I just purchased a used 2002 Hyundai Sonata with 55,000 miles on it. I didn't notice when I bought it that the AM radio is very staticky. The FM radio is tolerable, but still a little static. The cd player sounds fine through the speakers.

I assume it is an antenna problem. I've never changed one before. I hear it is quite expensive just for the power antenna part. Maybe I can find a used one. If I try to change it myself, is it do-able in a couple of hours? I printed off some instructions from someone else who replaced it themselves.

If I switch to a non-power antenna, is there a specific one I need to buy to get it to fit?

First things first. Take off the trim surrounding the radio by pulling on the lip inside the ash tray. With the ash tray open, there will be a lip...pull on it firmly. You will think it may break, but it won't. There are no screws that hold it in...just clips. Unhook the wire harness' to the clock and fan controls.

Next, unscrew the mounting hardware...4 screws I think. Pull the radio out and check the black antenna cord and make sure it is pushed all the way in. That sounds like the problem. It will be the large black cord that is sort of stiff.

Push it in firmly and turn the radio on and check. If it is still staticy, check the connection at the power antenna. In the trunk there is moulded carpet that you can pull down to check the connection.

If that fails, drive the car off a cliff; accidentally on purpose for the insurance.

Chris