CALL911

iTrader: (17)

So I noticed yesterday that my antenna in my 98 Formula didn't come down after I turned the car off. After turning it on, it didn't go down or up, its just stuck in the up position?

Any ideas? Hopefully this is an easy do it yourself fix.

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

I can hear the motor trying to work (although the noise it makes is not normal), but the antenna just stays up.

I sprayed a little WD-40 down the antenna thinking it might help if something was gummed up, but it still is the same. It won't push down with normal effort (I didn't want to try to force it).

Anyone?

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...enna-dead.html

BTW - WD-40 is a bad thing for many things. If it got down in the antenna mechanism, it could dissolve all of the good lubricants around the motor gear. WD-40 is great for loosening rusted bolts and waterproofing the outside of missiles, (or whatever it was invented for) but that's about it.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

power antennas are a PITA.they always break. crutchfield used to make excellent replacements. thats what i went with but neither of my cars have them now thank god.

myk

iTrader: (4)

I gotta bring up the idea of mast-less or hidden antennas; there has to be a better way. The stock piece sucks and replacements are a little over $1,088...

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Mineral spirits huh? I guess I could give that a try.

I'm not sure where you are getting your info from myk. I've looked multiple places and parts are no where near the $1,000+ range.

jrpimp00

iTrader: (17)

My 98 T/A did the same thing two weeks ago. I purchased an OEM replacement off of ebay for $35 . Havent installed it yet, cause Im trying to get a rear end for it as well. IT came with everything to install. Just another idea.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Yea, it dissolves the paint that gums things up.

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Well, I put a ton of mineral spirits on a rag, and ran it up and down the antenna. I also dumped a bit of it down the antenna. I tried turning on and off the radio, and it would still make noise, but not go anywhere.

Anything else I should be trying here?

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Sounds like its time for a new mast.

ArkBird96

Both of my Firebirds have had power antenna issues. The V6 firebird that I had before had an antenna that worked for a while, but then it took a crap. I never got around to fixing it before I sold it, so I just raised it all the way up then disconnected the power to the motor.

My 2000 Formula has had the same problem since I bought it last year, and actually came with the motor disconnected. One of these days I might get around to fixing it, but I've got bigger fish to fry right now.

Does anyone know if you have to run a new cable from the antenna to the radio when you replace the antenna assembly? I would imagine that is a PITA if you do.

THE SHOP

yup it strips the plastic done deal.

2000Hawk

iTrader: (5)

Mine officially took a sht last year, and wont raise when the radio powers on. Haven't changed it yet since I still get good reception of the local stations I listen to. Autozone has a replacement for $55, and the part number is AW-PW22.
-Joel