So I installed my CDA-9887 and I am quite pleased. The only hiccup at the moment is that radio reception is poorer than with the standard Boost HU. FM is not as strong and AM just isn't there. I'm quite sure I've got a tight install on the antenna line.

I found this one post at NAM that describes how to get AM, https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...841-post3.html. It says, "You need to connect pin 13 (white wire) on the factory harness to a 12V switch or else you loose AM", but I am hesitant to go into the harness again without collaborated information.

Any information you all can provide to help me get radio reception back is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

OK so I've recently upgraded my HU to a Sony that has bluetooth capabilities. I had purchased a 15-20 Metra antennae adapter which got the FM but no AM stations, as i looked at it it was a poorly made cable so I decided to take a chance on a $3.85 one on eBay which was aA106 style for 2002 BMW up same model number as the mini cooper cable that the same guy was selling for $9.99 when labeled Mini cooper. It came in 2 days was a better cable and now i've got both AM and FM. So maybe get a new adapter cable. I'm doing a warrenty claim on the metra cable but i knew taht i would be without FM for at least 6-8 weeks for the process so thats why I bought another cable, and it works better!

 

The Antenna has a 12v amplifier built into it. This is what the wire in the harness is for that you speak of. If you don't hook 12v back up to it then you will get next to no signal. I actually purchased a a Direct fit harness for my Alpine HU from www.NewminiStuff.com. He is a vendor on here and has great advice. He sells harnesses that adapt straight in, whether you have a Wave or Boost OEM HU, which also has the Interface for you Steering wheel controls built in as well. The most you would have to do is put the ISO plugs onto the Alpine HU wiring harness. It is a real sinch to do, you just crimp the pins on and plug them into the connectors with the colour code matching the new harness you have. Then all it is is plug and play, you plug the big socket end into the Car Harness and then plug the Stereo harness into the ISO plugs. This will take care of all your problems and give you a nice, wire cut free install. That way if you decide to go back to stock to sell you just unplug everything and plug your old OEM unit straight back in. Easy as

 

So I look at the 9887 wiring diagram again and again see there is an "antenna power" lead. I recall when I installed the unit I told my dad that since I didn't have a power antenna I didn't need that lead.

Well, I talked to the Alpine guy today and lo and behold the lead I ignored is the one I need to connect to pin 13. Oh well, at least I didn't harm anybody installing my radio. Sheesh.

 

At least you fixed it. I think sometimes the "power antenna" lead is misinterpreted as a wire that powers an antenna that goes up and down when you turn your stereo on/off.

 

zactly. My previous car had one so thats where my brain cell was.