92 XLE power antenna problem

[lgrouper03]

I installed a new mast in this car. In the process I learned that the previous owner had unplugged the motor. Got the new mast in and plugged in the motor. I soon learned why the previous owner had unplugged the motor. As I verified the operation, the antenna retracts perfectly. But when it extends, it does extend fully, but the motor runs too long, causing a grinding noise. If I understand the operation of the antenna correctly, the electronics sense a spike in the current draw when the antenna is fully extended or retracted, thereby shutting off the motor. This is happening is the retracted position, but not in the extended position. Any ideas? Thank you.

[rob3]

Originally Posted by lgrouper03

I installed a new mast in this car. In the process I learned that the previous owner had unplugged the motor. Got the new mast in and plugged in the motor. I soon learned why the previous owner had unplugged the motor. As I verified the operation, the antenna retracts perfectly. But when it extends, it does extend fully, but the motor runs too long, causing a grinding noise. If I understand the operation of the antenna correctly, the electronics sense a spike in the current draw when the antenna is fully extended or retracted, thereby shutting off the motor. This is happening is the retracted position, but not in the extended position. Any ideas? Thank you.

I left my plastic teeth extender broken for a while where it only partially extended. The motor seemed more timed, in that it would run for maybe a minute then stop regardless of antenna position extension. You might refeed the plastic teeth again.

[rob3]

Originally Posted by rob3

I left my plastic teeth extender broken for a while where it only partially extended. The motor seemed more timed, in that it would run for maybe a minute then stop regardless of antenna position extension. You might refeed the plastic teeth again.

You might have a break in your plastic teeth strip. You will have open that little antenna box in your trunk to see if it is wrapped properly.

[lgrouper03]

Thanks for the replies. I have disassembled the "gearbox" and re-fed the mast teeth twice already. I got the same behavior each time. Keep in mind that the mast is brand new, so the teeth are fine. Also, when I pulled out the old one, the teeth on it were fine as well. I replaced it anyway b/c the metal part of the mast was cracked. Apparently, the previous owner had the same problem b/c the motor was unplugged. With 2 masts (with good teeth) I am thinking this problem is electrical. Just wondering if anyone has experienced this kind of failure.

[Brian R.]

To set the motor before you inserted the antenna, did you press AM or FM buttons and turn the ignition switch to the "ACC" position?

Also, there is an antenna motor control relay mounted on the motor assembly. This relay may be sticking.

[rob3]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

To set the motor before you inserted the antenna, did you press am or fm buttons and turned ignition switch to the "ACC" position?

All I did was open the gear box, clean out a broken teeth part that was causing my problem. Reassembled everything, placed the teeth strip right above the hole with the teeth pointing in the same direction as previous, ( that is important for proper catching of the teeth), then I punched the radio on, jumped outside quickly and fed in the teeth. I had to do it twice before I got it to catch right. If your antenna only partially extends, it kind of sounds like the teeth are not catching at the start, it may be catching late therefore you have slack in the teeth. Only thing I can suggest is redo everything again, verify no broken strip in gearbox, then refeed, if teeth not pointing in the right direction when fed that could cause a late catch. It helps if you have someone to turn radio on and off for you.

[Brian R.]

The procedure I mentioned is necessary to get the motor in position to accept the antenna at the correct point. Holding down the radio button and putting the ignition switch in the ACC position needs to be done simultaneously. After the antenna is inserted, turning the ignition to the lock position causes the motor to pull in the antenna.

[lgrouper03]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

The procedure I mentioned is necessary to get the motor in position to accept the antenna at the correct point. Holding down the radio button and putting the ignition switch in the ACC position needs to be done simultaneously. After the antenna is inserted, turning the ignition to the lock position causes the motor to pull in the antenna.

rob3, I have mastered the procedure that you are describing. The mast is new, the inside of the gear casing is clean, and I have refined my ritual of "turn off and run" (I got tired of bugging my wife). As I mentioned earlier, the mast retracts and extends fully, but the motor keeps running for about 10 seconds after the mast is fully extended.

Brian R, I have not heard this procedure. These details are not mentioned in the instructions that came with the mast. I will give it a try the next time I have access to the car. It's my Mom's car and she lives out of town. Thanks everyone for the help.

[Brian R.]

You're welcome

[Supreme_Ace]

Why don't you just replace the motor? It doesn't cost a whole lot.