Is the power antenna wire replaceable?

[Scott89TTA]

My radio used to cut on and off once and a while, now I have nothing but static (cassette works fine). I pulled the radio out and discovered that the connector on the end of the antenna wire on my car is bad (someone put electrical tape on it at one time). I haven't looked deeper yet so is the wire detachable from the power antenna or are they all one piece. In other words can I just replace the antenna wire with a new one or do I need to replace the connector or the entire power antenna?

Would be nice to have a separate audio section maybe DontKnow:

Thanks,

 

[2QUIK6]

The power antenna motor connects to a harness either just inside the fender, or just inside the passenger kick panel, can't remember which. It also probably runs from the radio to the relay which is right behind the lower dash pad panel on the passenger side.
This is where the relay is:

So either way depending on where the repair was done, the wire should be able to be replaced, or solder it together and heat shrink it and it will be good as new too.

 

[8289ta]

Are you talking about the actual coaxial antenna wire that plugs into the back of the radio? On the other end, it is attached to the antenna mast with 2 small screws. I don't know if it is still available from a dealership but I doubt it. You might have better luck getting one from somebody parting out a car.

 

[8289ta]

I just checked the GM parts manual and the cable coming off the antenna for 89 and up is listed as antenna cable to second cable. Maybe it was 2 cables in the later F bodies attached in the car at some point. Someone who tore a TTA apart recently (there are several here I can think of) might be able to tell you what needs to be replaced. You might still have to get the cable used though.

 

[Jan Larsson]

Yep the antenna cable and the electrical harness (so power from the relay to the antenna motor) is part of the same assembly and have the rubber grommet that goes through the body molded to both of them ... not sure if you can get just the antenna cable to push through the grommet or not.

Easy change if you get a used antenna cable / power harness from any Firebird or Camaro with the power antenna but not easy to find as it took me some time to get hold of one when I was looking.

However if it's just the antenna plug at the radio, just get a new plug (Radio Shack maybe) and cut the wire and crimp the new on on there ... cable is long enough so should be the easiest way doing it.

 

[2QUIK6]

I guess I misread your question from my earlier post, the antenna cable is held to the side of the antenna housing by 2 tiny screws. Has a molded round plate on it to fit around the antenna mast housing.

 

[Scott89TTA]

Yeah...just talking about the antenna wire/plug on the radio end. It is mangled (was wrapped in electrical tape from former owner)...center conductor pin is loose and shorted to the outer shield/conductor and needs to be replaced. I didn't know if it was just a extension cable or if it was connected to the antenna. Eclectically (power up and down) it is fine.

Scott

 

[8289ta]

I am not sure if it runs all the way to the antenna. On my 82, it does. But it is listed differently in the parts manual. But if the cable is otherwise in good condition, changing the connector like Jan suggested is the way to go. I did not realize that you could buy just the plug. I searched on Amazon, and sure enough, it is definitely available.

 

[Jan Larsson]

I am not sure if it runs all the way to the antenna. On my 82, it does. But it is listed differently in the parts manual. But if the cable is otherwise in good condition, changing the connector like Jan suggested is the way to go. I did not realize that you could buy just the plug. I searched on Amazon, and sure enough, it is definitely available.

Yep runs all the way from the radio to the antenna.

But just sort the plug out would be easier and cheaper .. just make sure you get the correct small GM sized plug as later modern radios take the larger sized antenna plug at the radio end.