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Radio antenna

Tiny
PCULQUI
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK REGAL
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 124,000 MILES
If I purchase an aftermarket radio, do I use the antenna from the aftermarket only or do I have to use the factory antenna that came with the radio.
Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 7:54 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Aftermarket radios normally have a prevision to use the factory car antenna. If not, being a different size then the installation kit that comes with the new radio will include an adapter to use the factory antenna. There would be no reason to purchase a new antenna unless yours is defective/broken. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
PCULQUI
  • MEMBER
  • 354 POSTS
Do you know if there is an antenna plug or is it in the harness built in?
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 1:40 PM
Tiny
PCULQUI
  • MEMBER
  • 354 POSTS
The first file shows the relay in the factory harness. Would this be the antenna connection? My aftermarket radio harness has a built-in wire in the harness. The second picture is the entire factory harness with wiring description.
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Yes, you would use your factory harness dark green wire to be connected to the antenna power wire on your new/aftermarket radio. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
PCULQUI
  • MEMBER
  • 354 POSTS
How about the butt connectors? They come in different gauges. How do I know the gauge in my factory harness wires and aftermarket radio?
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

It would be best to use the red 8 gauge butt connectors. See picture below. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 10:09 PM
Tiny
PCULQUI
  • MEMBER
  • 354 POSTS
How about the 16 AWG connectors, are they too thin?
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Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 AT 7:16 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Sorry, I forgot a numeral on your post. 18 gauge is the correct number. The higher number gauge for thickness in wiring is a smaller size wire. I've attached an updated picture for you. With your aftermarket stereo to be incorporated with your factory wiring harness it is recommended to use the red 18-22 gauge connectors. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 AT 9:58 PM

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