Anyone know how to get the antenna out so I can replace the mast? Looks like you have to disassemble right rear of car??

 

for starters you have to remove the right Rear turn signals
than remove the back interior to expose the wire harness, right rear trim panel
you can remove it with out pulling the bumper.

Here is step by step with out pics
# Open the rear compartment lid.
# Check to be sure that the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
# Remove the RR end/corner carpet trim panel. Refer to Trim Panel Carpet Replacement - Rear Corner in Interior Trim.
# Remove the RH decklid support trim panel.
Pull to release the retaining clips.
Object Number: 289870 Size: SH
Click here for detailed picture of above image.
# Pull back the edge of the rear compartment floor carpet from behind the RH decklid support, then reposition the RH side of the carpet.
# Release the antenna coaxial cable and wiring harness from the retaining clip on the rear of the wheelhouse.
# Disconnect the power antenna coaxial cable from the power antenna coaxial extension cable.
# Disconnect the antenna electrical connector from the front body wiring harness connector.

Object Number: 330045 Size: SH
Click here for detailed picture of above image.
# Remove the screws retaining both of the RH taillamps.
# Remove both of the RH taillamps.
# Disconnect the antenna ground connector from the rear body wiring harness.

Important

Use care not to twist and damage the ground straps when removing the retaining nut.
# Remove the nut retaining the antenna dual cable strap (1) and antenna short braided ground strap (2) to the rear fascia retaining stud, then reposition the straps.

Object Number: 214786 Size: SH
Click here for detailed picture of above image.
# Remove the nut retaining the antenna long braided ground strap to the rear bumper impact bar stud, then reposition the strap.
# Remove the antenna bracket retaining nuts.
# Release the antenna bracket from the mounting studs.
# Reposition the antenna body (with bracket) toward the RR tire.
# Using a slight twisting motion, pull down to release the antenna from the antenna bezel.
# Release the antenna wiring harness grommet from the rear compartment panel, toward the outside of the vehicle.

1. Starting from the outer lip of the grommet, on the outside of the vehicle, begin to unseat the bottom right area of the grommet.
2. Using a flat bladed screwdriver or other suitable tool as an aid if necessary, work around the base of the tapered lip of the grommet on the inside of the vehicle, while simultaneously finessing the outer lip of the grommet on the outside of the vehicle, in order to release the grommet completely from the rear compartment panel.

# Remove the antenna wiring harness and grommet from the opening in the rear compartment panel toward the outside of the vehicle.

Object Number: 289885 Size: SH
Click here for detailed picture of above image.
# Carefully remove the power antenna from the vehicle through one of the taillamp openings.

Object Number: 214789 Size: SH
Click here for detailed picture of above image.
# Remove the bolts retaining the antenna bracket to the antenna, if bracket removal is necessary.
# Remove the antenna bracket from the antenna, if necessary.
# Remove the antenna bezel upward through the quarter panel, if necessary.

 

While you are in there you may want to cut the pink wire and splice in a switch so you can control when the antenna goes up. No point in having it up when listening to cd's or your Ipod. It just adds unnecessary wear to the power antenna unit.

 

If you are replacing the mast because it is damaged, you don't need to take the antenna out. It can be replaced from the top. If the nylon "gear" strip (long piece that has teeth to move the mast up and down) is broken off in the motor, you will have to remove it. The mast and "gear" strip can be replaced in a matter of a few minutes without removing anything except the large nut on the outside that holds the antenna to the body of the car. Instructions with pictures come with the new mast ***'y. If you have any questions, pm or post here and I'll discuss with you.

 

After removing right rear tail lens you can access the motor. If plastic ribbed drive cable isn't broken replace the mast from above. If the plastic cable is shorter than the new one part of it is broken off inside the motor. Remove motor and drill out 3 plastic rivets. Carefully remove motor cover and watch what you take out as you will need to replace all parts except the broken mast cable. I lubricated the gears before reassembling with silicon grease. Used 3 self tapping screws where I drilled out the rivets.
Instructions and pics on antennamastsrus.com web site. They are very helpful on the phone also and if you have any questions they will be glad to answer them.
BIGHANK

 

I realize this is a reply to a very old link, but I'm intrigued by you solution to an extended antenna while listening to a cd or iPhone on a C5. Have you installed the switch to keep the antenna retracted when not in use? If si, how has it worked. I'm thinking of just replacing the antenna with a short one you see on newer cars. Thought?