I am going to replace our defective Power Antenna On out 2004 Vert. We Got the old Unit out but had to cut the antenna wire at the power antenna assembly to get it Out. This antenna wire goes into a rubber grommet and then into the trunk compartment (with what looks like a metal crimp clamp just before it goes Into the grommet. How the heck do you get this antenna wire to disconnect since the new unit comes with a new antenna wire. New unit is on order but need to resolve this issue before installing the new unit. Any All All Help will be appeciated. Thanks

rpgibbs@hotmail.com

 

I replaced the fixed assembly with a power assembly on my FRC, its the same procedure as the vert. You have to remove the right taillight. Along with the interior trunk trim. everything is assessable. Just un plug Its easy!

 

On a related question, is it possible to just replace the mast on the power antenna? My motor is working fine, but the mast is all bent to heck, which I really don't understand...

 

Heres your fix JMc. I replaced mine again just yesterday. I got the replacement mast on E Bay. PM me if you want the link.

How To Replace a Defective Telescopic Antenna

Now this is a simple mod and the OEM assembly with motor is $130+. You'll know you have the problem because the antenna won't fully retract



Parts:
Adjustable wrench
GM OEM Power Antenna Replacement ($13 E Bay).




Make sure the antenna is fully retracted and that the radio is off

Remove the antenna mounting nut located on the base of the mast on the outside of the car. If the mast is bent it may be necessary to cut off the old mast). If you can't all of the plastic cable out as one piece, (sometimes the plastic gets really hard and breaks into pieces then falls down into the motor), you can just pull the motor after you have pulled the mast out and get all of the pieces out. To do that you'll need to take out the outer right turn signal housing.




Turn on the radio and pull out the old mast and serrated cable completely out of the antenna motor. (Note which way the serrations on the cable are facing)

Feed the serrated cable of the new mast into the antenna hole and stop when resistance is felt. (about 12”). Make sure the cable is fed in with the teeth the same way the old cable came out.



Turn the radio off to lower the antenna until the serrated cable catches.. You may have to cycle the antenna a few times until the cable catches the gear mechanism and retracts into the antenna motor.



Replace and tighten the antenna nut into the mast base.



Turn on and make sure that the mast fully extends without binding. Clean the surface of the antenna to remove any adhesive etc.

10 minute job.



If you encounter a stuck mast here’s advice from the mast vendor:

You see the new "Retaining Sleeve" (silver, 2 inches or so, with slots) on the shaft of the new antenna mast, the original one is most likely a little corroded/frozen into the shaft of your antenna No problem : You are in need of what I refer to as the "snap and tap" technique of mast removal

Turn radio on and let cycle to as much extension as is currently possible

Take hold of the thickest metal mast section (closest to fender) with you thumb and forefinger about 2-3 inches above the top of the antenna shaft hole

Push the thickest mast section into the shaft (as much as it will go within that 2-3 inches)

Hold tightly with thumb and forefinger and Snap your Wrist upward.....you will here the mast bottom "tap" the bottom of the frozen in place retaining sleeve (what this is all about) Repeat this over and over again In-Snap-Tap-Repeat Short Firm Bursts of Energy Focusing the energy blow to the point of the tap This will free the retaining sleeve little by little till it comes out completely

 

I sent you the tech procedure. You have mail.

I think this may be the connection you mean:

4. Remove the RH decklid support trim panel. Pull to release the retaining clips.
5. Pull back the edge of the rear compartment floor carpet from behind the RH decklid support, then reposition the RH side of the carpet.
6. Release the antenna coaxial cable and wiring harness from the retaining clip on the rear of the wheelhouse.
7. Disconnect the power antenna coaxial cable from the power antenna coaxial extension cable.
8. Disconnect the antenna electrical connector from the front body wiring harness connector.

 

Perfection, DeeGee. Thank you!! Antenna mast ordered.

 

 

Back to the original question. The connector should just pull apart unless it has been wet and has some corrosion. there is not mechanical latch holding it in place. try twisting it loose with light grip on pliers then pull it out. I'm sure some penetrating oil won't hurt any thing either.

 

Looks like a pull fit to me

 

Hey Dee Gee, my eBay antenna mast arrived last Friday and the removal/replacement went just fine. It was a little tricky lining the serrated nylon line back up inside the housing just so... But after a few attempts and about 10 minutes, I got it.

Nice to have a straight antenna mast for the first time since I bought my vert 3.5 years ago, so thanks!