Lexmex

The take this piece and the antenna nut and slide it over the top of the antenna as far down as it can go without any force.

Lexmex

Turn on the vehicle on and turn the radio on. You will hear a whirring noise which is the antenna motor, once it stops then stick the plastic end (bottom of antenna mast in as shown) with the rigid teeth facing the front of the vehicle as far down as you can go without any force.

Lexmex

Now if you have a partner, then tell them to turn off the radio as you hold the antenna mast.

If you do not have a partner then consider what I used which was a 10 foot pole made out of PVC, which I used to poke the radio button in order to turn the radio off.

Lexmex

Then lock down the antenna nut by using a flat head screwdriver in the clockwise direction.

Lexmex

Then raise and lower the antenna a few times turn the radio on and off, and the antenna mast should seat properly. You can then seal up all the panel areas, bolts and storage compartments you removed.

gazi001

It's a good idea to use pvc pipe.

lserlohn

Thxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!

I just need such detail instruction.

99rx

iTrader: (6)

LEXMEX, get up to St.Pete so I can detail that RX up for you! Great DIY BTW.

hypervish

Once again, awesome DIY!

I think you may have just motivated me to change out my antenna. I broke it off a few years back at a car wash. But, just never had enough motivation to change it. lol

varithms

Thanks for the post. Will the motor just pull the new mast in?

Lexmex

Yes, it should go in just fine as long as you keep the rigid teeth facing the front of the vehicle. Then just remember to lock the antenna nut down before hitting the button to let it go back up again.

varithms

Thank you.

Dietz

I have heard my motor for the antenna making noise for a while now. The antenna is not up full time. It does not go down when the car turns off or the when you turn the radio off. I do however hear the motor run for about 8 seconds when I turn the car off. I am assuming it is either the gears in the motor or the link chain in the antenna (based on the photos I saw) that wont allow the antenna to work.

Question 1. Is it the motor? Since I do hear it running I assume the motor is still good.

Question 2 :could I put in a more powerful antenna when I replace the motor? The reception on this car is NOT very good.

salimshah

Start by checking if the mast is nice and straight. If it is physically deformed then even a good motor will not be able to operate it. You can follow the instructions and the get the mast out and examine it for problems. If there are none found, you can re-install it.

For poor reception, you will have to trace the antenna wire. The coverage range is about 45miles in a unobstructed terrain. You can go up to 60 miles but some where between 45 and 60 you may loose the stereo reception.

Salim

Dietz

Salimshah, I mis-typed. The antenna is up FULL time and is in perfect condition. I am going to replace the antenna I am sure based on what I read hear that it is the antenna "rope/chain" that is no good.
I was just hoping I could find a stronger antenna when i do replace it. The radius you say is less than that for me right now, maybe 30 miles.

Thanks