Radio antenna inoperable

[Michael Walker]

I own a 2000 Ford Taurus Wagon. The automatic radio antenna does not operate. I can hear the motor running, but no motion from the antenna. I have been told the cause is a broken cable. Is this possible? Can you tell me how to change out the broken cable?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

I think you were told correctly. There is basically a plastic zip cord that runs the antenna mast up and down. It rolls up when the antenna retracts. Obviously as the grease migrates and the cable gets weak, it is at risk for breaking.

It is sometimes possible to replace the mast with a new one without removing the assembly, but that's only if you can manage to get all of the zip cord out of the assembly. Many times the cord is broken enough that it doesn't start to eject out of the motor where you can grab on to it.

Usually the new mast will come with instructions on how to replace the mast. It will involve a spanner wrench or similar to get the trim piece off the fender, then probably some penetrating oil to get the ground sleeve out. Once that's removed, the mast should be able to be pulled out.

-Rod

[mwt47]

I have had a couple of them apart and the plastic track thing was broken on both of them.

Water gets in there and corodes them too.
You supposedly can get the geared cable and fix it.

It does come apart
Mike

[DJPsystems]

Does anybody know the part no. and where to by the replacement mast?

[mwt47]

Originally Posted by DJPsystems

Does anybody know the part no. and where to by the replacement mast?

IF you google replacement mast There is a website that comes up that has what you need

Mike

[shorod]

A few years ago there were a whole bunch of them available from eBay. I picked one up for just over $12, it came with decent instructions and the part seemed to be pretty good quality. It fit and worked great.

-Rod