Antenna motor keeps running...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 62
From: New Madison Ohio
Antenna motor keeps running...
I drove the car today parked it in the garage shut it off and the antenna stayed up and the motor kept running. Opened the hood and disconnected the battery. Do I need to replace the whole thing or is there a ribbon that can be replaced? Any advice would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
There's a fix. http://www.corvettemagazine.com/body...1984-1996.html
Or do what I did and pick up the $39 aftermarket power antenna from auto zone. Some guys upgrade to the harada antenna for $200 or so.
Or do what I did and pick up the $39 aftermarket power antenna from auto zone. Some guys upgrade to the harada antenna for $200 or so.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 2
From: port charlotte fl
I drove the car today parked it in the garage shut it off and the antenna stayed up and the motor kept running. Opened the hood and disconnected the battery. Do I need to replace the whole thing or is there a ribbon that can be replaced? Any advice would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Lift your rear hatch then take off the plastic trim piece that covers the latch. You will see two connectors on the driver's side. Un plug the gray one and it will cut the power to the antenna motor. Then, if you have to have an antenna, (I never use mine) you can get on ebay and pick up a street rod antenna that fits at the top of your windshield for about $40. No one will see it and they report reception is as good as a 36" antenna
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,306
Likes: 242
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Lift your rear hatch then take off the plastic trim piece that covers the latch. You will see two connectors on the driver's side. Un plug the gray one and it will cut the power to the antenna motor. Then, if you have to have an antenna, (I never use mine) you can get on ebay and pick up a street rod antenna that fits at the top of your windshield for about $40. No one will see it and they report reception is as good as a 36" antenna
Unplug the relay and continue rocking. 
I bought my repair kit from GM, it was about $20.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 62
From: New Madison Ohio
Thanks to all the replies. I just took off the rear trim piece and unplugged the gray wire as Midnight 85 said, hooked the battery back up and no motor running..
. I plan on pulling the antenna sometime and seeing what is wrong with it...I just want to say thanks for all the ones that responded with suggestions..much appreciated..this is why this is my favorite corvette forum...
. I plan on pulling the antenna sometime and seeing what is wrong with it...I just want to say thanks for all the ones that responded with suggestions..much appreciated..this is why this is my favorite corvette forum...
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Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Oslo, Norway
hi this is a well known symptom. I had it myself on my 85. It was a nylon string that is fixed to the antenna and is connected to a roller and it rolls out or in and thereby pushes the antenna up and pull it in. This nylon string is going brittle and breakes. thereby the antenna motor do not get the resistance when fully erected and drawn in to operate the switch internal in the motor assembly. I changed this nylonstring as it come as a kit. can buy it on >ecklers and other suppliers..
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
I have the same problem in my 1984. I turned the key to the on position the antenna went up and the motor keeps running and when I turned the radio off the antenna motor keeps running and the antenna still stays up. I had to disconnect the gray relay clip located under the back hatch Cowell. I understand the fix is a PITA, my question is how do nicely push down the antenna so it is flush with out hurting anything or breaking the antenna or motor. I want the antenna pushed back until I'm ready to repair it. Thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Never mind on removal tips for 1984 power antenna. I figured it out now I need to figure out how to repair the power antenna. Worst case scenario I'll just replace the whole unit. I'm very surprised, I'm the kind of guy that can screw up pumping gas and I removed the power antenna unit without any problems.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
Maybe this will be helpful:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1585811362
This too:
http://www.antennamastsrus.com/GM/Ch...01984-1987.htm
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1585811362
This too:
http://www.antennamastsrus.com/GM/Ch...01984-1987.htm
Last edited by Cliff Harris; Aug 8, 2016 at 03:06 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Maybe this will be helpful:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1585811362
This too:
http://www.antennamastsrus.com/GM/Ch...01984-1987.htm
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1585811362
This too:
http://www.antennamastsrus.com/GM/Ch...01984-1987.htm
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Got the new antenna on without a hitch had to make some modifications with the bolt on bracket but it's on it looks perfect and it works
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 174
Likes: 4
From: West Palm Beach Fl
Or, if you are patient you could've bought an amplified hidden antenna from China for about three dollars.......wait three weeks for delivery and install it! I had two power antennas go out before and since I dont really give a crap, I replaced them with a cellphone antenna for six bucks and they're only about a foot long.
Yeah, it wont hide but it does fold down so you can still cover your car if you do so like I do without worrying about the antenna poking through your car cover.
Yeah, it wont hide but it does fold down so you can still cover your car if you do so like I do without worrying about the antenna poking through your car cover.
