1998 AM/FM Radio woes

My wife had a problem with the Malibu about three weeks ago. During a particularly cold snap, the car, as it was warming up in the driveway, just stopped. When she tried to restart it, it wouldn't even try to turn. Later that day, I went down and tried to start it. It turned over perfectly, but ever since, my radio reception has STUNK. I can't get any AM stations in, and I can only get FM stations if I'm within about 10 miles or so of the transmitter.

Has this happened to anyone else? Anyone with more knowledge than me (that should be most people on this board) have any idea what happened? Would a new radio fix it, or is it an electrical problem?

I can’t say why the car stalled out in the driveway. However I do know in the 98 Malibu the antenna wire runs under the carpet on the passenger side near where a passenger would put his feet (a bad design). This can cause a lot of wear on the antenna wire and may account for your lose in radio reception.

I can’t say why the car stalled out in the driveway. However I do know in the 98 Malibu the antenna wire runs under the carpet on the passenger side near where a passenger would put his feet (a bad design). This can cause a lot of wear on the antenna wire and may account for your lose in radio reception.


Go here for the How-To on how to check the antenna:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=324064

Absolute geniuses! The antenna connection had come loose. I plugged it back in, according to the how-to steps and voila! The radio works like a charm. Thanks again. Please stay tuned for my next question! I've got a '98 Malibu, you know I'll have one!