[ernperkins]

Hi -

To troubleshoot a radio reception problem in my 99 Beetle I ran the head unit's antenna diagnostic and got the FERN OFF (amplified antenna off) code. I pulled the deck out of the dash and verified the antenna plug is firmly seated. I also bought a new mast, but still get FERN OFF.

Are there any more trouble shooting steps I can do short of replacing the antenna base? I hesitate to change the base because the sunroof motor is directly under the base and it looks like it will be a real PITA to remove.

I also can't figure out how the amplifier in the base gets its power since a single wire runs into the base.

Any help, hints or instructions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Ed

PS - Factory (non-Monsoon) AM/FM/Cassette

 

[DarthBeetle]

unless there was major changes between the 98-99 and the 02 bugs the sun roof motor should not be under the antennae base. you should only need to take off the rear upper molding and pull down the headliner enough to get the socket in. most likely the base is corroded and just needs replacing. t should be a 15 to 30 min job, unless you want to try and break some kind of record. and who keeps those records anyway.

 

[dmbluebeetle]

in 2000 and up Delphi ran the 12v power up through the antenna cable to power the amplifier. I do know there are 2 different antenna bases:
1 for the 98-99 Clarion built radio and 1 for the 2000 Delphi built radio and that they are not interchangable.

I don't know how VW ran the wiring for the 98-99, but if you have a wire going into the base it may be the power wire and they could be using a grounding screw or the antenna cable to ground it at the radio.

Can you check that wire for power?