Car audio installation experts: HELP!!!

[bbernardini]

This evening, I installed a Blaupunkt CD receiver in my Kia Sedona with the help of my father (who's installed more receivers than I can count, so he knows what he's doing, mostly). The CD player works with no problem, and the AUX input works fine. However, there is absolutely NO radio reception at all. We hooked up the factory radio again, and the radio worked fine. All of the wires are hooked up correctly, but we did not connect the blue "Power Antenna" wires, as I assumed they were for an antenna that retracts into the car when the car is off. However, Crutchfield's support site has this little nugget:

"Many vehicles now have a "booster" amplifier on the antenna, to increase gain. This amplifier is energized by the factory receiver remote lead. If when the receiver is replaced, this antenna 'amp' is not powered up, the FM reception will be poor, and the AM reception will be non-existent. Hooking up the vehicle's antenna remote wire to the power antenna wire of the new receiver (usually a Blue wire) will solve the problem."

Could this be the solution? I'm thinking about trying it in the morning. Please let me know if I'm risking blowing up the car by doing so before then. Thanks!

[dwckabal]

1. That's probably it

My Volkswagen Corrado had the same thing, except it was a non-standard antenna connector; you had to buy an adapter to make it work with 3rd-party audio systems. Also the "booster" was in the base of the antenna, and they had a history of going up...needless to say, I lived without the radio in that car!

[bbernardini]

2. I'd be willing to live without the radio...

...as I primarily listen to CDs, my iPod, or XM. However, my wife would strongly disagree. And there's Car Talk and Prairie Home Companion to consider. <sigh> Guess I better make it work.

[Beaker]

3. I've been without the car radio for a month or so...

we had some work done on the jetta which required the unhooking of the battery.
as part of their security system, if the radio loses power, a four-digit code has to be entered for it to work- you get 3 chances to input it correctly, or it shuts down for good...I only have the number written in the owner's manual, and I can't seem to find it- i think it may have been in the pocket of the seat cover that was stolen off the passenger seat one night(that's right- they took one seat cover- but when you live halfway between a college dorm and a bar four blocks away, these things happen)
anyway- i've already had 2 unsuccessful attempts to remember it, and i'm not risking a third...they can get the code for me at a dealership- but it involves removing the radio for starters, and probably a couple hours of "labour"...
aaahhh...the soothing sound of silence.