How to access the motor unit for the electric aerial? - Honda Prelude Forum

lespaul · 08-13-2002, 08:01 AM

Hi Guys,

1992 Si VTEC. Just wondering how to get access to the motor unit for the electric aerial? When I switch to Radio mode on the head unit the aerial comes up just fine but when I switch back to CD mode the motor makes a hell of a chugging noise and won't go down! I have to push it down manually when I leave the car. Probably won't be able to do anything with it even if I find the motor unit access but worth a look anyways in case it's something obvious! Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

slp mode · 08-13-2002, 08:37 AM

The Antenna has a little cord attached to the mast(just the part that goes up when you turn on your radio) this cord has teeth on it, and it is also made of plastic. When they get older sometimes that cord breaks,and a piece of it gets stuck in the motor. How to fix it is, You have to buy a new antenna mast, only the mast to start not the motor. Take off the little chrome nut where the antenna is with a pair of needle nose pliars (put some tape around the edge just in case you slip,don't want to scratch the paint) then have a buddy turn on the radio and you stand where the antenna is. Then the antenna will come right out with the broken cord and all, then you have to take out your motor and disassemble the top cover and you should see the broken cord in the gears somewhere take it out, then put the cover back on, put the motor back in the car. (by the way make sure you check for any other damage when you have the cover off the motor to see if you need to replace that as well) Then go get the same buddy and with the new mast in your hands stick the cord in to the motor, have him turn on the radio then turn it off when you hear the motor retract push the cord in gently, turning it until you feel it go down into the gears. This make take a few minutes, just be patient.It's just plastic so if you force it it might break again. If you do not get it on the first try, you have to start the process over again. Turn the radio on until the motor stops, then turn it back off so the motor retracts, you want the motor to pull the antenna down. Get the idea? When you do get it make sure you put that little nut back on before you try it. Or else it will spit that bad boy right back out at you. GOOD LUCK

slp mode · 08-13-2002, 08:40 AM

Sorry about the original question ha ha the motor unit is behind the interior trim panel,in the trunk. There is just a few clips or screws to get to it and only a couple of bolts holding it in.

lespaul · 08-13-2002, 09:38 AM

Thanks for the info slp mode!
I'll try that later on this evening!!

slp mode · 08-13-2002, 02:41 PM

Anytime bro

slp mode · 08-13-2002, 02:42 PM

Remember the hardest part to the whole thing is getting the cable to line up with the motor gearing when the motor is retracting. Because it only retracts for a brief moment. You will get it though with a little bit of patience.

dflipmode · 08-13-2002, 03:15 PM

if you are having problems with your antenna...try getting some wd40 first, then rub it in the antenna itself...they tend to have some deposits in it that prevents them from going down sometimes...just clean that up and see if it still has a problem going down again...if the antenna is your problem...then let us know...

dennis