2007 Sequoia radio reception sucks. Has anyone put in an OEM antenna? Signal booster?

[Mark in Baltimore]

My new-to-me 2007 Sequoia has no power antenna and uses the elements in the rear glass, a really dumb idea. As a result, my radio reception sucks. Has anyone installed an OEM power antenna? How hard is it? Do you think an FM signal booster will be as effective as an antenna mast?

Thanks for any help!

[tinik]

I've noticed if I use aftermarket radio, then reception sucks. That is main reason, I still have OEM NAV and radio. I know few fellow members here don't like OEM radio that toyota uses.

[Mark in Baltimore]

Originally Posted by tinik

I've noticed if I use aftermarket radio, then reception sucks. That is main reason, I still have OEM NAV and radio. I know few fellow members here don't like OEM radio that toyota uses.

I'm confused; are you saying that the aftermarket radio is not desirable (I've noticed if I use aftermarket radio, then reception sucks. That is main reason, I still have OEM NAV and radio) or that an OEM radio is not desirable (I know few fellow members here don't like OEM radio that toyota uses)?

[czechm8]

Your '07 should be just like my '05. There is actually an antenna amplifier in the Toyota Diversity antenna system. There were two antenna plugs on the rear of my stock head unit. A normal sized antenna lead and a smaller one. When I put in all after-market equipment, I used the larger, normal antenna connection for the new head unit. I too had basically no reception, until a seasoned installer pointed out to me the antenna amplifier needs to be powered back up.

For the life of me, I can't remember which wire it was on the harness, but after I restored power to the amp, my reception was fine.

So, if you have an after-market HU, then the antenna amplifier is usually the missing link. Even if you have a stock HU, I would still have the dealer check to see if there is a bad connection related to that amplifier, or if the amp itself is bad. The antennas in the glass work pretty well, so I don't think adding another antenna will solve your problem.

[Mark in Baltimore]

Originally Posted by czechm8

Your '07 should be just like my '05. There is actually an antenna amplifier in the Toyota Diversity antenna system. There were two antenna plugs on the rear of my stock head unit. A normal sized antenna lead and a smaller one. When I put in all after-market equipment, I used the larger, normal antenna connection for the new head unit. I too had basically no reception, until a seasoned installer pointed out to me the antenna amplifier needs to be powered back up.

For the life of me, I can't remember which wire it was on the harness, but after I restored power to the amp, my reception was fine.

So, if you have an after-market HU, then the antenna amplifier is usually the missing link. Even if you have a stock HU, I would still have the dealer check to see if there is a bad connection related to that amplifier, or if the amp itself is bad. The antennas in the glass work pretty well, so I don't think adding another antenna will solve your problem.

Thank you so much; that is very helpful information. I will add this to the list when I head back to the dealer.

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by tinik

I've noticed if I use aftermarket radio, then reception sucks. That is main reason, I still have OEM NAV and radio. I know few fellow members here don't like OEM radio that toyota uses.

OH yea you were thinking on me when you wrote that (grin) can't stand Oem Radio's or navi from Toyota..

Tinik on the issues on reception i too have problems pulling in station for fm on my Pioneer but problem solved with a boaster. To be honest i use Xm more then anything and just ordered the xm antenna from the 2009 Tacoma since it's color keyed on the roof. My part comes in tommorrow.

Erik