Antennae stuck, dealer says it has to be replaced

[ismlv]

Just got a call from my dealer. They have my car 99 SUS Ltd. for an
oil change and to look at why my antennae isn't going up and down. The
motor runs but nothing happens. I tried the WD40 trick to no avail.
Anyway, they just called and said the motor is working, but it's stuck
and there's no way to unstick it so $250 for a new motor/antennae.

Does this sound reasonable?????

Thanks in advance!

 

[Al]

Just got a call from my dealer. They have my car 99 SUS Ltd. for an
oil change and to look at why my antennae isn't going up and down. The
motor runs but nothing happens. I tried the WD40 trick to no avail.
Anyway, they just called and said the motor is working, but it's stuck
and there's no way to unstick it so $250 for a new motor/antennae.

Does this sound reasonable?????

Thanks in advance!

I disconnected the motor leads, cut off most of the extended antenna and
connected a whip antenna to it. Works great. Total cost:$2.99 at a
surplus store.

I'm not a Luddite, but most of the electronic/electrical junk that is
forceed on us by the manufacturers is not necessary for the primary
function, and that is transportation.

Al

 

[ismlv]

I disconnected the motor leads, cut off most of the extended antenna and
connected a whip antenna to it. Works great. Total cost:$2.99 at a
surplus store.

I'm not a Luddite, but most of the electronic/electrical junk that is
forceed on us by the manufacturers is not necessary for the primary
function, and that is transportation.

Al

Ok my appologies for not knowing but what's a whip antenna? Based on
your description, I suspect it's something that doesn't go all the way
up and down and maybe has a wire sticking out the top?

 

[Al]

Ok my appologies for not knowing but what's a whip antenna? Based on
your description, I suspect it's something that doesn't go all the way
up and down and maybe has a wire sticking out the top?

OK, It's an antenna made out of a strong, thin, flexible steel wire,
like piano wire. Mine has a helical spring on the bottom so it can flex
when hit and in car washes. The helical spring is attached to a hollow
shaft which has two set screws in it. The shaft slips over the end of
the antenna stub which you have cut to proper length. The set screws are
tightened and you have your antenna back.

And no, it doesen't go up and down....and I don't miss it. It didn't go
up and down very well anyway when frozen into position with snow and
ice. I suspect that is why the mechanism in mine failed due to repeated
attempts to go up and down under those conditions. It would try to go up
and down even when all I wanted to do was play a tape; faulty design!

Al

 

[foxmon]

I had the same problem as you, and after a while the antenna completely
broke off..lol

However, without the antenna I can still listen to both FM and AM radio
without any problem.