PlotPoint

Antenna won't retract, which means I cannot run my car through the car wash. Today, I did that test described on the lexls tutorial (turn key to ACC, then turn radio on and listen for any sound at the antenna). Since I am not hearing any sound, I guess that means the motor is shot? Idk, I don't have anyone standing there listening -- I am checking it myself after the radio is turned on. I also tried forcing it down -- that was a no go). And radio does not work.

Pretty sure the motor is gone. Not a DIY'er, so am here to see if someone can ballpark what would be a reasonable amount to pay to get this fixed at an indie shop?

I would also be just fine with removing the antenna altogether and placing a "cap" of some kind over the opening.

If any quick fix solutions so I can get my car washed please let me know. Tx. in advance..

dicer

Grab a nice garden hose and wash the car by hand. Problem solved.

As far as the antenna hit up some wrecking yards, and order a new mast.

Oh drive through automatic car washes are car SCRATCHING MACHINES, not washing machines.

deanshark

If the radio doesn't work then what do you need an antenna for? Run it through the car wash.

LS9698

I agree with dicer, don't use automatic scratching machines.

I've seen replacement antenna masts for $20.00 online.
Try amazon and parts geek.

PlotPoint

Hand washing at home is not an option. I know I can order a new mast -- I can't install it. I was trying to get a fix on what would be reasonable to pay someone else to fix it. The radio turns on (lights up and I can select stations)...so it works -- what I meant was ... there is no sound.

LS9698

My 96 LS had no sound after cleaning all the gunk out of the trunk and appearenty I had knocked an amp wire loose. The amp is in the trunk on the passenger side I belive.

PlotPoint

thanks, good to know.

dicer

When hand washing at home not an option do what my dad used to do, take a bucket and go to a nice river or some sort of body of water and dip the bucket in and do a bucket wash, early morning or late evening, maybe 2 or more buckets and some help.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

as for labor, a competent shop should be able to knock this out within 1hr. but you may pay for troubleshooting fees to assess why your radio isn't working in the first place (no power to the headunit = no switch trigger to raise the antenna).

as for car wash, I would frequent coin-operated car washes that have high pressure hoses and brushes for a DIY wash! it's perfect for when I have to degrease and rinse an engine bay as doing it at home would make a mess!

dicer

I met a custom car builder today and he said the same thing I do, "never use high pressure water on a cars finish". This guy builds some really nice custom cars. The highest pressure is the 100 or so psi that spews from a garden hose.