Hi! I just put in a Pioneer AVH system on the '96 4Runner I got a few weeks ago. I love it.

However, I have terribly weak radio signal. It came with a cheap antenna, so I did the Taco Whip Mod. It makes no difference whether it is plugged in or not. Is there some type of adaptor that plugs in to both that boosts it? I've been having trouble finding information on exactly what I'm looking for.

Thanks!!

Is the antenna plunged in all the way? That's been my problem in the past......


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A major problem that i've noticed with aftermarket radios on 3rd gens is that the factory radio actually uses 2 antennas, the normal fender mounted one, and one located in the passenger side quarter window. An aftermarket radio does not have the provisions for the second antenna, therefore the signal is much weaker. A buddy of mine has this same issue with his aftermarket head unit. He looses radio stations 30-40 miles before I do. I think you can however buy a splitter that allows you to actually use both antennas.

I've got a AVH 4XXX wathever. Installed it 2 years ago. Love it, and can get New York radio stations in montreal (700KM far) during the evening on AM. The reception is far superior to my other cars.

To say, I've got a pretty good radio signal.

I have tried a splitter, that used both the rear and front antenna for radio receiving. Advantage is that I didn't have to use the front antenna when listening local (could leave it folded down), but distant was worse.

With only the main antenna plugged in, without the splitter, radio reception is much better. Getting perfect reception. But reception is null when the antenna is folded down.

My guess is that your antenna installation, or the connection to the radio has a snag.

Yeah, I had the whole thing pulled out yesterday and was messing around with it

I'll have to look into that. I can't get any station to come in that's not fuzzy when I'm in town. It's super frustrating

I just installed the new antenna yesterday. It's the Tacoma one, so it doesn't fold down. Seemed pretty straight forward. But it's like it doesn't make a difference at all whether or not it is plugged in to the receiver. That's why I'm wondering if I missed something. Do I need to plug in the blue remote power wire even though I don't have a power antenna? That's the only thing I could think of that I didn't do

Damn I didn't think anyone even still listened to the radio anymore. My Pioneer is only connected to the rear diversity antenna via the splitter and extra fitting. I originally had it plugged into the front antenna as well but tired of the front antenna so I deleted it completely from the truck.

I don't listen to radio anymore since it's easier to pipe music via Bluetooth to stereo through my phone.

But if you need max reception, use both the front and the back antenna along with the splitter and adapter.

I've tested this pretty extensively because of reception problem With the AVH, reception is much better with front antenna only. Read my previous post for more details

Interesting! I never had just the front antenna hooked up. I went from the factory stereo with inputs for both antennas straight to the Pioneer with the Y adapter. So the reception was always the same – sporadic.

Oh well, I don't have a front antenna anymore so it's a moot point for me – but still good info for everyone else.

WELL, I thought I had the antenna plugged in all the way, but apparently I didn't...

Props to you on the good info!