Got a problem with the radio antenna, it does not retract completly. So, I bought a new mast, read in the shop manuel, just take off the nut on the top of the assembly and run out the old antenna and replace with the new one. I thought with the lock nut removed, the old mast would just run out of the body.

Wrong, that didn't happen. Guess I need to remove (cut off and take the pieces out) the old part, huh? Kinda hate to do that if I don't know that's the thing to do. the replacement has the little sliding piece on it, the shop manuel says to reuse that.

thanks for any help!

Wow, if you cut it off, you will most likely have to take the gear box apart.

I am trying to think how that mast comes out. I will look when I get home and see if I can find out for you. Theres got to be a way.

I have been around the bend with my antenna... to the point I said **** it and got Sirius. :D

However, the ribbon does break, leaving some behind.

And the only way to remove it is to take the antenna out and disassemble. Trust me, this ranks up there with doing an appendectimy orally.

i need to replace mine completely

Has anyone on this forum done a photo procedure on this? I guess the FSM probably has some diagrams or something I could look at.

My antenna makes noise like it is trying to go up and down when I turn the stereo on and off, so it's probably just the ribbon, right? I haven't looked into replacing it very seriously, but the radio reception is not the best. I don't use the radio much. I end up using the cassette to run an iPod. Unfortunately the CD player clicks too....

I'll probably replace the head unit and speakers one of these months (years), but I would like the antenna to work. Mostly so it retracts all the way down when not in use. It sticks up about three inches now. It's giving me an inferiority complex looking at that little stubby thing. :tongue3:

I'm sure I can find good info on another forum, but I don't want to go there unless absolutely necessary.

Thanks!

I don't have any pictures but the job isn't really that bad once you resign yourself to ignoring the directions and just remove the motor. The mast will take some effort to remove once the nut is off contrary to the directions, application of some PB Blaster will help, don't be afraid to yank, that's how it comes out.
You WILL need to remove & disassemble the motor, where else could the piece of broken ribbon be except inside?
Drill or grind off the plastic rivet heads to remove the cover then extract the broken piece being careful to maintain the relationship of all washers etc. Apply some additional grease if it looks dry inside, take a final look so you understand which way the geared side of the new ribbon must face then use some self tapping screws to reinstall the cover.
Once back together, connect the power wires and get an assistant to operate the radio on & off as you feed the ribbon back in maintaining the proper relationship to the gear, no need to reuse the contact, it comes on a new mast, install the nut and reinstall the motor in the car.

Right on, thanks for the tips!