Power Antenna problems

seanzi · 07-08-2001, 09:29 PM

Ever since I have had the car (93 & 1/2 G20) the power antenna has had a little problem, being that it won’t go down all the way. I used to just push it down and it wasn’t really a problem because I usually listen to CDs. But I turned the radio on today and the antenna went up as usual but I had some trouble pushing it back down so I played around with it. It goes up still but not all the way and now I cant push it down. When was playing with it, it once made some grinding sounds but that stopped and now it goes up partially and down partially. Any way I was wondering if anybody had any thoughts on how I might fix this or at least get it so I can push the antenna down again.

Sean

Grunter · 07-09-2001, 02:18 AM

Mine has done the same thing

Havent pulled it a part yet, but will do when i have some spare time.
Cheers Grunter

ales · 07-09-2001, 04:09 AM

Ahh, let's see...

The antenna was the first thing I broke on my car

I also used to push it down, and one day I payed for it. Literally, I had to pay for a used one from a guy with a wrecked diesel engine.

The power antenna has this plastic cable-like thing with "teeth". My guess is that you broke it. I did the same, and I almost succeeded in putting it back (after shortening), but it was *such a PITA!* And it didn't work - it's impossible to fit the cable to the thinnest (top) part of the antenna securely if you don't work for Nissan

So you will need either a new power antenna, a used power antenna, a new non-power antenna, or a nice antenna that is glues to your rear window (you call it Euro

) and shave off the original hole ($$$). I would prefer the latter option. I believe someone has done this before on this forum, but I can't find it.

Good luck

P.S. Guys, never push your antenna down!

i_rebel · 07-09-2001, 11:31 AM

I had the same problem but i didn't push it down I left it alone until I tried this:

I turned the radio on so that the antenna was fully extended, and uses some windex on a rag to wipe it clean . . . it was filthy.

I wanted to give it a nice lubricating . . . but couldn't figure out what kind of oil or grease to use, so I just used a bit of cooking oil (corn oil if you must know) on a paper towel. I soaked the middle of the towel with a little oil, and wiped it up and down on the antenna mast being sure to cover it fully and being careful not to leave too much oil in any one area.

I turned off the radio and the antenna went all the way down, doing so very quietly (no noise).

While I recommend trying this, I don't recommend using cooking oil, in fact if someone can suggest to me a better type of lubricant, it would be much appreciated.

A380Driver · 07-16-2001, 01:46 AM

I fixed mine...had the same problem, and heres what you need to do!

You need to take the jack out and all that other crap on that side..

Remove the inside carpet on the right side...(hint use a screwdriver or something to pry off the little snap holder thingies)

You will see the power antenna screwed into the chassis by two screws. You will also see wire harnesses that connect to the bottom of the antenna...

Next go out around the right back side and carefully (with something to protect it) unscrew off the plastic top that hold the unit in. (A good picture should be in your FSM)

After that is off what you will need to do is turn on the radio and extend it, and the antenna plus the white toothed cable will come out.

At this time you should be able to pull the unit out from the compartment after you disconnect the wiring harnesses. There will be a drain tube that comes off the bottom so be careful not to take it off.

You will see that there is a tube that the antenna retracts into. I had to bend this against something to straighten it out. Then the antenna will retract all the way in. You'll probably have to try a couple times by putting the old antenna back in and out...etc etc. It helps to have a friend to turn the antenna back up and down for you when you're at the trunk becuase its tough to do by yourself.

Be careful not to lose any parts...some of them are small. I messed up and bent some of the threading to the tube, so just take your time, inspect it before you do it, and it will work out ok!

Lemme know how it works! Good luck!

cathandler · 07-24-2001, 08:25 PM

I have a problem with the power antenna not retracting completely as well, but it happens solely in the winter. My main problem right now is that the signal on AM craps out most of the time; sometimes it comes back momentarily when I go over bumps. I'm thinking of ditching the power antenna completely and going with a manual whip in the stock location. Has anyone actually done this, and does it look like it belongs there?

GoodJuan · 09-21-2001, 12:21 AM

I have the reverse problem, I just can't get it up. (Don't even think THAT way)

GoodJuan · 09-21-2001, 03:00 AM

Just got back from fixing it, sheesh what a pain! What's funny is i don't really notice a difference in reception. Oh well, it feels cool knowing i did something with my car. (i just got it yesterday)

redvalkrie · 09-21-2001, 11:20 AM

Hey how much were people selling you a new antenna for?

I can get them for $15.00, I go to a whole sale stereo shop!

Look in your phone book you can get some great prices from them.

G202Go · 09-21-2001, 01:06 PM

My 92 G20 power antenna died some time ago. Before it did, I had a problem with AM radio cutting in and out all the time. I went to Pep Boys (auto supply chain in the Atlanta area) and bought a universal power antenna for $50. It works great but it does seem to be a little more noisy going up and down than the stock one.

Mrcoilover · 09-21-2001, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GoodJuan
I have the reverse problem, I just can't get it up. (Don't even think THAT way)

damn, that sucks! he he. At least you caught yourself.:monkeypis

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