Antenna Problems

[BobLaw]

My electric aerial has stopped raising the aerial.
Anyone had one of these apart, can they be serviced, it sounds like the motor is still working.
Whats in them,? any diagrams available,I'll have a go at fixing it if possible.
Thanks
Bob

[BLOWN_VXSS]

I had this happen to mine a little while back. Motor was still working but the aerial wasn't going up or down properly. I would think the plastic rope that winds it up and down has worn out. It has plastic teeth on it and like any plastic part doesn't last for ever.
You can buy a replacement rope but it's a bit of mucking around to pull the unit apart and rethread. I took a trip down to the wreckers and picked up a second hand electric aerial and put it in, works fine and haven't had any problems since. Also works out cheaper the buying a new unit from the dealer.

[BobLaw]

Do you know the cost from Holden for one?
Thanks for the reply
Bob

[BLOWN_VXSS]

I think it was about $120-150 for a new replacement, that's why I picked up one from a wrecker as it was cheaper.

[motomk]

You can get aftermarket ones from most Supercheaps and Autobarns....not sure if they are cheaper or not as I didn't go price hunting. You can just replace the actual aerial and not the whole mechanism. I tried doing that but failed so just replaced the whole mechanism.

[MJR-57T]

the supercheap ones are still around the $120 mark.
Try the wreckers if you can but the good wreckers soom to put the prices up on parts that often break.

My local wrecker wanted $80 for a MCAI where they're roughly $20-$30 from holden brand new.

[heavychevy]

Hi Bob,

It depends if you have the time to mess around fixing it or installing a new one.

I've 'heard' these were difficult to access for removal and replacement on a VT, didn't have the time to do it and had mine replaced in October 2007 at a Dealership during a service.

Anyway, cost from Holden then;

VT II - 1094424 92149032 1 ANTENNA ELEC $105.00

Labour $71.60 :eyes:

[BLOWN_VXSS]

In terms of accessing it's in the side panel, just need to take the front passenger wheel off and remove the inner guard cover and then you can get in behind the guard and remove/change over the mechanism.... good luck.
A little fiddly but it's worth a go yourself, might save some $$ on labour.
The wrecker I purchased mine from actually offered 3months warranty, the replacement aerial I got was in good condition, like new, the aerial is straight and does what it should.

[BobLaw]

Thanks for that, I pulled the aerial out today and disassembled the motor section, every thing in there ,gears etc were O.K. the plastic toothed strip that pushes the aerial up and down was broken, but i could not get the aerial section off the motor section, so it looks like I'll have to get another unit.
Thanks for the info.
Bob:rocket:

[motomk]

Thanks for that, I pulled the aerial out today and disassembled the motor section, every thing in there ,gears etc were O.K. the plastic toothed strip that pushes the aerial up and down was broken, but i could not get the aerial section off the motor section, so it looks like I'll have to get another unit.
Thanks for the info.
Bob:rocket:

I saw one fixed the other day and I am trying to remember how he did it! I think it involved removing the chrome peice at the top of the main body of the main mechanism where the aerial comes out of. I believe it screws on.
Next the radio was turned on and the aerial extended so it pushed the aerial out and the pastix track type thing. To fit it, reverse it. Push a new aerial down the mechanism and turn the radio on then off so it retracts. PM sent

[BobLaw]

I could not get the aerial out of the base without damaging it, so I went to a spare parts place down the road (Malz Spares)and they had an aftermarket unit for $89.95. Had to cut and rewire the plug, crimp lugs are a god send.
Holden wanted $220.00.
I fitted the unit, it works like a charm.the only fiddly bit was replacing the inner guard,I hate plastic screws and lugs.
Thanks for the info.
Bob:dancenana:

[H0LM3SY]

My missus had the same problem in her prado.
Made the worst noise everytime the ignition turned on/off.
New replacement, DIY fit.
Couldn't be arsed sourcing S/H..:)

[Bigkahoona]

I also have the same problem on the VY.
The antenna will go up but not retract when the radio is turned off.
If I push it down manually it will still go up next time the radio is turned on.
Motor makes the right noises when turned on or off.
Guess this means that I am up for a new antenna also.

[BLOWN_VXSS]

yeah mate sounds like it