The power antenna on my 1985 SIII just clicks when the motor runs. I've had the car 8 years, mostly stored inside, and I don't ever remember seeing the antenna go up. I do know that the motor is back by the spare tire, but that's about it. I need radio reception. What are my options?

Is there any way to take apart, clean, and reinstall the current antenna? Does that usually fix the problem or not really?

I wasn't able to find any new antenna masts. Are they out there, or would I need to buy a used one?

Can/should I just install a manual antenna?

Also, looking at the antenna from the top, it looks like there's a nut witha rounded bottom that is screwed onto the very top of the antenna. It holds down a chrome trim piece + gasket. Does that round thing at the top screw off, or is it part of the antenna mast assembly?

BTW, I searched for antenna threads and found a little info but nothing that really helped me.

 

The motor and antenna itself are joined by a drive cable. I suspect a problem related to the cable but that's just a guess.

The disassemble-clean-lubricate drill sounds appropriate....it fixes so many things....but I've never been there so we'll have to wait for others to chime in.

Or just go for it

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks for the info, Doug. I'm a little worried that this might be a rarely-encountered issue with a thin knowledge base. I hate reinventing the wheel but I might not have a choice!

 

This has happened on all my Jags. Lubricating the mast is always the first step. If I recall correctly, a replacement Hirschmann unit is pretty inexpensive.

Heh, power antennas - one of those throwbacks you don't see anymore. Our cars are so cool