I need to replace my antenna wire. How difficult is it to pull a new antenna wire through?

Do any of you know where the existing antenna wire runs?

Thanks

 

I have never done this but I have to assume it runs down the right side of the car since the antenna is on the right. I also assume that it is bundled into a wire harness and not separate.

Why do you feel that you need to replace it? Without human intervention, wires rarely go bad, especially wires that are inside the car.

 

thanks for your input

I just installed an aftermarket HU, which required that the OEM antenna wire go through an adapter (METRA), because the factory antenna wire has Nissan-specific connection which attaches to the BOSE HU but not aftermarket HU's.

I think I am losing signal strength because of this adapter. The radio works, but it's slightly weaker than the bose, yet it's a better radio.

I want to replace the OEM antenna wire, with a quad shielded coaxial that has the same connection that my aftermarket JVC has, eliminating the adapter and keeping the signal strength.

If it's too much to replace the wire, then I think I'll try to just change the factory antenna connection, and attach one that it aftermarket friendly directly to the existing factory antenna wire.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

look in the "bose replacement" trhead, I want to say all you need to do is add a ground to the existing antenna wire or something like that...

 

I have. That's how I installed the aftermarket HU, having read the above mentioned thread, and many others. The wire is grounded. Common points. Near the HU. The way most discussions on grounding recommend.

I'd rather not have this thread turned into a grounding thread.

 

FSM shows it runs along the roofline on the passenger side through A pillar.

Nissan uses diversity antenna - diversity means many antennas in one. There are 2 - the powered one and the printed one which locates on the upper part of your rear window. These are arranged in 90 degree separation to pick radio signals. you will see 2 leads (recessed male type) and ground strips on the outside of the connector. Factory radio has circuitry to pick the better signals for AM or FM. Aftermarket unit (IMOH - all junks) does not have the circuitry, and only accepts one signal (called standard - which I think equivalent to 'inferior').

Now all you can do is merge 2 to 1, or select 1-1, or configure a switchable 2-1 having you the operator. There is simply NO better solution. With 2-1, you add more noise to your good signal.

This issue isn't Nissan thing. Other car manufacturer uses diversity antenna too, but the connector is specific per maker.

 

@saig so the radio component on aftermarket HUs is generally worse than on stock HU?

Do you know of an external box that would do the signal selection that Bose does with respect to the radio component?

By the way, my thinking on this is that just like when you run cable in your house, when you use a splitter, you divide the signal strength almost by half.

I think this adapter is costing me some signal strength, just like a splitter. Whether the aftermarket component does or does not do what the Bose HU can with respect to the signal once it get to the HU, the signal itself goes through an additional wire before it reaches the aftermarket HU, something the Bose did not have to deal with.

What do you say about cutting the end of the existing wire and putting a connector that matches exactly the Aftermarket HU?

Is that the 2-1 solution you mentioned, with increased interference?

Where can I get connectors for radio antennas?

 

There is no factory HU specs to compare so I would say I feel so. I did not go at length to improve it so I don't know any box that does so. Using adapter, you add 2 signals, not split, so you are not losing signal strength but you'll have noisy signal. You can get these adapter from Walmart, Crutchfield, or auto part stores. Cost ranges from $4 to $22 just for the adapter. Walmart and crutchfield the cheapest. The adapter solution won't make it sound better, just guarantees you have signal in. HiHi, I make my own connector 2-to-1. For sure it won't hold your laugh if you see it, but no picture, leave up to your imagination.

Going through your post again, why thinking of pulling your wires even before you know you have a working prototype. You like being challenged, don't you?

 

I put a Sony head unit in my car and used the Metra adaptor. All I can say is that it works fine for me.