99 Factory radio reception

Hello everyone! I bought a 99 SE and the factory Delco CD/radio has a reception problem. It acts like there is no antenna (I only get very local FM stations). I made sure the antenna was tight and I checked the connections at the radio (well, as best as I could by reaching up behind the dash) and in the trunk to the antenna.

Any one have any thoughts? Is the radio easy to replace?

I'm not sure if this is of any help, but there are some problems with the factory Delco radios in years '99 and '00....maybe other years as well. I found this out from calling an authorized Delco radio repair center as my radio was screwing up too. I didn't have any reception problems like you have, but mine has that famous volume control problem that thousands of other people have too. My dealership ordered me a new one because I have a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty on my 2000 GT1.

I don't really know a heck of a lot about reception problems... have you maybe checked the antenna wire that runs the lenght of the car ?(under the carpeting, I mean) Might be a longshot, but could there maybe be a short or partial break in that wire from people stepping on the wire over the years ?

Wish I could have been more helpful, but I'm not very good with radio reception issues...but maybe somebody will reply with some better solutions and possibilities for you.
Hope this helped a bit anyways.... Good luck.

Tommy

Edit >>> I forgot to mention that I also have the same radio as yours; the CD player one w/7 band equalizer.... I have the GT1, so it has the 8 speaker sound system.... But we do have the same radios though.

Hey, welcome to the forums... Go Delco! lol

I have the infamous volume control problem as well :) ... My reception however is great with my attenna... You could just check every bit of connection .. from the radio.. the wire to the attenna .. and to the connection of wire -> attenna *shrug*

Ok, delcos are krap. I would also say its most likly in the wire, (Unless you live by some electrical station [or Nucleor power plant]). Check where it connects to the antenni in the trunk. if this was fine take the radio out of the dash and make sure the antenni is pluged in.

I too hav the same radio, and my reception is great, I just dont use my radio(radio suxs). When you guys say ur volume is screwie what do you mean? Cause when i turn mine down it gets louder, is that what ur talking about? The volume on the steering wheel works fine though. At least our cd players dont eat tapes..........

yeah.. turn it down... it goes up .. turn it up it just goes up 2x faster lolol

I wish I had the steering wheel w/ the volume control

Exactly, Gir... Oh man, that drives me nuts.... I do use my steering wheel controls all the time, so I can still control the volume that way.
I can't wait to get my replacement radio, lol... The dealer told me that Delco is well aware of that volume control problem, and the replacement the dealer has ordered for me has a newer type volume control installed...

Too bad you don't have the steering wheel controls... dammit.... Oh well; maybe some day you'll decide to upgrade with a aftermarket radio and the problem will be solved for you.
Take care buddy... nice chatting with you.

Tommy

Hi xero ..... Yes, my reception is fantastic. In fact, it has excellent sensitivity, and selectivity too. I was really impressed, particularly as it is a Delco. I'm not sure if my radio was optional, or if it came as part of the GT1 package.
Luckily, the dealer is getting me the same model radio. I don't blast my music too much; those days are now gone, lol... I left those way back in the early 70's when I had my Trans Am and Firebird Formula 400.
Gee... now I'm giving away my age, lol !!!!

Tommy

Hey Everyone,

I actually had the same volume problem after I purchased my 01 GASE. I then had it replaced by an authorized dealer and haven't had any problems since. Funny that your having reception problems though because my GASE seems to be slipping a little on reception with my aftermarket head unit. I figured my shorty antenna was to blame but this makes me think differently. Hopefully you can figure it out cause I didn't see anything out of the norm. Let me know if you find out what it is for sure man.

Hope all goes well for ya.

Hey Guys,

After further wiggiling and jiggilling I figured out that the connector on the trunk end is flakey. bending the wire 90* at the antenna brought reception back. Off to the radio shack to get a new end.

THX for all the suggestions!