securely attached to the radio.

WHat year car is it and what model radio beacuse my blapunkt woodstock sqr04 had the same problem after i pulled it out. there is a button i pused that amplifies the reception and i shut it off so take a look at the manual.

[jeffsr]

You have a broken center conductor somewhere in your antenna lead into the radio. A sudden loss of signal is the usual symptom of this problem, especially if you have recently moved things around. Check the connector at the radio end of the cable, make sure the center conductor has not broken free from the plug tip. Also look for evidence that the antenna lead cable has a crush injury. will also produce these symptoms. Happy hunting..

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325