Aftermarket AM/FM antenna

[phillm]

Has anyone fitted an aftermarket AM/FM antenna (bull bar mounted) to the OEM head unit (Amarok 2019 V6). If so can you let us know how you did it.
Thanks

[Lucas_R]

Should be relatively straighforward id assume, but you will need an adapter harness like this for the antenna, because the factory VW antenna connection is one of these blue plugs, and an aftermarket antenna will not use this same style of connection: Antenna Adapter

Note im not sure if this is the exact model adapter that you will need. Id suggest removing your factory head unit to confirm what your original antenna plug looks like.

[phillm]

Thanks Lucas
I have used one of these Attention Required! | Cloudflare.
FM is clear and strong however AM is almost none existent.
I'll try your suggestion as it looks like it amplifies signal via 12v connection.

[Lucas_R]

Definitely worth a try for $15 and a bit of your time. Like you said, it appears to amplify the radio signal so should do a better job than your current one.

Looks like you will need to wire in a 12v ignition trigger wire with the Aeropro one too. (the blue wire)

[phillm]

Tried Lucas_R's (thanks Lucas) suggestion without any luck.
Has anyone else tried an aftermarket antenna to oem head unit with success on AM and FM.
I've googled but most results are for aftermarket head unit to oem antenna.
Any further suggestion?

[Lucas_R]

Shame to hear it didnt work. So does the antenna not work at all (no reception at all) or can you get reception but its just not very good.

I cant imagine how the process would be any different between the VW head unit and an aftermarket head unit.

Are you sure the new bullbar mounted antenna is wired up correctly? Does it need 12v power perhaps? Link to what has been installed?

Heaps of our work cars (current model Ford Ranger) have bullbar mounted antennas for radio and cb radio and they work no problems. Our sales reps go onto rural properties in the middle of nowhere hence why they upgrade the factory stuff.

[phillm]

I have installed the Mobile One WPM160 found here Mobile One Antennas
The FM reception is far better than the standard OEM mirror antennas (Amarok).

[Lucas_R]

So - for some more context, is the AM reception an issue in the city areas, or only when you are on the open road? Or vica versa? I know usually AM is worse in city areas due to interference from buildings etc. Im assuming you are in the country regularly if you have a bullbar and front mounted antenna? And are you just getting static, or are you picking up stations but its not very clear?

Also, do you have LED brake light bulbs or other lighting upgrades on the vehicle? If so, LED's can cause interference with radio reception and you may need to buy some ferrites to reduce the interference like this

Im no electronics expert, but a Google search points to the following (note I have no idea if this is accurate or not and im sure one of the more electronically proficient forum members will confirm or deny these claims):

- the AM antenna is actually embedded into the rear window glass in most cars. So if this is correct, your fancy new antenna on the bullbar is not doing anything for your AM signal. Also check if this antenna is damaged or not plugged in correctly.
- certain window tint films can reduce your radio reception. So if your windows are tinted, you might want to consider getting the rear window re-tinted with a "reception friendly" tint.
- you can download a radio streaming service for AM radio onto your smart phone. This will no doubt be ok in city areas but what happens when you go off the beaten track?
- also if your Amarok has a canopy or something else on the back tray that may be blocking signal or interfering with the rear window antenna then this may be your issue.

It could also be that you may need to disconnect the factory AM antenna and then this will (hopefully) allow the fancy new antenna to do the job of picking up AM.