Why does my car antenna keep retracting?

Why does my car antenna keep retracting?

That rope extends all the way through the hollow antenna sections and mounts to the tip. As the motor turns the gears, the rigid rope is pushed or pulled and the mast advances or retracts, stopping based on either a digital counter or timer or on a measured spike in voltage when the motor can’t turn anymore.

Can a bent power antenna be repaired at home?

As is the case with many electromechanical parts, however, power antennas usually end up requiring repair. Run through a carwash with one extended and you’ll have what looks like a bent hanger sticking out of the fender.

What to do if your TV antenna is not working?

If you are having problems, check for loose or corroded wiring or broken antenna elements. Also check the direction the antenna is pointed. Try to keep the length of wire between your antenna and digital-to-analog converter box or digital television as short as possible for best reception.

Is it possible to get a power antenna stuck in your windshield?

Today, power antenna masts have been replaced with fixed antennas or wires embedded in windshields, but there are still plenty of cars out there with these telescoping menaces. Broken antennas get stuck all the way up, all the way down, or often somewhere in between.

What to do if your power antenna comes loose?

In Fig. 3 is the inside of the antenna mechanism with the cover removed. Please note the mast will come loose once the case is split (as seen in fig 3). Inspect for signs of worn gears on the worm screw assembly. Replace the worn piece, if the shaft is rusted and worn then the whole motor shaft has to be replaced.

What happens if you disconnect the power antenna on a Cadillac?

Do not risk just disconnect one of the two connectors. If not locked the motor receives continuously power and will drain the battery (you can hear a low clicking sound once every 15-20 sec, that is the bimetal safety switch connecting-disconnecting the motor).

That rope extends all the way through the hollow antenna sections and mounts to the tip. As the motor turns the gears, the rigid rope is pushed or pulled and the mast advances or retracts, stopping based on either a digital counter or timer or on a measured spike in voltage when the motor can’t turn anymore.

As is the case with many electromechanical parts, however, power antennas usually end up requiring repair. Run through a carwash with one extended and you’ll have what looks like a bent hanger sticking out of the fender.

Today, power antenna masts have been replaced with fixed antennas or wires embedded in windshields, but there are still plenty of cars out there with these telescoping menaces. Broken antennas get stuck all the way up, all the way down, or often somewhere in between.

Is it worth it to fix a car radio antenna?

The shabby appearance of, and stunted radio reception on, an otherwise perfectly good car means that replacing or repairing an antenna is a worthwhile fix. It’s almost too bad these have gone out of style; they are actually pretty elegant in a Rube Goldberg kind of way.

What to do if your radio mast won’t go down?

With the mechanism still loose, plug in the electrical connections, then turn the radio on and off. This should cause the gears to pull on the nylon rope and retract the mast. If the mast doesn’t go down, the gears of the nylon rope may not be properly aligned, so you’ll have to try again.

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