PaulW

My radio stopped getting any kind of real reception about 3 weeks ago. Just stopped one day.

I believe I have troubleshot it down to the antenna, it probably has an amplifier in it that went South.

I tried to remove the antenna yesterday, but couldn't get it.

The Bently states:

Removing

- Remove frame for CD changer and/or telephone receiver/transmitter unit (did it)

Remove left-side trim from luggage compartment Repair Manual, Body Interior, Repair Group 70 (did it)

- Disconnect harness connector and unscrew antenna wire.

Note:

The antenna is attached only at the top of the fender. (What the heck does that mean???)

- Remove nut -A- and lower antenna unit downward in direction of arrow.

Removed nut A as you can see in the following picture.

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/Body/antenna1.JPG">

I tried pulling it down, but it won't come through the body rubber around the antenna.

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/Body/antenna2.JPG">

This body rubber is flared both above and below the fender, it appears you have to pull the antenna out and then collapse it through the hole to get it out.

I just want to take my antenna out to see if I can either fix it or replace it. Not having a radio sucks!

TIA

pw

AndyZ

Hi Paul

Went out and looked at mine-- It looks like it works just like my wife's benz-- the antenna has a force fit in to the rubber grommet-- theres a bulbous part to it.

If the antenna is free of the other attachments, just firmly pull it downward...

PaulW

I pushed/pulled on the thing until the fender almost buckled! Didn't come loose

HZach

there is a split plastic clip inside the rubber grommet from the inside of the trunk. You have to pry it out with a screw driver or needle nose plyers. Very difficult to see and reach, broke the clip in the process. Once the clip is removed, you can push the antenna through to the outside. Your set-up looks at lot different than my '98.
I got rid of my antenna ( combination analog phone and radio) and I am installing a universal power antenna.

MNDriver

I removed by going to the car wash - only $5 w/gas

PaulW

Now that's an idea I haven't thought of yet!

AndyZ

CLASSIC!

KMU

on a lot of cars. Try loosening it with a pair of plastic-grip pliers or maybe just some tape wrapped around the teeth. if it's a force-fit , maybe a little silicone into the rubber connection would help.

KaMaKaZieP -ALUMIN8-

With a zoom in pic you might be able to see how you need to do it...


THIS

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/23719/dscf0010.jpg">
PLUS THIS!
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/23719/dscf0011.jpg">
Plus THIS! <img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/23719/dscf0012.jpg">

Equals this...
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/23719/dscf0013.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/23719/dscf0014.jpg">

PaulW

I guess that's another way!