johnsal

My "new" 2007 350Z has terrible FM radio reception. I saw a thread that seemed to indicate that this is a known issue:

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...-the-wise.html

Since my Z has no GPS and no subwoofer, I went to a stereo shop today. Their cheapest stereo/GPS system was $699! I asked the guy about the FM reception, hoping maybe there was a way to test the antenna. He insisted that the problem is the radio itself.

Was there ever a Tech Bulletin issued addressing the reception? Would a better antenna help?

Any base GPS units for sale? Would the wiring be in place or would I need an adapter harness?

Spike100

The problem is your antenna's ground. --Spike

oldschool350z

iTrader: (1)

Mine sucks too

Spike100

Can you describe the problem with more detail than "Mine sucks too"?

That would be hugely helpful... tracking down the problem and providing a solution.

ninevoltz

What is this "FM radio" you speak of?

I have an '03, I got myself a top-of-the-line Eclipse CD5030 stereo to replace my Bose crap. It has all of the audiophile grade goodies. Auto EQ and time alignment, true parametric EQ, adjustable active crossover, USB MP3/iPod, bluetooth phone and A2DP streaming. Unfortunately, they don't make them anymore. You can occasionally find used ones for sale on eBay. Pioneer makes a lot of really good head units too.

My FM reception has never been great, but it's comparing apples and oranges, because I had the Bose (it's actually a rebranded Clarion) system. The Bose system has an antenna amplifier back near the antenna. Bose also has a speaker amplifier in the back, which has differential input signals from the head unit, unlike most stereos that have single-ended outputs. There is an adapter for the Bose system that will take your single-ended outputs and convert them to differential. (It's just a pair of small transformers.)

You can get http://www.ebay.com/itm/CAR-STEREO-CD-PLAYER-WIRING-HARNESS-ADAPTER-CABLE-AFTERMARKET-RADIO-INSTALL-PLUG-/271520569429?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3A350Z&hash=item3f37e31855&vxp=mtr and a nice http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aftermarket-Radio-Stereo-Installation-Mount-Dashboard-Dash-Kit-Double-Single-Din-/360624541722?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3A350Z&hash=item53f6e5d01a&vxp=mtr for the Z that will accept single DIN or double DIN head units too.

I didn't get a navigation system, I use my phone, connected to the stereo via bluetooth. I get the turn-by-turn audio over the stereo this way. I don't go many places where I need navigation assistance anyway.

redsx13

Any aftermarket system usually makes reception worse. just be glad you don't have a g35. At least you have an antenna haha. Seriously tho, I said goodbye to radio long ago in my g35

KornerCarver

iTrader: (2)

I just have the basic stock radio and the FM reception is great.

SilverStone2003

iTrader: (3)

Its your ground. Had that problem in my Touring when I owned it. Simple easy maybe 30min fix on your own.

johnsal

Mine is not the Bose system. Stock Enthusiast radio.

Poor reception. Static.

Where is the ground connection located? Isn't it just screws into the unit connecting the grounded metal in the dash?

VO...

iTrader: (25)

Moved...

dark knight89

i have 2008 z not the bose unit but the basic stock head unit. I am having the exact same issue. I have been searching everywhere to solve this and can't find anything. I have everything connected correctly into the head unit and antenna. Where you ever able to figure it out?

johnsal

I also have the non-Bose system. FM reception has never been an issue in my other vehicles.

I also heard there are really no speakers behind the round speaker covers right behind the seats. Is that true?

I just sent this PM to Spike and SilverStone2003 asking WHERE we can find the bad antenna connection, and how to fix it.

"Hi Spike, I totally missed your reply that the problem with FM reception is the ground for the antenna.

Where is this connection made? Would a different antenna help the issue? Is it a bad design, or did something become loose on my car? Someone else just posted that their 08 has the same issue. Mine is 07."

Spike100

^^ Hi John.

Every 350z has speakers in the enclosures behind the seats. If those speakers are missing, it is because an owner removed them.

The 350z’s audio system has several grounds, and the antenna is amplified. If you are experiencing static or poor reception, the best way tracking this to the problem is using sophisticated A/V testing equipment. It is difficult solving subtle problems without the proper test components.