1987 Power Antenna

[Bodybag]

The power antenna on my GNX does not go up. When I try to pull it up manually, it gets about 2" up and then the motor kicks in and pulls it back down again. Even with the key turned on and the radio on it's the same thing.

I guess it's obvious that the cable isn't broken since the antenna can pull itself down, so what is my problem? Relay, Fuse or maybe even the Radio itself? Please chime in...

 

[d0n_3d]

First of all, NICE collection of cars!

If the power antenna on your GNX is original, it's probably time to replace the assembly in whole. They are notorious for going bad because of age. Water from washing or rain will get inside the fender where the motor is located and cause it to corrode and do crazy things. My power antenna on my GN just stopped working all together one day because of this.

 

[turbofish38]

It can't be electrical if it's still pulling itself down. If the cable is broken it could still do what you are describing. What I would do is pull the antenna and break it apart to confirm whether the cable is broken or not. Sounds like something is triggering the limit switch built into the motor. I wouldn't replace the antenna. A new complete Delco unit is a generic POS and I would imagine you'd want to keep a GNX original looking. Your only other choice is finding a good working used part. Parts to repair the OEM unit are available.
GM/Delco Part Numbers
19151297=Repair cable
22048583=Repair mast&tube with cable

 

[turbonut85]

It can't be electrical if it's still pulling itself down. If the cable is broken it could still do what you are describing. What I would do is pull the antenna and break it apart to confirm whether the cable is broken or not. Sounds like something is triggering the limit switch built into the motor. I wouldn't replace the antenna. A new complete Delco unit is a generic POS and I would imagine you'd want to keep a GNX original looking. Your only other choice is finding a good working used part. Parts to repair the OEM unit are available.
GM/Delco Part Numbers
19151297=Repair cable
22048583=Repair mast&tube with cable

X2
FYI: you have to remove the whole fender to repair!!:redface:

 

[TR Custom Parts]

X2
FYI: you have to remove the whole fender to repair!!:redface:

It's only about a 90 minute job on a regular Turbo Regal. GNX on the other hand takes more time due to the fender flare BUT the fender does NOT have to be removed completely on either one!

 

[Bweavy]

power antenna rebuild kits

GBodyParts.com Online

 

[turbonut85]

It's only about a 90 minute job on a regular Turbo Regal. GNX on the other hand takes more time due to the fender flare BUT the fender does NOT have to be removed completely on either one!

ookaay.

 

[TR Custom Parts]

ookaay.

I've done it! It's actually a pretty easy job to do on a regular TR.

 

[Bodybag]

I gave this a good run through this morning after my original post and a few of your responses. I absolutely did not want to try and remove the antenna or the fender without completely exhausting any possibility that it could be fixed without doing those things.

Anyway, not exactly sure how this was happening based on the function and wiring of the factory antenna, but basically it was just a short caused by corrosion in the antenna plug itself. After I unplugged it I realized that there was some corrosion that could be making the connection suffer. I cleaned the terminals inside both the male and female ends and then tested the male end with my electrical tester and was getting proper power. When I plugged it back in everything was working as it should.

Thanks to everyone for their responses and time. And also thanks for the warnings about the unreliable factory equipment.

d0n_3d - Thanks for the props on my car collection!