Car Stereos: Static over car radio, honda civc, antenna amplifiers

Question
QUESTION: I have just installed a Jensen BT1611I car radio and I have on my speakers ONLY when I play the FM Radio (I haven't tried AM). I do not have static when I play music from the CD or my MP3. I tried resetting my antenna and it is connected properly. Any ideas?

ANSWER: Hi Allen,

The modern Jensen head units I've seen can give you lots of features for the price, but when I've installed them, I haven't been very impressed with their AM/FM tuners.  However, there are some other things to check; many vehicles have built-in antenna amplifiers that need to be activated when a new head unit is installed, or hidden connections on the antenna cable that can come loose during installation.

If you can follow up with the year/model of your vehicle, I'll see if there's something else you should inspect in your particular car.

Thanks

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is a 98 honda civc lx. I bought the reverse wiring harness in order to keep the keyless entry. I did try the radio again this morning and I did not hear the static any more. It is really weird, but it is totally gone.

Answer
Hi Allen,

Hmmm; no tricks to those cars, except that the antenna plug can sometimes be a little short for an after-market head unit.  If it's plugged in all the way, there's really nothing else to check.  Hopefully the static problem will stay away from now on.

Good luck!

Brian