Sirius Antenna Failed

[Mazda3_Sirius]

Hi,

I recently bought a 2008 Mazda 3 and had the Sirius installed after the purchase at the dealership. It works most of the time but some times, maybe 20% of the time, it says Antenna Failed on the display. I live in the Atlanta, GA area so do not believe that this could be due to no signal. Also, when driving home from work in the same place where it worked on the way to work it will say Antenna failed. It seems to happen more when it is dark out. Could it be a lose wire or bent wire or something? Anybody have any ideas or have the same problem? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

what shape is the antenna? Is it magnetic, round, flat hump with rubber tail & skinny black wire with smallround plug to unit? I'm asking because I have a blaupunkt sirius portable unit & have an extra antenna if it comes to that.

 

[Mazda3_Sirius]

Looks similar to the one attached..

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Looks to be same-ish style thing. Mine's just flat rounded instead of square. If you find out that the antenna is the problem just lemme know, you can have my spare. Just PM me in case I miss a post here.

 

[ritek45]

Check the connection at the tuner, see if it's loose. SIRIUS antennas receive signal from the satellites and ground repeaters (about 120 nation-wide in major metropolitan areas) and I'm pretty sure Atlanta has a repeater or two.

Looks-wise I prefer that antenna that you have Mazda3_sirius, BUT the 'dot' antenna is probably the best ones to be honest, because is has better shielding .

 

[altspace]

Most likely a frayed wire. They are very thin and can split if rubbed against metal or such. I had to fix an antenna with the same issue.