GTATransAM

I've always hated power antennas, and what do u know, it goes bad. I started up my car this morning like usual, press the power button on the radio to turn on. Well like normal, the antenna rises, but this time only halfway, and it stayed there. I got mad, got out and raised it myself all the way up, but the motor was still working, like it was still trying to push it up. So then i lowered the antenna by hand, but it would not go up anymore.

I get back inside the car, and now i turn the power off of the radio, but the antenna doesnt go all the way down. The worse part about it is that even when i shut my engine off, the motor on the antenna is still running, trying to push the antenna down. Now everytime i closed the engine i had to disconnect the battery just to keeping it from draining the power. WTF!!!

I checked the fuse box under the steering wheel, and nothing there controls the power to the power antenna, so i dont know what to do. I did manage to locate the actual motor, but to get to it, OMG, u have like remove the side fender to access it. The only thing i can see is to cut the wires that lead to the motor.

Primary goal: Cut power to antenna motor
Secondary goal: Replace power antenna with a non-power, flexible antenna.

Guys please help!

Matto'85TA

I had the same problem in my '85 TA except mine just stopped working.
1. Get the antenna out, it sounds like the gearing is junk, that can be fixed in some antennas. When I took mine out I didn't have to remove the fender, But my body panels are misaligned so that probably gave extra clearance.
2. To disconnect power- The relay is located in the passenger side dash right behind the middle panel.(it's the one that has the performance suspension badge. Its the one just below the glove box/pouch) When you turn the radio on you shuold here a click, Locate it and thats the relay, just disconnect the wires there.
3. I got a normal antenna from the dealer and it came out to be about $40 for it all.

Hope this helps some. Good luck.

GTATransAM

Thanks, i'm gonna take a look for that relay and see if it works. I'll reply and see what happens.

GTATransAM

Hey man, thanks again. That info really helped, and i managed to cut the power to the antenna now. Maybe i wont need a new antenna after all, radio still works, and the antenna is up 1 foot, not bad.

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

To get to the antenna, all you have to remove is the black inner wheelwell plastic that fits above and around the tire. I found this out after I had the dealer replace mine about 4 years ago...$350!!

Buy an antenna and replace it yourself.

Ed

92RSB4C

I went to a junkyard and found an antenna for $5. And it looks good, too.

Morley

if you remove the antenna and drill out the "rivets" holding it together then remove the clips on the sides, it will open up. Remove the button on the top part of the mast and pull the top down through the antenna, also remove all of the plastic wire from the reel. Go to GM and buy a repair mast ($20), wind the plastic wire on the reel and put the new upper mast piece back through the rest of the antenna and put the button back on.
Reassemble the antenna using the clips and some 3/16" aluminum pop rivets. Also on mine I cut the wires and spliced in a weather proof 4 wire trailer connector to make removing the antenna easier in the future.

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

Good work Morley, I'll file that info in the JIC file.

Ed

SpeedCat86

hey, Morley, what is this 'repair mast?' When I did mine, the only thing I could get was a whole new mast/tube for like $80. More info please.....

Another Tip for you T/A guys, when you do this, pop out your fender vent. It only clips in, and it gives you about 200% more access.

Morley

The repair mast is just the top solid piece of the antenna with the plastic drive cable attatched. You'll probably have to tell your GM parts person you want that, since it only costs $20 they won't make as much money off you and won't tell you they have it without asking.