Antenna Problem
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
Antenna Problem
My 1994 Corvette power antenna will not retract completely when the stereo is turned off. The antenna motor appears to be working fine but fails to completely house the antenna by leaving it exposed approximately 2 inches above the body surface. Do I need to replace the entire antenna assembly? Is the antenna ribbon (cord) broken. Any advise or assistance in diagnosing the problem with repair procedures would be appreciated.
Onevette
"Ride it, Until the wheel fall off" :flag
Onevette
"Ride it, Until the wheel fall off" :flag
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
Re: Antenna Problem (ONEVETTE)
The real key is to make sure that the motors keeps running to TRY to pull in that last 2 inches. In otherwords, it doesn't stop prematurely or make any bad noises as it stops. Mine was doing the same thing, and it would make a little click noise as the motor ran as the antenna itself had stalled. This would be symptoms of just a bad ribbon in the antenna and can be easily replaced. You can the the antenna mast from the GM counter for about $38, but I am sure cheaper other places (MAD, Ecklers, etc). I just pulled my fuse and left it up to prevent any further damage (if that is possible).
Good Luck!
Mike
1995 Black/Black LT1
3.73's, Hypertech 160 'stat, Hypertech "power" programming
coming: Hooker ceramic coated tube headers, custom exhaust, 1.6 rr,
LT4 hot cam
Good Luck!
Mike
1995 Black/Black LT1
3.73's, Hypertech 160 'stat, Hypertech "power" programming
coming: Hooker ceramic coated tube headers, custom exhaust, 1.6 rr,
LT4 hot cam
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
Re: Antenna Problem (ninetyfivevette)
The antenna motor appears to be working fine without any noise while lifting and securing the antenna. I suspected that it could be a broken ribbon. Thanks for the advise.
"ONEVETTE" :flag
"ONEVETTE" :flag
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
Re: Antenna Problem (ONEVETTE)
No problem. Glad it will be a fairly cheap fix for you. The best way to remove the antenna is to take the rear wheel off, followed by the wheel liner. When the wheel off, you will have plenty of room to work.
Have fun!
Mike
Have fun!
Mike
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: Antenna Problem (ninetyfivevette)
No problem. Glad it will be a fairly cheap fix for you. The best way to remove the antenna is to take the rear wheel off, followed by the wheel liner. When the wheel off, you will have plenty of room to work.
Have fun!
Mike
Have fun!
Mike
Then insert the new antanna and rotate it around a bit until you fell it grab. kepp turning on and off the radio so it will slowly take it in. Took me all of ten minutes by myself.
The kit from GM was 25 bucks, cheaper than MAD, Ecklers or anybody else.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Re: Antenna Problem (ONEVETTE)
Dude, I just went throught this...and it's fine now...
Here is how to adjust it.. There are two ways...
Remember, there is always power to the antenna even with the key off. So the position is never fogotten.
The first way is the quick way. It may work.
1. While the car is on turn the radio off
2. Then shut the car off
3. Go to the antenna aand pull up on it till it starts to pull back on its own.. when it does that..gently but firmly push the mast down all the way till it is flush with the rear deck.
4. Go back and start the car and turn the radio on and off.
It should be working now..
If it is a stubborn case..you need to cut power to the antenna completely.
(Battery)
Follow same steps as above but kill power to the battery before you do step 3.
Remember, you need to follow the momentum of the spinning motor. This is why you need to do it firmly and slowly. If you do it hard and fast you will cause the ribbon teeth to break or jump the track.. You can feel the motor moving..
Here is how to adjust it.. There are two ways...
Remember, there is always power to the antenna even with the key off. So the position is never fogotten.
The first way is the quick way. It may work.
1. While the car is on turn the radio off
2. Then shut the car off
3. Go to the antenna aand pull up on it till it starts to pull back on its own.. when it does that..gently but firmly push the mast down all the way till it is flush with the rear deck.
4. Go back and start the car and turn the radio on and off.
It should be working now..
If it is a stubborn case..you need to cut power to the antenna completely.
(Battery)
Follow same steps as above but kill power to the battery before you do step 3.
Remember, you need to follow the momentum of the spinning motor. This is why you need to do it firmly and slowly. If you do it hard and fast you will cause the ribbon teeth to break or jump the track.. You can feel the motor moving..
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Re: Antenna Problem (chuckster)
Could just be dirty also. Try cleaning it with mineral spirits on a rag. I also use Pedro's bicycle chain lube. It is a lubricant that dries and doesn't attract dirt. Great for power antennas.
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