Thinking about replacing your power antenna? I just did mine in a 95 coupe. My antenna didn't go up or down. Would not go all the way down even if you tried to force it. So I started looking on eBay and found some replacement antenna inserts. Seemed cheap and easy enough. After closer examination it didn't seem like my antenna was even trying to move .. no motor function. I decided the cheap easy insert probably wasn't going to work for me. I started looking on eBay for a complete antenna and found a price range of $25 to $300, used to new. One guy had a NOS GM exact replacement antenna for $75!!! It looks like he still has some if anyone is looking to replace theirs ... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...4040&viewitem= (I am not affiliated with him in anyway, just passing along the info).

I broke out the service manual and read the replacement instructions. It didn't sound too complicated so this morning I decided to have at it. I did it in the driveway without a lift of jack. It went pretty smoothly.

Tools required
Flash light
#2 Phillips head
small screw driver
7mm 1/4" socket/nut driver
8mm 1/4" on swivel and long extension with ratchet
needle nose pliers
3/8" long extension

1. I removed the hatch trim in back and removed the screws on the side trim to get the rear trim out (10 Phillips screws).
2. Then I remove the left side luggage cover holder at the front of the guide (2 Phillips screws)...Best way I can explain it.
3. Remove the luggage cover. I used the needle nose pliers to grasp the plastic pointed guide piece on the cover side and pulled until the end cap released from its holder. The luggage cover has spring loaded end caps that snap into holders and retain the cover. After compressing the end cap the cover assembly slide forward and can easily be removed.
4. Next remove the left side plastic guide the luggage cover slides on (3 Phillips screws).
5. The left side rear speaker needs to be removed. 6 Phillips screws on the cover then fold carpeting back out of the way and then 6 7mm screws on the speaker assembly. Disconnect the speaker wire and remove the speaker assembly.
6. The carpeting on the rear of the luggage area needs to be folded out of the way as well. There are 2 clips (round with slots pressed over threaded studs). The easiest way to remove is with a small screw driver. Insert the screw driver blade in one of the hold down slots and spin off.
7. In the foam padding you will find the connections for the antenna, disconnect them.
8. Follow the wires to the rubber grommet. Using a 3/8" long extension push the grommet out.
9. From under the car, remove the 2 8mm screws from the bottom of the antenna using the swivel setup.
10. At this point the antenna assembly can be lowered until the ground strap at the top off the assembly stops further removal.
11. Snake your right arm up to the top of the antenna with a Phillips screw driver. Holding the bottom of the antenna assembly with your left hand, you can remove the ground strap at the top of the antenna.
12. Now the antenna assembly can be removed.
13. Place new antenna assembly in fender area and reattach the ground cable at the top.
14. Align the top. Insert the 8mm screw that did not have the ground wires on it. Be-careful as there is a metal ground over the screw hole on the antenna. Just start the screw with a few turns.
15. Now line up the other screw hole. This one is a bit tricky to get the screw, grounds and hole lined up and installed but it can be down.
16. Tighten both of the above mentioned screws.
17. Confirm antenna top is properly aligned and would extend through the hole in the fender properly when activated.
18. Snake your arm back up into the fender with the antenna wires and feed them through the hole.
19. From the top, pull the wires through until the grommet starts in the hole. Pulling on the antenna coax cable only, seat the grommet. I had to alternate pushing the grommet from the bottom and then pulling from the top to get it seated. Having someone to help would have made this a little easier.
20. Connect the cables and test operation of the antenna.
21. Once confirmed, replace rear carpet, speaker, side carpet, speaker grill, cover guide and cover holder, in that order.
22. Replace luggage cover. Note the way it lines up on the ends. Insert the right side first and then slide left side about half way down the guide. Now compress the end and hold with the needle nose pliers while sliding the rest of the way into place. It take a fair amount of force to hold the end compressed. There is probably a tool to make it easier but this method worked for me.
23. Replace rear trim and secure side trim. You are done.

Sorry I don't have pictures... I didn't think to take any until after I thought about writing this. Anyway I hope the info helps someone.

 

I did the same last year. One thing I found was that the car had a lot of dirt to drop in my face while I was reaching up from underneath.

Safety glasses or goggles may help.

 

Excellent point. After eating a little dirt myself I lightly tapped the lower fender with an open hand a few times until the dirt stopped falling out. That helped a lot.