antenna chattering

[D'Ecosse]

Before I buy my SmarTenna:
My antenna chatters 2-3 times at the bottom of its retraction stroke, almost like the limit switch isn't kicking in early enough - is it possible to adjust this (& how), or other suggestions appreciated

 

[ACR_Motorsports]

You may want to try this:
While the antenna is extended fully, clean thoroughly with a degreaser and then use a fine grade sand paper(spray sandpaper with WD-40.) Clean any excess WD-40 from the antenna. Then should be smoother. If problem still continues, it may be time to get another antenna motor and or antenna assembly.

Originally posted by D'Ecosse:
Before I buy my SmarTenna:
My antenna chatters 2-3 times at the bottom of its retraction stroke, almost like the limit switch isn't kicking in early enough - is it possible to adjust this (& how), or other suggestions appreciated

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www.acrmotorsports.com

 

[bayareansx1999]

smartenna is a very good invenstment. the antenna is just too ugly and too long. now i can listen to my cd's without that annoying antenna being up

 

[D'Ecosse]

I came across the SmarTenna in a question in another post & did a search to find out what it was - seems like a great idea & very reasonable price too!
As far as my problem goes, thanks for suggestion from ACR - however my antenna is very clean & the general up & down throughout its extension is smooth - its just when it bases out at fully retracted the problem occurs - think it must have something to do with the limit switch

 

[hyuan]

I had this problem too right before my antenna died. I think it does have something to do with the up and down operation of the antenna. My antenna was not extending upwards fully (eventhough I thought it was), then one day, it just stopped extending downwards.

When I bought a new antenna and installed it, my antenna no longer chatters when it hits the base.

You can buy the antenna, and the nut wrench required to remove it for well under 100 dollars. I have a related post regarding the steps I took for the repair posted on this forum.

 

[JoeSchmoe]

Originally posted by D'Ecosse:
My antenna chatters 2-3 times at the bottom of its retraction stroke, almost like the limit switch isn't kicking in early enough - is it possible to adjust this (& how), or other suggestions appreciated

I used to have this problem as well. This is usually caused by the antenna binding and not fully extending.

The cleaning advice by ACR_Motorsports is good. I would suggest regularly cleaning the antenna with a paper towel soaked in WD40 or light oil and to scrub all the gunk off the antenna. If there are any stubborn spots, you can try using a pot scrubber pad soaked in WD40. You can use fine sandpaper soaked in WD40 to smooth out any scrapes or gouges in the antenna surface.

Another thing to check for is that the antenna is not bowed or bent. The previous owner of my car apparently clocked a lot of high speed miles with the antenna up because there was a noticable arc when I got it. A bowed antenna will bind and cause excess strain on the motor. Sometimes it will not extend fully and will result in the chattering noise you described.


To fix this, you will need to get the antenna fully extended before bending it straight again. Turn on the radio and then pull on the end of the antenna as it is coming up. Tug on it just enough to help extend the last few sections. Then GENTLY bend it back into shape over a few sections at a time. DO NOT concentrate the bending force on a single section because the antenna will just kink and break. Then do the cleaning procedure with WD40 and get all the junk off the antenna. This should fix the problem for a while.


Hope that helps.

 

[D'Ecosse]

Why do I try to second guess you guys? You're all right & I'm not even close.
All the respondents gave useful info.
Sure enough when I actually grabbed it & pulled it up fully per Joe Schmoe, I discovered the second section was sticking. It was gooey in the "hidden" section & had a slight tweak in it - after cleaning & massaging it to get as straight as possible it now goes up & down fully, no chattering.
It could probably use a new mast though as although its working, the tweaked section concerns me long-term (was that $100 just for the mast? surely no ....???)
Finally I thnk the refinements in advice given in this thread would be useful addition on the FAQ t/shooting guide.

->

 

[JoeSchmoe]

Originally posted by D'Ecosse:
after cleaning & massaging it to get as straight as possible it now goes up & down fully, no chattering.

Glad to hear that it worked out.

It could probably use a new mast though as although its working, the tweaked section concerns me long-term (was that $100 just for the mast? surely no ....???)

I'd recommend using the existing antenna until it fails completely. Even if it fails while you are on the road, its not that big a deal.

Just remember to regularly clean and straighten the antenna and it should keep the chattering away.