I've always felt that the overly complex automatically raising and retracting antenna set ups were potential problem areas on both my Jag and my Corvette but, to be honest, I've never had a failure in 9 years...

But maybe one is coming. The girlfriend says that today the radio display spit a message - "Clean Antenna". I've never heard of such a thing. I wipe it down periodically and give it a shot of WD-40 for good luck. But a message from the radio display?

Anyone else ever get this message? Is it a foreshadowing of a problem with the motor or plastic tape?

 

That's normal. Do not use WD-40 on your antenna. If attacks dirt and just mucks up the joints underneath the seams. Use rubbing alchohal on cotton pads and wipe bottom up to clean. Then follow up with some high quality silicone spray on a lint free cloth again wiping bottom up.

 

Thanks

 

Well I guess you made me flinch Wazari! I have been using WD-40 for years and it works just fine. As for the silicone I guess it works but will buildup the same way. WD stands for water displacement and the 40 stands for the 40 attempt to make it right. If used correctly, spray and clean it will do what you want. I would prefer that the water be displaced. The choice is yours, but do not discount the qualities of WD-40.
Gus

 

On the subject of WD40, Kent makes a product that is called Rusty2000, by my calculations it is 1960 times better.

 

Hear I thought "clean antenna" was the name of a band.

I use a product called Teflon Multi Use. Aerosol. Lowes about $5.00

 

^^^^^^^ now thats funny^^^^^

 

My personal preference is the "Jaguar XK8 Antenna Maintenance Kit" available at Bill's Dollar Store, for the low low price of only $1.00 (plus tax) OK, I am just trying to lighten it up a little bit. Actually, I almost always drive mine with the top down, and very seldom even use the radio.

 

Personally, a sleek car like this doesn't really need that 3' aluminum rod sticking up, so I've replaced mine with a black one. Takes about 30 seconds to change-out.

MUCH nicer...

 

When I first saw this thread I presumed your board computer threw such a faulty message on your screen lol

 

I have heard of some that give that message. It is generated when the current used to raise the antenna is above a preset ratio. The ECU then generates the message. Could also indicate an antenna motor getting old.

 

That's a nice feature then in other words I would like that

 

I use R.G.S. when cleaning my shaft (antenna)!



on all of the others. It's "Really Good"!!!

 

I would recommend thourough cleaning with alcohol and wipe down with graphite based lube (like for door locks). when done, lower antenna and wipe residue off perimeter of penetration.

If that does not cure problem, look at drive mechanism.

Steven (1avguy)

 

Robert,

You mentioned you replaced the ugly silver antenna with a black one. Was that a fixed black antenna? If so what did you use?

Thanks!

 

Hey,
No, I'm not a fan of those fixed antenna as they usually end up getting curved a little bit. Just not my style.

I bought a sectional black antennae to replace the silver. It still sticks up, but is much less conspicuous (and only cost me $20).
You just pull the old out as the antennae is running up, then push in the new with the antennae running down. Just ensure the 'teeth' on the plastic runner are facing correctly.

 

where did you buy the balck one for $20.00. I would be interested as well.

 

Good Ole eBay
It came today and looks fine (with instructions). Hope to install when I get some time this weekend.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT

 

I disconnected my alien beacon antenna for fear of **** probing. I listen to cds - mostly with the top down at loud volume. I seldom listen to the radio anyway since I feel I am a better DJ than any I've heard.

Tony

 

Robert, want to see lots of pics of the new antenna. Black huh...that's odd.