Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Satellite radio and navigation systems in your car have one thing in common. They both
need a special antenna to receive signals from their satellites. First generation antennas
were pretty big and bulky, but newer antennas are much smaller and easier to install. In
this video we'll give you some tips on how to install the antenna, whether you have a
car, truck, or a hatchback.
In most cases you'll be able to do the job with simple tools like a screwdriver, a socket
set, a panel tool, and maybe a file. The first rule of antenna performance is to mount it
high and clear. The roof of the vehicle is ideal but mounting it on a trunk lid will
work pretty well too.
With most sedans it makes sense to mount the antenna on the roof in front of the rear window.
Stick the antenna a few inches in front of the rear window. The magnetic base will hold
it firmly in place. Then run the cable along the outside edge of the window seal and bring
it to the trunk. Once there, locate a spot to run the wire into the trunk under the seal.
If necessary, use a round file to notch the trunk's edge. Wrap the wire with some tape
to protect it then replace the seal.
If you have a pickup truck there are some other options available to you. The brake
light mounted above the cabs' rear window provides an excellent point of entry for the
antenna's cable. From there you can drop the antenna cable behind the cab panels and down
to the floor. Once you've reached the floor route the cable under the carpet to the front
of the cab and up to the dashboard.
With a hatchback or SUV, installation is a little simpler. The back portion of the roof
is an ideal mounting location for the antenna. Feed the cable through the hatch and then
underneath the hatch's rubber weather seal. From there you can slip the cable underneath
the carpet of the interior and route it toward the front of the car.
So you see, though you may have to spend some time routing the antenna cable, there's no
real trick to installing it. Just plan ahead and take your time. Don't forget — all the
gear you buy from Crutchfield comes with our free tech support so if you have any questions
about the installation we're here to help. And for help choosing the right gear contact
us online via chat or email or just give us a call.