I'm trying to help a friend fix his power antenna on his 86 GXL. I found this plug disconnected in the hatch area, but could not find anywhere to hook it up to. Could this be the problem? Anyone know what it's for? I checked the fuse and that is good. What else should I check for? TIA!

 

I don't understand

is the power antenna's power plug and Mototolla plug plugged in and there is an extra plug?

Or?

because the plug in the picture has nothing what's so ever to do with the power antenna

 

The connector for the pwr antenna is on the otherside of the spare wheel,behind the rear light(driver side)--it is a 4 wire connector.I have no idea what the connector you show is.The usual problems with the pwr antenna are:broken drive cable and/or failed relay(the one mounted on the antenna assembly).

 

Yeah I found the connector near the antenna itself and it's plugged in. I'm pretty sure its an electrical problem becuase it's not even trying to go up or down when you turn the radio on. If it is the relay as you suggested can it be replaced or do you have to get a new antenna assembly? As for the other plug I just saw it laying there disconnected and wondered what it was and if it could have anything to do with this.

 

Need more information

Aftermarket radio?
does the power antenna make noise when you turn the radio on?

 

Yes the relay can be replaced---but there is a problem---they are very expensive to buy new(about $75 US).Best bet is a wreckers yard,I have found that about half the relays are good.

 

My antenna makes a sound like its trying to put it up or down, but it doesnt go. What is wrong with mine?

 

mine goes up and down but whenever it finishes going up it sounds like it keeps trying for about 3 seconds, sounds like its grinding stuff away inside...

anyone?

Charlie

 

The FC needs a extra relay if using an aftermarket stereo in order for the antenna to go up and down.

 

who cares. I took out the antenna and put a neon rod..









hah, just kidding, mine doesn't work either

 

How do you wire an aftermarket antenna with the stock stereo.

James

 

mast is busted inside. replace the mast... your local harada dealer will have them, or Mazdatrix or ebay, or at worst ase your mazda dealer, but it will be an arm and a leg from them

 

also the antenna mast is busted. replace it see the above post

 

Again you need to use a aftermarket relay to invert the signal.

At the plug in the back at the antenna, you'll find the following wires, hook them up to the number pins on the bottom of the relay as follows:

Blu/Yel to 85 of the aftermarket relay.
Black/green to 86
Light green to 87
nothing on 87a
30 to the activation lead of the aftermarket power antenna (usually green or white- depending on manufacture).

Then the aftermarket antenna's power lead (ususally red) also gets hooked up to the factory LightGreen wire.

And don't forget to get a good ground wire on the aftermarket antenna to the body of the car.

 

Damn dude, thank you! I will have to get off my duff and get that thing installed. I got two of those Radio Shack power antennas for $25 a piece.

James

 

cheers icemark. I assumed that was the problem but didn't really know. good to have confirmation... is it likely to be doing any other damage when it's grinding, or should I just wait for it to stop one day before I bother replacing it??

Charlie

 

Although the gears are harder than the mast cable and the cable is more than likely what you are hearing being eaten, it wouldn't hurt to unplug the power plug at the antenna and prevent any additional damage.

 

I presume this is pretty much what Mark described, but here's a diagram.

 

Actually that drawing is how to wire an aftermarket radio with a stock antenna, rather than a stock radio, with an aftermarket antenna

 

****, that'll teach me not to skim read posts!

 

Ah I do it myself... No worries Jason

 

Definately the FC3s,I prefer bridgy,i've a browsing member for a while,tons of info