i placed some wd40 on the antenna to help with retracting but guess it was too late. now it doesnt retract and motor just whirs for about 30 seconds every time i turn on or shut off car. i popped the trunk to see how to troubleshoot this matter and realized the location of the antenna is between car body and frame?!?! how the **** do you replace this...it was dark but i dont see an easy way to get to this

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LfMi91hB30

I believe this is in the the how-to sticky..

 

Didn't watch video but you basically pull out the jack, pull the trunk liner down a little, unscrew the chrome peice on the outside with pliers (fun fun fun) and then unbolt & disconnect it from in the trunk. It is really easy once you get that stupid chrome peice off

 

not in sticky's...i looked before posting

 

I noticed after I posted, they are in pmohr's sig.

I could have sworn they were in a sticky somewhere

 

Is it possible to replace these with non-power antennas? I find it very annoying everytime I start my car that I have to hear that stupid motor.

 

I dont see why not. Most 4th gens have 2 antennas and the (FM) radio works fine with the antenna disconnected.

When mine broke (stuck in the up position) I opened up the assembly, removed the broken part of the plastic that controls the antenna mast and cut that piece of plastic at the base of the mast in the 'down' position. Reassembled and reinstalled with the antenna permanently down. And reconnected the antenna cable for the heck of it.

 

so if mine is stuck....wtf broke? i thought it was just the motor dying. oh well. 1 more project to add to the list. Maxine is getting old in car years. CV's are in definite need of replacement too