Volume Problem with New Install

[mpb]

I recently installed a Clarion DB455MC deck in my car and am having a problem with low volume when on FM mode. I used a wiring adaptor specific to my vehicle and the everything went in fine. The unit appears to work normal except that I have to turn the volume knob almost to the maximum when on FM just to listen at a reasonable level. This doesn't happen when on CD, Music Catcher, or AM. When in those modes, volume levels are normal.

I thought it might be the antenna, because when I bought the unit I was told I needed to use an antenna adaptor to make it work with the factory antenna. But when I installed it, I found the antenna plugged into the unit with no adaptor necessary. I should say that I get great reception (i.e., no static or fading stations), but I don't get the "stereo" indicator on any station. I also thought that if the antenna connection was bad, I wouldn't get an AM signal, but I get normal volume when on AM.

In case it matters, the car is a 2005 Kia Sorento LX.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.

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[azbass 5,000+ posts]

is there a power antenna wire in your wireing adaptor? should be a solid blue.

 

[mpb]

The wiring harness in the car has a solid blue for power antenna. The car doesn't have a power antenna in the true sense (i.e., it doesn't go up and down), but I understand that this may be an amplified antenna (I may have the terminology wrong). I didn't connect this wire to the harness coming from the Clarion becuase there isn't a power antenna lead from the Clarion.

I was thinking this as well, but wouldn't I also get bad reception on the AM if the antenna was the problem?

Also, I'm not using an Amp, so if this does need to be connected, would it be possible to use the Amp turn on lead to power the antenna?