No AM or FM

[Babyblack]

Ok I just bought a 2003 vw new beetle convertible. It has the Monsoon sound system with the cassette deck (original to the car). I have no AM or FM for the most part. It seems the problem is related more to the area I am in at the time? The AM doesn't work at all. Do I need to get a booster for the antenna or an amp for the radio? I am not mechanically inclined. Can anyone help? I love my new baby.

[Haplo]

May want to make sure your antenna is screwed down nice and tight on the top of your car, but honestly -- the antennae that VW included on the beetles is the worst I've ever owner. Not trying to be a jerk about it - it is just a fact. The local favorite station around here can be picked up with a tiny pocket FM tuner loud and clear. It is scratchy and intermittent until I get several miles closer to point of origin in my NB.

After taking a look, a lot of it just has to do with lenght / wavelength of the antenna. It is weak forreceiving.

Best bet - get a better antenna, someone on here may have a good idea on that - or get satellite radio. You really can't beat it for 12 bucks a month if you use the radio a lot.

I am really pleased with mine. Just got done installing it, and with all the driving I do - it is really worth the investment IMHO.

Take care,
- Hap

[dmbluebeetle]

The 2003 radio is a Delphi built radio. There is a passive booster built into the antenna base and is powered by the radio through the antenna cable.

No AM suggests that the antenna is either grounded or unplugged.

[Babyblack]

Ok, I am told that the antenna is built into the windsheild? And it's a convertible, so I was told it's common with convertibles as well? I didn't know if a car audio shop could help?

[Duffy]

Yes, the antenna is built into the windshield. If the windshield is cracked or has been replaced may lead to a problem. The radio is not the best AM performer to say the least. I not sure if you do hear noise or if the radio is just dead on AM. The FM does ok most of the time.