Replace a Power Car Radio Antenna
A car's power antenna can be replaced with a few simple tools and some wiring. The replacement process can vary, however, depending on the car and its antenna. Studying installation instructions that come with your new antenna is recommended before beginning the process. Try these steps to replace a power car radio antenna.
Contents
Steps
- Go over the manufacturer's installation instructions for your new antenna. Follow any particular directions listed on them if they vary from the following steps.
- Loosen the nut holding the existing antenna in place.
- Remove the antenna's mast. Try using a wrench to gently turn the base of the antenna, going counter-clockwise to loosen it.
- Find the correct access area to disconnect the power antenna's cable or wiring. The point of access depends on the antenna's location.
- A front fender's antenna can have its cable's access point be the fender's inner panel.
- Reach the cable for a driver's side antenna by pulling up a kick panel at the foot of the seat.
- A rear antenna's cable can usually be accessed through the trunk.
- Remove screws located around a radio if necessary. Slide the radio out from the dash to reach the wiring plug behind it. The wiring for the power antenna could be located here.
- Disconnect the grounding lead and 12 volt lead from the antenna. These wires connect the power antenna to the car's motor.
- Pull out the coaxial cable from the access area. It connects the antenna to the car. Note how the coaxial cable is placed or routed as you pull it out.
- An extension cable connecting the antenna to the car's radio may also be connected to the coaxial cable. Unplug the extension cable's lead from the radio when removing the coaxial cable.
- Clean the antenna's mounting area. Check that it is free of rust and other dirt before installing the new antenna.
- Connect the new antenna's grounding lead and 12 volt lead to the car's motor. Apply the grounding lead to a metal surface near the antenna's mount.
- Plug the new antenna's coaxial cable into the extension cable if necessary. Ford and General Motors cars generally need an adapter for this connection. Check if your car will need an adapter too.
- A new coaxial cable without an extension can be plugged directly into the radio.
- Tape the new coaxial cable and its extension cable together. This will help both cables lead to the same access point in the car.
- Insert the new antenna's mast through the designated opening. Screw the mast into the new coaxial cable.
- Tighten the retainer nut securely. Check that the new antenna is stable.
- Replace any access panel you removed during the installation.
Tips
- Buy an adapter from a car store.
- Turn on the car to check that the new power antenna works. See if the antenna moves from its down position to its up position.
Things You'll Need
- Car store
- New car antenna
- Manufacturer's installation instructions for new antenna
- Needle nose pliers
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Cleaning rag
- Adapter
- Tape
