This morning we did have a new local record for low temperature - it was -26C degrees at 7:30 in the morning. I was afraid that the cat won't start, but it did... The problem is that the antenna didn't come out - it was covered with strong ice. I tried to clean it well before starting the engine, but my hands were burning of the cold so I was a little bit negligent.

I was pretty sure it will come out on the next start, but since then the antenna is not even trying to move.

Any ideas?! Is it possible that the electrical motor which is moving the antenna got broken only after one unsuccessful turn?!

 

If the motor is fused, try checking the fuse. Motors draw the most current when they are stalled and you may have blown the fuse.

Another alternative is that there is something stripped in the gear to mast driving assembly as there is a plastic strip at the end of the mast.

 

Hope you get it working without too much trouble. I always keep my antenna mast clean by wiping in often with rubbing alcohol and then coating it with silicone lube or WD40. This helps keep it from freezing up if it gets some moisture in th mast sections. Just a thought hope it helps.
Dave

 

+1 for the WD40. I use it for both cleaning and lubricating the antenna. Mine had a tendency to not retract fully when temperature went below -5C. Didn't blow a fuse, and worked fine after a few hours in a warm garage.

Clean -> lube -> turn radio off -> turn radio on (and repeat a few times).

That won't of course help if the antenna is covered in ice...

 

Thank you, both of you - D.Fite and JKo... I did lubricated the antenna with WD-40 and after good heating at the garage, now it's working as it should, even better