Having big problems plugging antenna into new stereo - blows stereo

I've tried (twice) to install a new stereo in my 306 (S - 98) and have had
the following happen. I got the stereo in Ok and the Cd player worked
fine. I didn't have an adapter for the antenna so used a copper wire to
test recetion and it was great. The next day I used an adapter to link
the antenna lead from the car the stereo and after that it wouldn't even
swicth on. The same thing happened with the replacement stereo I had. I
noticed that the car antenna sparks when it touches certain areas behind
the dash. Is there something about the antenna I need to know about? I'm
replacing the original stereo because the buttons broke and display went
blank (over time).

 

You've dislodged or knocked something, and now your antenna lead is live.
You've fried both stereos by connecting the live feed into their ariel
sockets.

Sorry !

 

You've dislodged or knocked something, and now your antenna lead is live.

Try a volt meter across the antenna inner core and outer braided copper
sheath.
Maybe it's picking up current from somewhere (is it an automatic motorised
aerial?).
Having said that the outer sheath does become live as it acts as the earth
return when the radio is switched on. It's usually connected to the aerial
fixing point by a serrated washer which has to make good contact with the
bodywork.
If you are connecting the antenna with the radio powered up it might spark
as it makes contact with the socket.
The radio should have a fuse though, shouldn't fry it, just blow the fuse.
Years since I was involved but just check that the radio is twelve volt
negative earth.
DaveK.

 

I just have the standard ariel. The ariel connection sparks with no radio
connected. I didn't have a problem until the main ariel sheeth was
connected to the receiving sheath on the radio - a copper wire between the
two worked (but wasn't stable).

 

Beyond me. That's weird. Time to pay a car radio specialist I reckon.
DaveK.

 

on tail end here mate
which car?
some have powered aerials(amp built in)

 

Peugeot 306 standard 1.9 Diesel. 1998 S Plate (UK).

 

standard aerial then
check for a live on the shielding just in case its rubbed through somewhere
against a live wire