Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics)
Login  | |
|
Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/18/2007 4:45:44 PM
|
|
|
TacoBill
Posts: 381
Joined: 6/21/2006
Status: offline
|
Metra amplified antenna install
This kit can be found at Autozone for around $20.
After installing my UPR stubby antenna, my reception was limited to only a couple radio stations. Since I mostly listen to CD’s, it really didn’t bother me. But, after seeing how simple and effective on how this amplified antenna works from a friend of mine, I had to get one myself. So, this is how I installed it…
Note: A portion of this write-up also applies if you want to gain access to the radio to swap it out with an aftermarket one.
Unscrew the shift knob by grasping right below the silver washer at the base of the knob (otherwise the whole boot will start to twist).
Once unscrewed, lift up the boot trim ring (it un-snaps pretty easily). Remove the knob/boot assembly and set aside.
Remove the 2 screws at the base of the center armrest.
From here on out, use care when dealing with all the plastic stuff to avoid scratches, cracks, etc.
Lift up the forward section of the console where the shifter is.
Then unsnap the rear section where the cup holders are.
Carefully lift the center armrest console out. Raising the e-brake as high as it will go will help. As you see in the pic, I placed a rag at the forward section of the console to avoid scratching.
Once the armrest console is out, its time to remove both left and right ‘sail’ panels adjacent to the center console. Simply grasp the lower section and pull straight back toward the rear.
This part is a bit of a pain… unplug the 2 wiring harnesses that are behind the A/C and rear defroster switches.
Tip: The plug behind the defroster has a gray lever. A release button must be depressed before attempting to raise the gray lever all the way up to release the plug.
The A/C has a release button only.
Remove the (6) 7mm bolts (3 each side) that holds the center console to the dash. I removed my ‘GT’ 12V plug too; not sure if I needed to, but it was simple enough.
Carefully pull away the center console from the dash (you can leave the A/C knobs on).
Note the center ‘tab’ on the console that’s under the dash.
Unplug the 3 wiring harnesses from the top of the console, they’re all push button release type.
Finally, the (4) bolts that secure the Shaker head unit can now be accessed. They are also 7mm bolts, same as the other (6) removed earlier.
The A-Pillar trim was removed for clean wire routing.
The pillar simply un-clips from the body. Use care at the rear where it attaches to the B-Pillar trim.
Also, along the ‘A’, there’s an index point where a fork in the pillar slides over. Didn’t know about it, so I cracked it. No big deal as it’s only used to index the pillar, there’s plenty of clips to hold it in place.
Finally, it’s time for the amplified antenna placement and wiring.
Clean the windshield where the antenna will mount to, then using the Pony (in the dot matrix in the windshield) and the center of the map lights as reference, stick the amplified antenna to the glass using the supplied double stick tape. Note: Wire end toward headliner.
As a side note, there are 2 wires that exit the antenna, the power lead and a ground wire. I just tucked the ground wire in with the power lead into the headliner.
Route the antenna power lead down the A-pillar. I used a few tie-straps to secure the wire.
Here’s a pic of the index pin that I broke.
My mess.
I used one of those recovery claws to route the antenna wire down to under the dash.
Follow the routing of the OEM antenna wire (colored ORANGE) and tie-strap as necessary.
After wasting an hour trying to locate a keyed 12V power source, I used an empty plug in the center console (under the cup holders) that I suspect is used for autos.
So, the official keyed 12V wire is the BLUE with YELLOW stripe.
I couldn’t believe I wasn’t able to find a switched 12V source that went to the radio!
Due to the location of the plug I found, the 12V lead off the amplified antenna jack wasn’t long enough to reach it. I used some extra wire (18 GA) to splice in the extra length I needed.
Temporarily re-install the radio with all harnesses attached including the new antenna jack. Note: The OEM ‘orange’ jack can be tie-strapped so it doesn’t rattle when driving.
Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position and you should see a red LED light on the amplified antenna light up. Confirm the radio's reception.
Finally, re-install all the trim pieces, console, and dash in reverse order. Don’t rush the re-installation or else you may scratch or crack something. Use rags to cover adjacent plastic pieces when fitting pieces as a precaution… you’ll be glad you did. How's the reception now? Just as strong as when I had the stock antenna! 
_____________________________
Current Status: Blown Motor
MMR Street Mod 800 Shortblock Ordered.. yeah, it'll have FORGED internals
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/18/2007 5:01:10 PM
|
|
|
hogpowr
Posts: 605
Joined: 4/22/2006
From: Central AR
Status: offline
|
WOW! What a write up. Great pics too.
_____________________________
06 Mustang GT Vert,5 speed stick, Premium, Torch Red, 18" Polished Bullits, PioneerProfileInfinityMTX sound system, Tuneable Induction by DeMolet, SCTx2 93oct by Brenspeed, Offroad X, Steeda Ultra-Lites, Shifted by Hurst, Red Top Optima
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/18/2007 5:01:14 PM
|
|
|
Burnsy
Posts: 2053
Joined: 3/13/2007
Status: offline
|
once again awesome job...
sticky it
_____________________________
-Mike
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 2:37:45 AM
|
|
|
drewkai
Posts: 7
Joined: 9/17/2006
Status: offline
|
Great write up TacoB!!! THANKS!!!!! (now why don't those who get PAID to write instructions with "pictures included" do it as good as you?)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 9:43:16 AM
|
|
|
TacoBill
Posts: 381
Joined: 6/21/2006
Status: offline
|
Thanks guys!
quote:
ORIGINAL: drewkai
.. now why don't those who get PAID to write instructions with "pictures included" do it as good as you?
Probably because they do it as a job, and I do it because I want to. Besides, Mustangs are my passion!
_____________________________
Current Status: Blown Motor
MMR Street Mod 800 Shortblock Ordered.. yeah, it'll have FORGED internals
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 9:52:30 AM
|
|
|
07 Stang
Posts: 2620
Joined: 1/3/2007
From: Southeast Virginia
Status: offline
|
What about Mustangs with the Anti Theft System? Isn't the motion sensors located in the same general area?
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 10:10:39 AM
|
|
|
ClayBonics
Posts: 213
Joined: 8/31/2006
Status: offline
|
Taco - Good Job.
How does the amp antenna do with AM stations?
_____________________________
'06 Mustang GT
Black / Black & Tan Leather
Black DD AM 20x8.5 & 20x10 Bullitts with 255/40/20 & 295/35/20
Hurst Shifter, Mac AB, TI - 93 Brenspeed Tune, Center Mount Fogs, Side Vents, Hood Pins, SPEC Stage 2 Cluch w/Alum FW, Roush Rear Springs
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 10:11:58 AM
|
|
|
yzfmik
Posts: 250
Joined: 11/23/2006
From: Spring Hill, FL
Status: offline
|
I get so excited when I see a Tacobill install post!!!!
_____________________________
'05 Red GT Premium - M5, Loudmouth axleback, 5% tint, BSM 10" Stripe Kit
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 11:11:55 AM
|
|
|
TacoBill
Posts: 381
Joined: 6/21/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: ClayBonics
How does the amp antenna do with AM stations?
I have no idea, only listen to FM and the CD. I'll try and remember to check out the AM reception the next time I'm in my car.
quote:
ORIGINAL: 07 Stang
What about Mustangs with the Anti Theft System? Isn't the motion sensors located in the same general area?
I don't have the Anti-Theft option.
I looked up what you're referring to in the Service Manual and found that the 'Intrusion and Inclination sensor' is located within the overhead console. I installed the amplified antenna against the windshield just forward of the overhead console, so I don't believe it would interfere with the sensor's performance.
Thumbnail Image
 Attachment (1)
< Message edited by TacoBill -- 4/19/2007 11:16:47 AM >
_____________________________
Current Status: Blown Motor
MMR Street Mod 800 Shortblock Ordered.. yeah, it'll have FORGED internals
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 1:32:15 PM
|
|
|
CroDalmatinac
Posts: 897
Joined: 5/13/2006
Status: offline
|
Can this be done with a Pioneer Avic Z1. I don't have the shaker anymore and I want to do an antenna delete...
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 1:40:16 PM
|
|
|
TacoBill
Posts: 381
Joined: 6/21/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: CroDalmatinac
Can this be done with a Pioneer Avic Z1. I don't have the shaker anymore and I want to do an antenna delete...
I can't see why not. All decks (aftermarket and factory alike) have that antenna plug recepticle in the back.
EDIT: Only exception to the antenna compatibility is the 2007 Ford NAV unit (made by Pioneer). The 07 model uses another type of antenna jack other than the traditional one the rest of the world uses.
Ford NAV on the left, Shaker on the right.
Thumbnail Image
Attachment (1)
< Message edited by TacoBill -- 4/19/2007 1:58:12 PM >
_____________________________
Current Status: Blown Motor
MMR Street Mod 800 Shortblock Ordered.. yeah, it'll have FORGED internals
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 2:45:59 PM
|
|
|
ohnoesaz
Posts: 2691
Joined: 2/27/2007
Status: offline
|
Very interesting. Impressive in fact.
Hey... do a writeup on how to connect some extra guages TEHE ok fine I wont demand.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 2:58:37 PM
|
|
|
wingman75
Posts: 2474
Joined: 6/26/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: TacoBill
I looked up what you're referring to in the Service Manual and found that the 'Intrusion and Inclination sensor' is located within the overhead console. I installed the amplified antenna against the windshield just forward of the overhead console, so I don't believe it would interfere with the sensor's performance.
Thumbnail Image
Bill I read this install from you before but I reread it. Its just a thing I have... I like to read your well written and illustrated demos. Can you tell me where I can get that exact manual. What is the title and publisher. I have collected a lot of these pages but it would be nice to get the entire manual. Is it a printed manual or is it computer accessed from a CD. If a CD is it Macintosh compatible?
By the way there was a thread recently discussing the Remote Alarm Sounder which is part of the Intrusion and Inclination System. Those with them in their cars including my car thought we would be hearing some sort of loud siren, but when I set it off I only got the horn sounding. Would you look up the Remote Alarm Sounder in your manual and upload a PDF of that Page for us if you can?
Thanks Bill
_____________________________
2007 Mustang GT, CDC Ducktail & Chin, SHR 1/4 Louvers, BSM Stripes
GMS CAI, Xcal2, Lidio's 93 Tune, 3.73 Gears, Spydershaft, MAC Boomtubes
Best 1/4 13.1 @ 105.6
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 3:43:26 PM
|
|
|
TacoBill
Posts: 381
Joined: 6/21/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: wingman75
Is it a printed manual or is it computer accessed from a CD. If a CD is it Macintosh compatible?
Would you look up the Remote Alarm Sounder in your manual and upload a PDF of that Page for us if you can?
Hi Jack. PM me your e-mail address. There's several pages regarding the troubleshooting of the Anti-Theft Alarm Horn (not the Traffic Horn).
I have a DVD Service Manual covering all 2005/06 Ford Cars & Trucks; sorry but it's only Windows compatible.
_____________________________
Current Status: Blown Motor
MMR Street Mod 800 Shortblock Ordered.. yeah, it'll have FORGED internals
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 3:49:58 PM
|
|
|
Daniel06GT
Posts: 515
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: Phoenix, AZ
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: yzfmik
I get so excited when I see a Tacobill install post!!!!
lol
-DG
_____________________________
2006 Mustang GT -
18X10 DD Bullits
Roush Louvers
10" Rally Stripes
SLP Loud Mouths
Eibach Sportlines
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 5:14:35 PM
|
|
|
07 Stang
Posts: 2620
Joined: 1/3/2007
From: Southeast Virginia
Status: offline
|
Thanks TacoBill for your very informative thread. The pictures are very helpful as well as your detailed instructions.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 9:03:43 PM
|
|
|
lindseyquads
Posts: 341
Joined: 2/10/2007
Status: offline
|
Great jod......I might have to go get one now and install it, so I'm all ready to go when I'm ready to shave the antena.
_____________________________
Moddify it....anybody can do stock
07' Tungsten Grey
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) - 4/19/2007 10:32:20 PM
|
|
|
yomofoitzjay
Posts: 6153
Joined: 8/30/2006
From: Trenton NJ
Status: offline
|
wow nice pics.
_____________________________
Black V6 Bumper for sale with lower fog lights and switch - pm me
|
|
|
|
|
Printable Version
