2021 XM Antenna Location - Only Getting Reception Going South

[aalbert]

This past weekend I drove up from S. Florida to the Macon area... Day after I arrived, I noticed that XM was acquiring signal etc. Whole way back down it was in and out. Today while driving around, I noted that it mainly acquires when going south (and spotty at that)... This all leads me to believe that there is something wrong with the antenna (I have reset the radio and did the XM txt flash).

Question - where is the XM antenna location -- is it in the shark fin on the center of roof, or buried elsewhere? Has anybody replaced it, and if so how much drama was involved?

 

[Rob6805]

Have you tried sending a refresh signal to your radio. You can do it yourself on the SXM website.

 

[aalbert]

Yes, I sent a txt msg to their refresh number, and saw a msg pop on the screen... but not dice.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

t is probably in the sharkfin. did you wash the truck? maybe water inside.

 

[aalbert]

Hadn't considered moisture.. Yes, I wash it, but in this case drove it for 24hr, before the issue came up, but that said the one variable I hadn't considered as a S. Floridian is that we had sub freezing weather in GA.... Hmmm

 

[Boosted]

Maybe listening to Country music?

 

[aalbert]

Country music results in loss of IQ ... so definitely not.

(but I still like those country girls and the way they dress)

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Hadn't considered moisture.. Yes, I wash it, but in this case drove it for 24hr, before the issue came up, but that said the one variable I hadn't considered as a S. Floridian is that we had sub freezing weather in GA.... Hmmm

Hopefully you just got a little moisture that would normally bake out. I would try warming it with a hair dryer. Also see if you can Google the disassembly. The antenna is likely a small microwave strip or two (diversity) and a pre-amplifier or two. It won't be cheap to replace. If you get inside, use 91% proposal alcohol to clean it. With power off of course. If it is all terribly rusty and grungy, maybe a wash with CRC electronic cleaner (home depot).

 

[JamaicaJoe]

This may be your antenna: not too expensive. Looks like you may have to pull back the headliner to release tabs (may need to back out a bolt) to get it out. Maybe with some luck you will find the wire unplugged...

2018-2024 Ford Antenna JL1Z-19A390-BCPTM | OEM Parts Online

2018-2024 Ford Antenna JL1Z-19A390-BCPTM

ford.oempartsonline.com

 

[JayB66]

Do you have any sort of warranty on the truck? Since you're asking on the forum I assume you don't. I find it easier to have someone else do the work for me these days. Not lazy, just old.

 

[aalbert]

Car is at 70k miles... I have an aftermarket warranty, but not 100% sure if the antenna would be included.

 

[Trainmaster]

Anyone know if the sharkfin antenna's mounting bolt can be loosened by pulling down the overhead console? Or does the headliner have to come down?

My 23 doesn't have SiriusXM and I'd like to check to see if it was built with an antenna with satellite capabilities. Ford makes antennas that do and don't support Sirius.