So i installed my new headunit a while back, its the sony cdx-850mp or something (i forgot the exact name right now)

im 99% sure all the wires are connected correctly (i've installed 2 different HU's on my car with no problems) But for some reason i cant get good reception

Do those antenna adapters go bad? You know, the thing that you plug in the stock antenna prong in, then plug it in the headunit.

 

You need to connect the remote antenna wire lol

It should be BLUE to BLUE or maybe light bluish color.

That will work

 

Yeah, it turns on the signal amp. Without it, reception is crappy.

 

i did that, blue to blue, which was (blue from the harness to blue to the amp wire going to the HU) and it still sucks!

 

are u using any FM-Modulated devices?

 

Nope..................

 

Double check and make sure you didnt connect the remote amp turn on wire to the antenna power wire.

They look alike.

 

Keep in mind, reception should be usable with the Diversity system hooked up and the power antenna lead hooked, but IMHO it's still sub-standard compared to any cars I've driven in the past. I'm pretty sure that's because aftermarket headunits can't take full advantage of the Diversity system. I have trouble bringing in 105.7 while approaching Frederick, or 106.7 while going south of Frederick in my Max... back when I had the '90 Mazda 626, reception was pretty decent with the same headunit but with its manually-retractable antenna in the A-pillar area.

 

WTF, I didn't understand that, but it doesn't sound right. Blue from what harness, to blue to the amp turn-on, to HU? The amp turn-on is a completely different blue wire. I think that one is blue with white stripe? Not positive. Might be the other way around.