Weird Power Antenna Problem-Suggestions?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 145
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From: Chicago IL
Weird Power Antenna Problem-Suggestions?
So, the antenna motor has been working fine, but I needed to replace the mast. Part of the white cable had broken off, so I opened the R/R lens, disconnected the grounding wires on the antenna motor, and, after removing the mounting bracket, pulled the motor through the hole part way to access the gears. I pulled back the rubber protective boot and drilled-out the grommets. I opened the gear cover, removed the broken piece of cable (yeah!), cleaned and lightly lubricated the mechanism and put it back together (used Gorilla tape instead of new screws to hold it back together-sorry!). I reset the rubber boot, re-connected the mounting bracket, grounding wires, and put the whole thing back in place. Guess what? No power. I checked the fuse, power connection behind the R/R trim insert, and NOTHING! I hear nothing from the antenna motor anymore. I do hear the small click near the fusebox when turning on and off the radio, which corresponds with the antenna powering up and down, but nothing from the actual antenna. What could have changed since I first took it apart? I didn't pull that hard on the motor to create a problem with the wiring (at least, I don't think so!). Please enlighten me!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
Did the same thing except used short self tapping screws to replace rivets
So, the antenna motor has been working fine, but I needed to replace the mast. Part of the white cable had broken off, so I opened the R/R lens, disconnected the grounding wires on the antenna motor, and, after removing the mounting bracket, pulled the motor through the hole part way to access the gears. I pulled back the rubber protective boot and drilled-out the grommets. I opened the gear cover, removed the broken piece of cable (yeah!), cleaned and lightly lubricated the mechanism and put it back together (used Gorilla tape instead of new screws to hold it back together-sorry!). I reset the rubber boot, re-connected the mounting bracket, grounding wires, and put the whole thing back in place. Guess what? No power. I checked the fuse, power connection behind the R/R trim insert, and NOTHING! I hear nothing from the antenna motor anymore. I do hear the small click near the fusebox when turning on and off the radio, which corresponds with the antenna powering up and down, but nothing from the actual antenna. What could have changed since I first took it apart? I didn't pull that hard on the motor to create a problem with the wiring (at least, I don't think so!). Please enlighten me!
Not necessary to actually cut into the wires. Don't remember if there are connectors or not. If NOT use a straight pin to just puncture the insulation and use a DVM to look for 12 volts. If you don,t have a meter you can get one at Harbor Freight for about $3 or $4.
If you have voltage going to the motor you might have pulled something off. If not you probably blew a fuse.
BIGHANK
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 145
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From: Chicago IL
Thanks for the response, Hank. The fuse is fine. I tired to use my Harbor Freight volt meter thinggie to check various connestions for juice, but, to be honest, I don't really know how to use it (where to set the dial, which leads to plug both the black and red wires into on the unit, whether to use just the red wire to puncture a wire for a reading, etc. ). Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
When you turn the radio on should get 12 volts from one wire to chassis ground
Maybe someone can post a schematic and you will know where to look for 12 volts. When the radio is shut off must reverse polarity to run the motor in the opposite direction. My motor ran before and after I removed the broken plastic. If it is not running either the 12 volts are not coming thru the wires or you inadvertantly disconnected a wire.
