Well, it sure sounds like there is an intermittent connection somewhere. I mentioned a place to start. As we see, the antenna connection may not be "it". Debugging the board itself is a lot more exhausting - I have done it myself a few times. If you have a "freeze" spray that can help locate a joint if it works cold and then acts up when warm. To replace your radio (NOT upgrade) is a lot cheaper than an 816, I believe, on ebay. If it isn't a simple antenna problem, it would be worth looking into. The am may not be affected the same way. Another thing to try is temporarily replace the car's antenna wiring with your own length of wire. Make sure the connection to the center conductor is decent and rap on the radio and see if you can get it to fail. Otherwise, spring for the 816 - I am not ready to do that - I am putting up with the changer in the trunk :( and saving my money for: struts, spring seats, possible RMS failure, food, etc. Don '95 854T