I searched the archive and can't seem to find out how to removal the antenna module from the body panel. My mast got stuck in the "up" position (the plastic guide that lowers and raises the antenna snapped). I think I overlooked a screw or something but the previous owner dynamatted over the access panel and I'm trying not to tear too much of it off. Any help would be appreciated.

 

If the dynomat is covering the access hole then you'll need to remove it. You'll need every square inch of that hole to get the module out. The procedure described in the shop manual works pretty well, except my copy of the manual has the incorrect direction to feed the antenna mast back into the motor. I can't remember which way is correct anymore but it'll only go in one way, and it should feed in very easily, so you can't really go wrong. Anyway, to get the module out, you need to remove the interior panels on the right side of the trunk. Once those are out there is just a single nut holding the module in place. You need to undo that and then work the module through the hole. Also don't forget you need to remove the ring holding down the antenna on the outside of the car first. Good luck.

 

thanks...I've already got 1/2 of the hatch apart...just gotta get the nut...peace

 

how do you take the exterior ring of the antenna off?
mine's a bitch, i tryed everything and it doesnt budge!

 

It screws off counterclockwise. You may have to tap it loose after a little WD-40, but watch that paint!

"Teeth pointing towards the wheel" may be confusing, so lets say the toothed-edge of the nylon band points toward the REAR of the car. With radio power on after mounting the antenna motor with the 10mm bolt, plugging in the blue terminal and antenna plug, aligning the mast hole, slide down the mast strap with teeth facing to the bumper and have a friend hit the power-off button. With a bit of easy fidgeting of the strap, it scrolled right down. Careful cause it goes down quick! Then screw on the upper collar, put the antenna back up and lube it with lithium grease. Be cautious with the trunk trim clips and don't crack the plastic trim when snapping it all together.

 

You need a pair of snap ring pliers to get the ring off. Well, according to the shop manual. Thank god i was able to get it off with a dishwashing glove because I didn't have a pair .

 

Clarifiation to TOADMAN's & NATHAN KWOK's posts

To replace just the MAST you don't have to remove or access the motor module - the mast gets loaded through the top hole - after you remove the ring the motor will spit the entire mast and nylon band out the hole. and then the new mast and band is inserted through the hole and sucked back in by the motor.

The proper tool to remove the top ring is a SPANNER Wrench

 

How I wish that was the case with me... Unfortunately, the broken piece of mast fell into the motor assembly when it broke, so I had to open up the motor. But yeah, don't do that if you don't need to

 

It's time to buy miata mask and S2000 antenna.

 

You forgot about the tiny pieces of grinded nylon belt that gets left inside the motor, Max. 4 phillips screws,remove the motor access plate, dump it out, then re-assemble. And it's a lot easier to let the motor pull down the mast once re-installed than trying to hand-wind the nylon strap like a fishing rod.