Poqman

About two months ago, I replaced the retractable antenna using the guides from similar earlier posts. My track had broken so I had to open the motor to remove the broken piece of track. Starting last week, when the antenna first fully extends, before retracting to optimize signal strength, it grrr's for 1 to 2 seconds like it is trying to extend out too far. Other than that it is working fine. Any ideas why a relatively new antenna is acting up so soon?

Poqman

so does anyone have any ideas? Help me out here.

cjs18

I would be inclined to remove and inspect the mast since it's easy and only takes a few minutes. While it's out of the car I'd insure the mast itself telescopes freely and there is no damage to the teeth on the plastic rack that runs up inside it. I would check to see that it's lubricated. I'd use the applicable TSB that has been posted earlier on this forum for the removal and re-installation procedure. If this doesn't clear the issue you may need to go deeper. On the positive side it sounds like you're experienced with the process of getting to the actuator if needed. I hope it's nothing serious.

Habious

Poqman,

I think I bought the same aftermarket antenna mast that you did.

Mine does the same thing once in a while. I also notice that, when it does this, once the mast settles down to the shorter length for "tuning", it is shorter than usual.

It's apparently skipping teeth inside.

I've cleaned the mast and sprayed some silicone lubricant spray into it - that seemed to solve the problem for a while. But, then it comes back.

I've been meaning to pull the mast to see if there were any signs of damage...chewed up or missing teeth. But, haven't gotten around to it.

tl;dr response - "Yeah, me too. I don't know what it is either."