Antenna replacement

I replaced a broken AM/FM power antenna mast on my '95 Accord EX wagon
with a new Honda part (it looked very close but was not absolutely
identical to the original -- the most noticeable difference being the
shape of the tip, which doesn't seem like it should be that important).
It fit ok and seemed like a straightforward replacement; it raises and
lowers ok, but AM barely works on strong local stations and FM is weak.
If I physically jiggle it around, particularly push it down a little,
there are places where better contact is made and the signal seems
normal. What did I do wrong?

 

You used the wrong antena/part. LOL

.......................................

 

It was the part specified by Honda.

 

Any reason why you didn't use an OEM antenna? They're ~$35 from some of the
online part stores.

 

I hunted around in several local stores but couldn't find a mast that
was close. For some reason Honda made a distinction between engine
sizes or something (why they would use different antennas for variations
of the same model, I have no idea), and none of the online places I
found mentioned it -- few even mentioned "Honda". Some had a complete
replacement, including motor, for about the price of the Honda mast, but
it looked as though removing the panel to get access would break a bunch
of plastic fasteners I would have to replace anyway and generally be
more of a headache than I cared to deal with for the price difference;
replacing the mast was a five-minute job! (Not counting time trying to
get it to work. ) So, after a couple of weeks of searching while
driving around with a stub antenna I broke down and got it from the dealer.

If you know some place that has an antenna that they say will fit for
$35, I might be willing to try it at this point.

 

Try here:

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/catdisplay.jsp?inputstate=4&catcgry1=Accord&catcgry2=1995&catcgry3=WGN+EX&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=

There are two "Radio Antenna-Speaker" catagories for your model. You might
want to give them a call or email with your VIN to make sure you order what
you need.

 

Make sure that the antenna has a good earth to the body. There should
be a washer with sharp raised teeth (or some thing like) that should
pierce the paint to give a good earth.

A good test for a bad earth is you should hear a lot of interference
on am if you tune to a weak station, this will change 'pace' with the
engine rpm.