Took my q7 to a garage to have a drop down DVD fitted, now my radio channels keep dropping out its like the aerial is only half working and the signal is really weak. I have checked the obvious things like fuses and that the Fibre optic cables are pluged in correctly I have even checked in roof lining to make sure aerial are not broken in the windows all looks ok? can anyone help???

Good advice from Ray but I recommend you check the aerial ground at the lead end - this also checks the cable, check also for continuity between the mast and the aerial plug centre.

If a signal preamplifier is fitted, which is often the case when a short antenna or window antenna is fitted, the antenna lead will connect to the preamp and similar check will have to be performed on the screened lead from the preamp to the radio. Check also the supply and ground to the preamp if fitted.

It is also important the radio has a reliable ground so it isn't trying to draw current down the antenna or aerial ground. Sometimes in order to keep the signal-to-noise ratio to a minimum, it is necessary to fit a braided ground strap to the case of the radio.

When the head was removed to replace the head gasket, likely oil was 'spilled' down the sides of the engine block. If it wasn't completely cleaned, it may have accumulated on the frame cross member or other components below the engine. I would clean up the drops on the floor and watch for additional evidence for a couple of days. If they keep appearing, take your car to the shop that did the work and have them check it out for you.

I think you are on the right lines of looking at the aerial! Either the aerial is faulty or the connection to the radio! Check the connection first!

cable corroded

First, is it a 7.3 power stroke or is it gasoline ?

a honda Ford, is this swap post? a franken honda?
antenna fell off.. so easy.

This may not be very easy. Presuming that the aerial cable was already there and there was a standard plug on the cable that fitted into your standard socket on the radio, and presuming that you are confident that it all fitted OK, then the problem is with a faulty cable or aerial.

Just before you start, can I suggest that you DO test the radio and check that there is no fault in it. Particularly if you have removed an old radio with perfectly good reception. You might want to take it back to the shop and ask them to hook it up and test it for you. If the radio is clearly good, then my thoughts are as follows:

Typically the fault will eventially trace down to a portion of the outer copper brading in the cable being in contact with the inner core that carries the radio signal. This is usually right at the end in the plug and it's worth cutting off the plug and refitting a new one as a first step (You might even be able to carefully bare the inner core of the cable and push it into the cernre hole in the socket of the radio and test it before the new plug is fitted).

The second area of failure is typically the point at which the cable reaches the car aerial. It's not uncommon for water to get into a seal wher it is attached to the body and affect the performance of the aerial. Once again, you MAY be able to snip the cable at this end and re-make a nice clean dro connection. I have to be honest and say I don't know how the fitting go in this vehicle, so I'm shooting in the dark a little here. Obviously, if the vehicle has a built in aerial in the windscreen or back window somewhere, then my last suggestion is pretty redundant.

Finally, having tried to re-make connections at both ends of the cable, it's potentially time to buy a new aerial and cable and re-fit the whole thing from end to end. This is not a very fun job!

I had this problem as well. Took it to the garage and it was a $700 bill the part alone was $440 they had to drop the gas tank - and since then it's not been working right. The fan clutch went a week later another $700 bill. Picked it up and it was still making the same sound - garage replaced another sensor without charging me--picked it up and three days later the service engine light came on. Back to garage and another $80 part was needed under the hood. All this with just 52,500 miles and I keep it well maintained. Not a happy camper at all! Holding my breath but it's been only two days so far so good.

renew it the nylon cord inside has broke

Len-
The replacement only costs about $20. The dealer can also provide a replacement but it can cost upwards of $50+. Part number is 5035944.

The hardest part is removing the metal sleeve from the mast pole. Once you get this out, refit the new mast with the teeth so the motor will pull the new mast down when you turn the radio off. refit the 17mm nut on top of the mast and then turn the radio back on. It will click a few times and then be properly set.

Justin
Strictly Saab
Melbourne, FL