[pipnjillelement]

I just purchased my 2006 Element the other day and being so excited about the car, I failed to check the radio, I never listen to it, so that's probably why... Well I did today and it's just static. No cell phone chargers are plugged in, no Ipod either. I'm assuming it's the antenna. Is this something I can investigate and fix myself? I want to avoid taking it somewhere and spending $$$

 

[dcarvil]

This thread is about the XM antenna, but it also shows the routing of the antenna lead.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60902

Check the easy to access connections first - the antenna mast just unscrews. There is another antenna lead connection behind the glove box. The trim piece around the radio can be removed by prying it up from the bottom on each side of the radio. That gives access to the screws holding the radio in place.

If those all look good, there is also a connection behind the head liner where the antenna is mounted on the roof. Before pulling the head liner I'd make sure it was an antenna problem by buying a cheap antenna and plugging it directly into the radio.