Antenna problems

[NIKOTONKS]

This is the original antenna (on a 93). It still goes up under its own power fine, but it won't come down anymore. You can hear the motor working, but nothing happens. If you push down on it, it still retracts (obviously) and the motor does seem to "grab" it when there's about 3 inches (or less) left extended. I'm just wondering if this means the motor has to be replaced, or the whole assembly, and how hard would it be to get at it? In other words, should I just give up now and pay for a whole new one or not?

 

[jcostantino]

You probably need a new mast. Check at http://www.shotimes.com/SHO3antenna.html# for the removal instructions. It's supposed to be inexpensive but the part number isn't listed on that page.

Jeff

 

[texantony]

I'm having the same problem right now. I took the antenna assy out of the fender(without removing the fender itself). I opened the antenna caseing and found that there is a long plastic belt with teeth for the gear that drives it up and down. When you turn the car off and the antenna motor starts working, you can push it down and it will retract. The dealer wont sell you just that part so you will have to buy the whole assy. or a salvage yard.

 

[NIKOTONKS]

Thanks for the tips. Good thing its not one of those super-expensive-for-no-reason type things (for example, a 98 dollar rear view mirror for a 94 Volvo)

 

[Rob94]

Definitely the mast. I had the same problem last month. $40 for a new mast and the problem is fixed. You gotta remove the passenger side wheel well cover, take out the motor, take the motor apart and make sure that there are no broken pieces of the plastic "teeth" left in there. Not a difficult job, but as Fred will tell you, sort of awkward getting that screw back in that holds the motor in place.

 

[DavidT]

"awkard"? shoot
That is putting it lightly. I got my mast from ShoNut.

 

[Mongo]

Rob94 is sooo correct: if you don't remove the broken pieces from the motor interior,
you've wasted your money (How does Mongo know?) I plan to fix one SHO with a new
motorized antenna mast (F3A2 18A886 A) and a toggle switch for manual control. The
other receives a fixed mast antenna (FODZ 1881 3A). In my newbie opinion, the quality
of these auto masts w/toothed belt is *****; it's not an exclusive Ford problem, but it's
another "Ford" part of our cars.

<small>[ March 23, 2002, 12:06 AM: Message edited by: Mongo ]</small>