Hi,

Just wanting to know if there is an external antenna which could be used on my BF for the raido. I think the window tint has upset the reception a bit. Looking at maybe a window mount style if one exists.

What was the one used on the roof of BA/BF Fairlanes for?

There's a Ford Service Bulletin on this problem # 39/04 and these rear window aerials can be made to work properly.

1st check the resistance on the earth bolt on the aerial connector inside the C pillar. This is the most likely problem.

Remove the C pillar inside cover where the wires go and check the resistance between the centre of the earth bolt and the silver earth circuit on the PCB (printed circuit board) earth it sits on (silver coloured circuit surrounded by green PCB insulation) inside the plastic module; it's the round shaped bit of the PCB around the bolt head. Use a digital multimeter making sure you zero calibrate it before measuring. The resistance should be zero or close to it (no more than 5 ohms). If its more than 5 ohms replace it with new earth bolt - service part number P&A # 21002924 and tighten it to 9nm.

Next unplug the coaxial cable (gently they are fragile) and check the out earth and centre wire are not touching. Reconnect gently so these wire don't twist and touch.

Also check the main earth strap is sound on the driver's side chassis rail - no dirt or grease. If it's suspect it also uses P&A # 21002924 as a replacement. Similarly check and replace the adjacent power distribution box earth which also uses the same part.

These bolts are cheap so I would buy and replace the three anyway.

I would also strongly suggest (not suggested in the Bulletin) you also get hold of some Kopr Shield (see http://www.tessco.com/products/disp...469&eventPage=1 and http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?...temType=PRODUCT) and put it under each bolt and on its thread after cleaning the connection (bolt and ground) with a copper wire brush. This will improve the earth connection and prevent it corroding and going high resistance over time. Also use this on the terminal where they connect to the rear heater demister (be very gentle sliding the terminal off so you don't detach it from the glass or break it off).

Kopr Shield is hard to find in Oz and I get mine from Eastwood in the US (http://www.eastwoodco.com/). This product has lots of applications and the small bottle lasts for ages. Great on battery terminals and anywhere you want to ensure a 100% electrical connection and prevent corrosion caused resistance.

Some of my electronics hobbyist friend have suggested that Alminox Jointing Compound or Utilux H2397/1 joint compound which is more readily available in Oz can be used for such applications instead but both these products are really for aluminium electrical joints and not as good as Kopr Shield. Nonetheless they might be worth a try until you can get some Kopr Shield. I guess even graphite dust would be better than nothing as an interim measure.

If that fails check the continuity of the coax lead between the module and the radio and that the module in the C pillar is getting 12V with the ignition on.

I had window tint on my car since it was new and no problems.
Must be something else.