I'm replacing my power antenna (2001 convertible) unit as soon as the new unit arrives (ribbon broke).
In the meantime, I'm also going to install a bypass switch in the power wire to the antenna so I can control when the mast will extend (and keep the wear/tear minimized while listening to cd's or tapes).
I've located two good places to place the switch...under the dash near the hood release and, my preferred choice, the aux power slot in the center console (used presumably for laptop or cell recharge instead of or in addition to the cig lighter). As I've never used it in the 6 years I've owned the car, I figured it's a neat, out of sight location easily accessed.
Question: Is there any special secret technique to remove the accessory plug? I'm able to disconnect its wire harness, but the metal tube (into which you'd plug in your power cord) is well fixed in its place.
Just wondering if you push it out toward the rear of the car, or if it twists in some way to disconnect, etc.
Anyone removed or replaced one of these? Once I get it out, I will fabricate a small round plate through which I'll set my switch.

Thanks in advance.

Kevan

 

it unscrews from the body of the lighter plug.

I mounted mine next to that accy plug in the console, I used a push button switch from radio shack.

it looks factory.

 

Put my switch in the cig. lighter hole.

 

Hey thanks for both pics and ideas. I was thinking about locating next to the acc'y plug but thought putting inside that tube might be neater. Looks like both solutions are quite doable and elegant in their final appearance.
I'll get after it this weekend.

Thanks a million for the help.

PS: Just so I understand, the metal tube unscrews from the center console housing? Or just the cig lighter (under the radio) unscrews?

 

the metal tube unscrews from the center console lighter plug, it's part of the lighter plug. (you'll see what I mean when you unscrew it).

 

The accessory plug is double-keyed. You twist to the first key; it pulls out slightly and then twist again to clear the second key. Easier to do than say.

DBD

 

Hey thank you everyone! Your pictures and advice were great. I installed the switch (a rotary ****) today right next to the accessory plug. Dunbindun, thanks for the info on removing the accessory tube-- a bit sticky, but it came out okay.
I ran my wires and tested it on the old unit. Now I just have to wait for the new antenna unit to arrive.
Again, I appreciate everyone's help. This is a great resource forum.

Kevan

 

Would you please tell me where the easiest and near the center console to find the pink power wire to the antenna. Being a senior
(old fart) my flexability is not what it used to be. Don't want to
tear the interior apart to find this wire
Thanks for any help

 

Dennis,
I tapped into the power wire just after the connection to the antenna harness (easily accesssed on the passenger side, in the trunk just behind the wheel well-- just pull back the carpeting and viola!
Although you could follow the wiring harness bundle forward (it runs along the passenger side till the seats) I'm uncertain as to whether it runs along the doorsill or snakes toward the center of the vehicle. In any event, you could try to locate it underneath the dash or it might be in the passenger footwell junction box. I personally thought it would be easier to run the wires back up under the carpeting behind the passenger seat, along the passenger side wall where you'll find the wire bundle containing the pink wire. The carpeting is really just fitted under plastic fixtures, etc. and relatively easy to move and replace.

Good luck.

 

the wire runs through the passenger footwell, but the color changes somewhere between the antenna and the footwell.
I forget what color it is, but that's where I tapped into it.