radio antenna

1998 BUICK REGAL
124,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PCULQUI
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If I purchase an aftermarket radio, do I use the antenna from the aftermarket only or do I have to use the factory antenna that came with the radio.
Oct 14, 2019 at 7:54 AM
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DANNY L
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Hello, I'm Danny.

Aftermarket radios normally have a prevision to use the factory car antenna.If not,being a different size then the installation kit that comes with the new radio will include an adapter to use the factory antenna. There would be no reason to purchase a new antenna unless yours is defective/broken.Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Oct 14, 2019 at 1:13 PM
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PCULQUI
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Do you know if there is an antenna plug or is it in the harness built in?
Oct 14, 2019 at 1:40 PM
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PCULQUI
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The first file shows the relay in the factory harness. Would this be the antenna connection? My aftermarket radio harness has a built-in wire in the harness. The second picture is the entire factory harness with wiring description.
Oct 14, 2019 at 1:46 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

Yes, you would use your factory harness dark green wire to be connected to the antenna power wire on your new/aftermarket radio. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Oct 14, 2019 at 6:20 PM
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PCULQUI
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How about the butt connectors? they come in different gauges. How do I know the gauge in my factory harness wires and aftermarket radio?
Oct 14, 2019 at 7:31 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

It would be best to use the red 8 gauge butt connectors. See picture below.Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Oct 14, 2019 at 10:09 PM
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PCULQUI
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How about the 16 AWG connectors, are they too thin?
Oct 15, 2019 at 7:16 AM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

Sorry, I forgot a numeral on your post. 18 gauge is the correct number. The higher number gauge for thickness in wiring is a smaller size wire. I've attached an updated picture for you. With your aftermarket stereo to be incorporated with your factory wiring harness it is recommended to use the red 18-22 gauge connectors. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Oct 15, 2019 at 9:58 PM