How to Install a High-Sensitivity Radio Antenna on Your Car

High-sensitivity antennas boost the strength of radio signals. Installing one on your car will let you receive your favorite radio station at a much greater distance, and get radio stations in areas where signals are scarce.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• High-sensitivity antenna
• Tools

1. Open the hood of your car and remove the battery cables from the battery. You can remove just the negative cable and still be safe, but it's better to remove both the positive and negative cables before starting the installation.

2. Remove the old antenna and antenna mast from your car. Check the car's repair manual for proper removal instructions. Note: To avoid breaking the antenna cable's connector, detach the cable from the antenna mast before removing the mast.

3. Install the antenna mast for the high-sensitivity antenna. Check the antenna's installation instructions for required tools and directions. The mast will probably have a nut that screws into the mast's bolt on the underside of the mast.

4. Screw the high-sensitivity antenna into the mast if it's not already connected. Tighten the antenna enough to prevent it from loosening and causing bad reception or coming off while you drive.

5. Connect the antenna cable to the connector on the antenna mast. Make sure the cable is tight; a loose antenna cable will result in a poor signal.

6. Reconnect the battery cables and close the hood. Check the radio to make sure the antenna is connected properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your old antenna in case the high-sensitivity antenna does not work properly or breaks.
• If you have a newer vehicle, you may have to remove the quarter panel or other pieces to reach the antenna mast. Hire a professional for this job unless you are confident in your abilities.
• Do not remove any electrical components without removing the battery cables first. Failure to remove the battery cables could result in electric shock.