AJ's Shinka

I tried to follow the antenna wire but it just disappears into the trunk somewhere. I have lost my sat radio signal and wanted to make sure the antenna was plugged into the receiver. It is a factory installed satellite radio.

amstarvid

The factory sirius unit is behind the trunk liner on the left side - if you pull out the connector buttons holding the liner in on that side, it will be attached to the metal bracing underneath.

amstarvid

btw, be careful removing the little plastic connectors - they break easily - they are kinda like a center post that pops out the collar ring to expand and hold - take the center pin out and the collar comes out easily (I broke one trying to pop the collar off first)

Socket7

Mine is zip tied in the back behind the trunk liner like amstarvid said.

If it's unplugged anywhere, it's probably in the back of your radio. There are 5 connectors back there, and if you had work done by the dealership that would require pulling the radio out, it's possible they forgot to reconnect it (the Sirius cable in particular is a bitch to reconnect when reinstalling the radio.)

Check both ends. If you pull the glove box out you can reach behind the radio and feel if every thing is connected.

shinka213

yeah...what he said...

and its a pita to get out!!...
those zip ties are bigger than a mack truck!!

shinka213

and the antenna wire is tucked under the rubber molding and actually runs thru the tail light assembly...why they did that, i have no clue!!

but then thats mazda for ya!

AJ's Shinka

This is exactly where I got stuck, Thanks CF HO..I mean Shinka213.(I always wanted to say that! :P) Thanks Amstarvid and Socket7 I'll take a look back there.

AJ's Shinka

Well I took a look at the reciever in the trunk and checked the connections and everything seems to be connected fine I can't really tell because it is gorilla zip-tied to the back of a post. I guess I will try to remove the glove box and look back there behind the head unit as well. It still displays "acquiring"

shinka213

i would do 2 things...

1. check the wiring on the antenna....that wire is very delicate...if its crimped in
any spot that could cause a malfunction...it happened to me in another car..
check especially up on the trunk and where is comes down along the edge...
when i took my hole sirius assembly out, the antenna wire was bare in 2 spots..

2. after youve done that, then call sirius to see if they need to send you a signal

amstarvid

if your radio says "acquiring", it sure sounds to me like the head unit is talking to the receiver, but the receiver can't get a signal (which means you probably don't need to mess with removing the head unit. as stated by shinka213, it's probably something with the antenna...hopefully you can order just the antenna...

AJ's Shinka

Yes I agree with both of you the antenna seems to be the culprit. I have plenty of antenna to spare (coilled up in the trunk) if it is broken anywhere between tail light and the little black square that sits atop the trunk, but I don't know how to take off the little black square. I hear it is magnetically attached to the trunk but I wasn't sure and I tried to move it but it wouldn't budge. Can I just cut off some of the suspect antenna and then just reconnect it back to the black square or do I have to get a whole new antenna. I will call mazda parts when I get off work...

shinka213

AJ...the antenna head on the trunk is magnetic but also held on with 2sided tape..
i didnt know that and tried to pry it off with a screw driver...

get yourself some fishing line to work it loose..it will come off eventually...i dont
think you can splice the wires..you may have to get a new antenna...you can try
but it might not work..
GL

amstarvid

btw, when you put it back on (the antenna head) you don't have to use the double sided tape - I decided to just go with the magnet, and if I want/need to park somewhere that I thot someone might screw with it, I just take it off and stick it on the inside of the trunk. I just wasn't that keen on the whole tape idea. It has been on my trunk magnetically only since February, and it hasn't moved at all. I'd think you'd be better off with a new antenna than cutting it.

AJ's Shinka

Whew, I have constantly been trying to wiggle it.

I was hoping to avoid the stealership. They can only do it during the week since they claim they have "no tech support on sat." They want me to drop it off on Wednesday but I don't like the idea of leaving it in their hands, I would rather wait and watch them closely. Thanks for all your help Shinka213 and amstarvid. I might still try and splice it if I get bored.

shinka213

hey...if its a warranty issue...by all means, let them fix it...
but be careful

AJ's Shinka

Well I finally got it to the dealership and they tell me that the computer code called for a whole new DLP or satellite receiver. They are replacing my passenger side headlamp (condensation) as well, all covered by warranty! I love new headlamps they are sooo crystal clear.

amstarvid

Glad to hear its getting taken care of...