How To Repair A Broken Car Antenna -EricTheCarGuy

This video shows one way you can deal with a broken antenna. Some of these older models had this type of antenna and they either got stuck in a given position OR they get broken off by something. Instead of replacing them with the same type of antenna that was in there originally I recommend installing one of these universal units. They're cheap and also flexible which means the same thing won't happen again. As stated in the video you can use this type of antenna in place of a motorized unit as well as this solid type. My one regret with this video is that I did not show how to install the base that came with the antenna as this is what most of you will be doing when installing one of these kits. It's not that difficult, I just wish I had shown that.
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@petergolan242]

So awesome. Eric cracks me up. I am a contractor and nothing ever is easy, just like his video. He simply finds a way using logic. Hats off to Eric!!!!

[@newtekie1]

I Love the adventures Eric takes us on! He doesn't cut out the problems and issues, he shows us that they happen and how he deals with them. This is the best teaching style I've seen! Thank's Eric.

[@daisymouri2302]

This felt like a Fixing It Forward episode. Eric going the extra mile!

[@jackjones9460]

I appreciate you also having a hassle with what “should b”e a simple task. At least I know I’m not the only one this happens to!

[@JimmaayN]

Thanks for making these videos. Your inside details is what makes yours better then all the other car repair channels.

[@joc1394]

700 WLW! Their giant tower was only about a mile from where my grandparents lived in West Chester. Thanks for bringing back some great memories with Grandpa watching the Reds on TV while listening to the announcers on 700AM... Keep up the great work Eric!

[@tangledtangles1384]

Hey Eric Thank you for showing me how to remove the top nut. Worked a treat now need to get a replacement unit..

[@xrmerkur]

I love the way telescoping antennas look on vintage cars. That’s one of the highlights on my classic.

[@richu27]

Eric's video is helpful for those who doesn't know anything about cars. Because he goes through each and every step in his video. Hence, the length of the video.

[@scottdenlinger4881]

Eric, you are my main Mechanic on here and you have helped me through so tricky situations or I should say "turned into nightmare" lmao😆😆So with being said, I'm very intrigued with watching you fabricate this project, BUT The end of the new antena cord that you showed in the beginning plugs into the radio.. The other end on new antena itself.. is plugged into the the antena. But as always, great video and I will see ya next time,,

[@bleepinjeep]

Thanks Eric, On my 4Runner I have one of those motorized antennas that broke off. So I just grabbed a solid used antenna and shoved it down in there upside down. It doesn't look very professional but it works. I need to replace it but it is behind the front fender and quite a bit harder to get to.

[@wolfdog010]

Dude! Your videos are great. I'm not a mechanic, but I am mechanically inclined. You are doing a great service to our society.

[@JSWMobileMedia]

Hey Eric, I noticed threw most of your FREE vids you always give us FREE automotive repair advice, assistance and opinions. In addition, you keep posting more FREE videos with more FREE automotive repair advice, assistance and opinions. Well, these videos keep coming. You basically mean is that you're going to keep helping all us DYI'ers with FREE information. BEST.

[@scanningforvideos]

Finally! Eric is always talking about putting on safety glass. Now we get to wear some. Great videos. Eric has helped me keep my car running and have a much better appreciation of what mechanics do. Good stuff !

[@poolbob8776]

Make sure to wear them on your hat...😊

[@sumaznkid]

Thanks for the video! My 97 honda civic doesn't have a broken antenna, it just has really bad reception. Its the antenna that you manually pull up from the roof of the car on the drivers side. I will definatly be using this video when I replace it with a better one. Keep up the great work!

[@titanicnerdclay]

I have a 1994 Ford Crown Victoria with a power antenna. I love it. That video on a motorized replacement will be very helpful.

[@24inchdubz]

on my old camry I found out certain year celicia's with non power mast antennas line up perfect. took some tweaking in the trunk but was a sold repair

[@Georg1979]

Nice video Eric! My power antenna was bent like a serpentine and was rusted up. I bought an aftermarket power antenna for 10$ worth of money in my country. That was 7 years ago. It still works like a charm. And it was easy to install as well. Only issue I had, that both the car and the antenna had a female connector. But with some creativity I've found a solution.It really was not a big deal to swap out the antennas.And it's cool, that when I turn on the radio it auto-comes out.Retro from '90s.

[@orange12v]

Hi Eric, great vid when I was taught tapping some 40+ years ago you turn it forward 1/2 a turn and back 1/4 of a turn (to break the chips to stop them from clogging the tap and end up breaking the tap in the hole)plus to get the right size pilot drill for tapping metric size threads you just subtract the pitch from the diameter. regards, be mucky

[@linksadude1]

Thank you man, i have a 1996 camry with broken antenna. Im gonna get a 10 dollar kit and do this as soon as i get my car back from the shop. Thanks for the vids man, really get some good info from them. Helps me keep my car going good. Its only in the shop cause the engine blew. It was outta no where.

[@salazaR6]

All your videos are bonus for us Eric! Greetings from Portugal ^^

[@WiiAreDrunk]

The fact that it wasn't just a simple five minute swap job made this way more interesting. Good job.

[@joelee5875]

thank you, you're the only one I've found that helped with my question.

[@bigubee]

that is what I wanted to see. How to remove a stubborn antenna assy with pliers. good job!

[@Manila_Beau]

Just what I needed to know, I have to re-tap my roof antenna on my toyota echo. Good job on the mazda

[@shinrips]

Man, you got a cool workshop with a lot of great tools for all kinds of stuff. That vice reminds me of gangster movies when they used to put someone's head in there.

[@SWRadioConcepts]

Parts: $10. Eric's labor: $400.00

[@mroblige1018]

remingtonh facts

[@lindak402]

For his hour of yap yap

[@MonteOlsen]

Great one, Eric. I've found that the universal antennas don't always look as good as the OEM antennas, but they generally work as well. As an option, you might find the correct part at the local used auto parts yard and save money that way, too.

[@SenorSkriggle]

I've run into the non-matching connector issue before. Usually just clip the ends, strip the cable about 2" and then solder the matching center posts and outer ground wrappings. Tape it real nicely with electrical tape and tuck it away. Good as gold. Thanks for the video though Eric.

[@ceedeegutierrez]

By far most exciting etcg video ever!

[@retroguitarmaster]

Love those quick takes at the beginning

[@Jon.Rushing]

as always, great video. I have learned things that i may never use but know how to do it anyways.

[@georules]

I appreciate ETCG's thoughtful videos rather than the 1-3 minute video blips with a jumpcut every 5 seconds that are all too common on youtube today. When you actually see the process, you get some information that you could use to reference in the future.

[@ericthecarguy]

I don't feel that I have reservations when it comes to electrical. As for soldering the wires together, considering it's a shielded wire and a PITA to work with, I opted to drill and tap and be done with it. Just my personal choice. Your method would also work but the finish on the outside fender would not look as good in my opinion. Those universal mounts look a little cheap in my opinion. Thanks for the comment.

[@georules]

Loved the editing/humor in the first minute.

[@ericthecarguy]

I did, thanks!

[@trollaphobic]

Lmao. He put the yellow filter thru the camera. These videos are amazing. You can learn so much and its always entertaining

[@evorasagemaker7501]

I have that same model of car and all you really needed to do was pull more on lower part of cable and it has a normal disconnect. But overall thank you for the info on replacement.

[@cmclimax]

Hey Eric, Can you post a video showing how to install the base that comes with the antenna kit? Some of us may not have the threading tools you've done to make a secured fit in this video. Thanks

[@SpokaneGirl85]

Weird, my antenna broke in my '99 Maxima and I was able to get it fixed and it was the exact same type and the radio still worked while it was busted.

[@solesearched]

Fantastic as usual Eric!

[@AAAComputerSolutions]

Eric thanks for the video, I always wanted to know how to use a tap and die set. Now if you can work in how to use a torque ratchet (setting it to the right torque I understand the click part)

[@JamesMossR33]

Boy did it make me jump/tense up when the pliers slipped while tightening the retaining nut! I thought you might have found a couple of nuts and locked then together to wind the adapter in (I've always managed to slip and wipe out some thread!). Great vid as always.

[@metalmoto]

That is a really good question. AM/SW and CB radios all require a very long antenna length. If this is not possible, a coiled up lenght of wire (loading coil) is usually is connected between the short antenna and the radio to make up the difference. A assume the loading coil is inside the radio, and switched in when in the AM band is selected.

[@mustafacemaygul4307]

Hi. Thanks your video. I can't pull of the topf the assembly (yellow part). I used some rust remover but I could'nt. Please help me how I can pull it off.

[@itumblers]

Keep the videos coming! Thanks Eric!

[@cyberpunk004]

us ham radio folks will run a nmo mount often through those places for antenna mounts, and one of the tricks we use to replace that missing antenna is to carefully take a four to foot six piece of speaker wire around the closest window(typically the back one) with the coax in the middle . its not a 100% perfect solution but generally a three foot piece of speaker wire is all you need to try it or search your junk bin.Carefully put it around the trim and generally good to go:) it also looks better than those generic jobs, good job tapping them in place though.

[@alwaysopen7970]

Speaker wire isn't coaxial.

[@compu85]

The power antenna Mercedes used from the 70s into the 90s isn't too hard to service, you remove the outer retaining nut and then turn on the radio to eject the old mast, then feed the cable from the new antenna down into the motor and turn the radio off, which draws the new mast in. No need to go into the trunk at all!

[@1987englishboy]

thank you for your generosity man

[@jpsmooth616]

Great video once again.keep them coming.your the best...

[@NOMADNEWSTV]

I have a vintage 1982 Dodge Motorhome built on a Dodge B350 van chassis. Do you have to pull the fender to gain access to the antenna?

[@wilreyes195]

Great video that’s exactly what I have to do to my dodge Dakota. Thanks

[@TheGreatNapoleonNash]

This was very helpful Thanks!!

[@xenoge3476]

hahaha i love the safety glasses effect for the camera

[@Garbazzo]

Yay! I'm gunna fix my 1995 honda delsol entena asap. Thanks Eric :)

[@poolbob8776]

Seems Eric would have tried the radio before he put everything back togeather. Glad it worked though. Thanks for the video.

[@coolwaterhubby5208]

Thank you for another great video.

[@catchmp82]

Nicely done sir!!!

[@mathbc1984]

Always good to know some good tips

[@laurielane4740]

Well there goes my attempt for trying to do it myself. Nope to many things that can go wrong. LOL I will take it to a repair shop.

[@DJDevon3]

The motorized telescopic antenna on a 1993-2002 Mazda 626 depended on the trim level and package option LX or ES. ALL masts are prone to breaking no matter what kind of car it is. Thank you for finally doing a video on the 626. Too bad it wasn't telescopic... seems like you were expecting to find a telescopic mast to mess around with. :( First time you've used a tap and die set in a video right? That was awesome. Moar 626 videos!!!!!!!!

[@Smennyboy]

Thanks for the video Eric! Does anybody have some info about having the antenna on the roof though? I see them break off all the time. Pretty much the same deal? Do you have to remove the headlining?

[@countryheathen1834]

Eric would this work on 99 Dodge Durango. were the antenna mount is sucks to go in and replace all that

[@mrkzj2]

Nice, very proper installation.

[@psycholordb7811]

Eric you look blazed thanx for the vids!!!

[@epiphaknee]

Haven't you been watching his videos? He's a busy man! How could he respond to even a small percentage of his over 100,000 subscribers?

[@IIGrayfoxII]

My old cars antenna shaft broke, went to the hardware store, got 12" long rod that could fit into the antenna shaft. Cost me $3 and it worked like a charm.

[@sbtsarkar2207]

Hi Eric, I have Mazda MX6 1997. Need to repair my Motorized Antenna. Could you please show how to take it out and repair so that the Radio works again. Thanks. Suv.

[@MrGuitarRadio]

I think that this is good solution if you have the tools (drill, tap, etc.). The end result looks good. An old standard antenna connector doesn't always fit on the head unit. that was something I found out when I was trying to install a JVC radio/dvd/nav/etc.etc. radio in a Ford focus. The JVC had the old style connector and at the end of the original antenna cable was something completely different to match the factory radio. That is what adapters are for.

[@SkyKing101010]

Well, that was fun and very educational. Thanks

[@SamSmolko]

2006 all stock honda crv. Just got a bluetooth transmitter & mostly all static. Crappy, old, wobbly antenna on the hood. Just replacing whats on the hood possible? Plug and play kinda deal without needing any special tools? Cant find anything online for my model and havent really looked at how the antenna is attached because i just plugged in the transmitter for the first time this a.m. in a rush on the way to work.

[@decioandrade3586]

good job at teaching

[@MrJKCampione]

Awesome, I actually need to do this on my 2004 Mercury Sable. Unfortunately I don't have a tap and die set, and the bottom is broken off on mine. Hopefully I can find a kit with a new base that will match the antenna plug in my car.

[@TheQuboman]

The replacement kit you have was originally designed for front wing mounting. Straight to stereo connection replacing the entire aerial fitting to the radio..

[@flightmaster178]

It's crazy my 1969 Imperial has the factory power antenna and for being over 43 years it still works like a charm lol.

[@DjChipFresh]

Hey, first of all.....I thought its supposed to be a quick and easy installation. Sheesh. So much for that

[@carolbeckett9712]

Great job .thanks..

[@Ahto42]

Hi Eric A simple rule drilling holes for taps is take pitch size down. For M6x1 standart drill 5mm hole, for M10x1.5starnard drill 8.5mm hole. and so on. For fine threards like M10x1 drill 9mm hole. In inch the rule is same, but it is harder to calculate. I can not post links, but searcing google for threading table and the second PDF link is a good table. Many tap and dies kits have this table. Regards Ahto

[@Philipe0849]

Thanks for the info! Awesome.

[@ReverbAndBeer]

Thanks! Better than removing the dash on my Silverado 2500HD!

[@jewllake]

I just got my haircut! Should have gone to great clips LOL

[@SoundShunter72]

My antenna is retractable by hand and sits on the left A-pillar. I can manually retract it while driving by sticking my hand out the window and when the antenna is retracted it pretty much doesn't create any air resistance, unlike most antennas which are either bulky or can only screw off. Car is from 1997, times were much simpler back then...

[@patrickschnell2332]

Can anyone tell me what the screw part is? My antenna jack is missing the screw part; possibly from the old owner.

[@vinzbrain]

great video. very helpful

[@toddpf]

Why are there 5 dislikes at the time of me typing this? I don't get it. Haters perhaps? This is free and sensible info. As a machinist, I can honestly say nothing was wrong with how he performed this repair.

[@Adrianbonjour]

I have a 3000gt sl and I replace the mast and the power antenna assembly. What the problem is it make a clicking sound when I turn on the radio. The antenna doesn't extend or retract. It does nothing. I'm not sure what else to try.

[@Drfunk781]

I have a 1993 ford crown victoria lx and my antenna is in the front of my car. How do i swap it out?

[@trinolopez6685]

Is there a link I can get for to that cable showed in this video. Please?

[@mattcrain1950]

how do u replace the radio antenna on a 2008 Dodge ram 1500 crew cab mine is broken and I can't figure out how to get it off I need the antenna Mount off I have a price broken down inside it

[@alloutpowersports]

Good job thanks

[@TranceAddict2]

"soak this with a little bit of penetrating oil before you try to bust it loose"..? am i the only one who found that line hilarious?

[@Jewels-gz4tb]

Bout a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica antenna how you fix that?

[@moanatafea5657]

I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION! if you still answering them. So earlier this week my antenna got caught and ripped off my jeep, i can click it back on. my radio still plays perfectly fine even with out it on but i don't know if it is fully fixed, how would i know if its fixed. its the base black part of the antenna that broke off not the actual antenna its self. i just need help.

[@luisarmando4516]

nice work man it help thank

[@bayareatech]

I have an antenna cable that was cut several inches from the plug that hooks up to the radio. I was at first going to splice it, but then noticed that it's more like a coax cable, How would I repair that? or do need a new antenna cable?

[@marcosmaldonado4270]

thanks bro love the vids

[@hector10908]

Awesome video

[@AndrewMiguelez]

If you replace a motorized antenna with a non-motorized antenna, what do you do with the power wire / switch?

[@clapton924]

I wonder if there was an antenna coupling further down that wire. Often there is a coupling in the trunk, more towards the back seats.

[@Syphon787G]

its looks like you got an antenna for an aftermarket radio. usually for cars with no antennas that's where that adapter plugs into. at least that end only