How To Repair A Broken Car Antenna -EricTheCarGuy

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@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.

[@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,,

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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...😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@SWRadioConcepts]

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

[@mroblige1018]

remingtonh facts

[@LindaAustralia]

For his hour of yap yap

[@daisymouri2302]

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

[@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.

[@JimmaayN]

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

[@WiiAreDrunk]

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

[@bigubee]

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

[@tangledtangles1384]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@xrmerkur]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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..

[@poolbob8776]

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

[@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.

[@salazaR6]

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

[@trollaphobic]

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

[@DjChipFresh]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!!!!!!

[@retroguitarmaster]

Love those quick takes at the beginning

[@AamirZ]

Longer videos are better. It's something to watch, because TV can get very boring but I can watch an ETCG video instead!

[@ceedeegutierrez]

By far most exciting etcg video ever!

[@georules]

Loved the editing/humor in the first minute.

[@Jon.Rushing]

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

[@thomastidewater]

That repair was like how my car repairs always go... one unforeseen problem after the next, from start to finish. Nicely saved with the drill and tap though! Well done!

[@alwaysopen7970]

People who work on cars have to be intuitive. I know a NASCAR body fabricator who can make your head spin with the shit he has learned over the years.

[@jhowe67]

I had a dead motor in my power assembly, so instead of replacing the motor, i pushed the mast down so only a little nub was sticking out, broke off the head, and putty welded the hollow adapter over it, and stuck a spare floppy antenna i had on the adapter. a little black silicone for looks, and it looks like a factory antenna. $10 spent, great reception and the ability to go through car washes gained.

[@Freemananana]

Hey, that kit was meant to plug directly into the rear of the radio. That jack on the end is the same thing seen when you go to plug the radio antenna into the radio. Thought I'd let you know! That was you could have ran that antenna wire through the car to the radio and replaced the old antenna wiring. Though, it doesn't look long enough.

[@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?

[@ncrdisabled]

I worked at a company called ASI back in the early 1980. I worked there 10 years I was a radio repair tech. They made radios for top end cars from BMW to peugeot even Delorean I also help design and install antennas . It was a sad day when the company closed due to Delorean getting caught with drugs. I went to the closing sale and bought 5 Delorean automatic antennas and I quite a few plain stick ones. I still have 3 Deloreans and a few old stick ones To many times folks want tobuy the Delorean

[@jhowe67]

no, the small fin is for the radio. the satellite antenna is usually mounted inside the vehicle on the windshield, most likely a black box above the rear view mirror.

[@ericthecarguy]

I did, thanks!

[@metalmoto]

They used to sell these window antennas, with a thin wire inside of a transparent plastic stick on the inside of the windshield type of thing. They don't work very well, but it's an option if you have nothing now.

[@hackamore]

Mazda had the best body style designers of any car company in the world in the early '90s. The 626, 929, and Mx-5 were all great.

[@NGT4LIFE]

i have a 98 mazda 323f 2.0 v6 zxi,and its electric aerial still works perfectly fine.i dont think one of those aerials would suit the look of the car.so id just replace like for like. but you did a good job on this one tho.

[@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

[@samurphy]

Yeah. The end on the universal is a standard end that plugs into most headunits (GMs will require an adapter, they use a smaller connector).

[@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...

[@epiphaknee]

Elvis is back!!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@4HitsWilystyle]

that antenna was a replacement style, as in you are suppose to run the cable under the carpet to the radio. either way you got it done.

[@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?

[@joelee5875]

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

[@patrickschnell2332]

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

[@tavitela2]

I got 10 mins in and realised I'm gonna have to pay someone to fix my radio antenna! Lol went from easy to harder than changing your transmission lmao

[@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

[@xenoge3476]

hahaha i love the safety glasses effect for the camera

[@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.

[@RacerJames76]

That Motorola end (on the new antenna) should have plugged into the back of the ford radio. Most cars will require a reverse adapter, but that one should have used a motorola end at the radio. Also you can snip the antenna cable and either solder the copper conductors separate from the shielding, or attach standard coax cable ends and connect them that way.

[@ericthecarguy]

Not long enough and considering you'd have to rip half the interior apart I would not consider that 'easier'.

[@ElectoneGuy]

Nice job Eric. I remember those Honda/Acura power antennas from the 1990s. They worked for about a year before they got so gummed up with dirt. You'd clean them, put a little silicone spray and they'd work again for a short while. Stupid design, but it was so much fun to watch them go up and down! Also, isn't there a better tool than needle nose pliers to remove that retaining nut?

[@solesearched]

Fantastic as usual Eric!

[@countryheathen1834]

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

[@volFD59]

Just a guess but you may be able to use a pair of retainer ring pliers to remove the antenna. No big deal but can save you a pair of needle nose.

[@kg4boj]

Ouch Eric! Those 4 fluted taps are designed to be backed out 1/4 turn after every full turn into the material, or so that is just how locksmiths like I Have been taught in hardened steel. Perhaps a video on oversizeing fasteners with a drill and tap might make an interesting video on its own?

[@alwaysopen7970]

It's not hardened steel, it's cheap pot metal.

[@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.

[@jewllake]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@trailblazer632]

dumb question here but why didnt you just run the new antenna cable and remove the old cable entirely instead of breaking out a drill and tap set?

[@usernamemykel]

+derek leverknight Absolutely right, that is a dumb question.

[@trailblazer632]

+usernamemykel still a valid question. you always risk more damage with a drill and tap set than if you dimply run the new cable.

[@viburnumwillow4669]

Dimply?

[@robrocco5420]

if he wanted to replay the cable... he would have to pull the radio out and remove the glove compartment and probably remove part of his dash, his side trim next to his door, his back seat and his trunk cover fully... me personally I would pull out the old connector and replace the new connector and solder it in... because most likely the new and old connector are just soldered and pressed on... should be easy to exchange

[@trailblazer632]

+rob rocco but he couldve done all of that by removing just the radio attaching the new cable to the old and then pulling the old cable through from the rear in a sense "fishing" the cable through the car.

[@jpsmooth616]

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

[@tk429]

I like the looks of this more than the factory. I put one of those on my Jeep to replace the bent factory one.

[@marksmanc9196]

HELP... toyota mr2 1994 7k spec, my power antenna stays up then when I start my radio it goes down, so it's basically back to front, do you know an easy fix ???

[@mrkzj2]

Nice, very proper installation.

[@jenzelarevalo1086]

So wait let me get this straight... If you wanted to replace your motorized antenna for a stubby antenna (which I'm planning to do), you have two straightforward options. From what I was seeing in this video and my understanding of replacing radio antennas... You could: 1. Buy a cheap universal rubber stubby antenna that comes with all you need. OR 2. Find a manual screw-on antenna assembly and install the new stubby antenna maste and make drill adjustments if needed?

[@ShaunMMX]

Not really, he had to do it for this case because how the 626's setup is. It depends on what make and model you have.

[@1987englishboy]

thank you for your generosity man

[@mtswope2999]

lf ya got a inch or two of the old one lefi, a little hose clamp and a wire coat hanger works. hell yes!

[@psycholordb7811]

Eric you look blazed thanx for the vids!!!

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@CAMERONlouw]

Hello Eric the car guy! I have a question... Have you ever done a conversions from a gasoline internal combustion engine to a hydrogen internal combustion??

[@misheedawn3214]

Where do I find my antenna? I have a mercury grand marquis 2003. It's not on the outside. Help. Please.

[@mathbc1984]

Always good to know some good tips

[@chucklima1]

Hi Eric. I have a 2004 Element and my radio broke, I got a 2009 honda element radio from a Junk Yard I got an adaptor for the cable and the radio does not pick up any radio stations. Why do you think is not working? Do I have to replace the whole antenna system?

[@itumblers]

Keep the videos coming! Thanks Eric!