My antenna is stuck in the 'up' position. Doing a search has led me to the following questions/conclusions:

1. I was able to remove the antenna motor from the antenna - there is no 'nylon cable' anywhere. Am I correct in assuming that the cable is likely somewhere up in the antenna housing? Can the cable be brought down, or is it likely broken?

2. When I plug everything into the relay, the motor runs perpetually (the gear is not stripped)--if I replace the antenna, will the motor shut off once the antenna is retracted, or do I have a bigger problem on my hands? I've read about other people having similar problems, but it sounds like thier motor doesn't run non-stop. Even when I shut my car off, it runs.

3. My local dealership has a replacement antenna (no motor) for $85 cdn. This is steep, isn't it? I don't want the manual antenna, so this is my only choice?

4. If I buy the above replacement antenna for $85, is it a fairly simple install? Just attach the new nylon cord to the inside 'spool' and put the motor back together?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Sounds like your cable is broken. If you buy another one, it will likely be the whole motor and antenna. I'd get one from a junkyard from a 97-99 Bonny, I've heard they get better reception. The motor will stop running when the antenna gets all the way down (or up).

$85 is a little much, but it will be new. You could probably find a new one on eBay for less than that.

I did manage to get the nylon cable out--it is indeed broken. See picture.



In the second picture is the actual antenna housing. If I order the $85 antenna from my local dealership (does not include the motor), is it as simple as taking the new nylon cable, attaching it to the pully, and closing up the motor?

Honestly..I've never seen anyone take it apart like that.

I usually hit up the JY for one if I need. I looked in the service manual and found

Power Antenna Mast Replacement
Removal Procedure

Position the antenna mast (2).
If the antenna mast is completely down, perform the following steps:
With the ignition key in ACCY position, ask a helper to turn the radio to the ON position.
When the mast tip (1) extends approximately 25.4 mm (1 in), remove the power by pulling the fuse.
If the antenna mast is above the fender, remove power by pulling the fuse.
Remove the insulator stop (5), using a 14 mm deep well 12 point socket.
Use a wrench or a suitable tool on the flat portions of the mast tip in order to remove the mast tip (1).
Grip the rod assembly (2) with pliers which are padded with cloth or rubber. This will prevent the rod assembly from turning.
Do not bend the rod (2).
Using long nose pliers or your fingers remove the tube assembly (3, 4) from the antenna. Slide the tube assembly over the rod assembly (2) .

Installation Procedure
Lubricate the contractor (5) with supplied lubricant before you assemble a new mast.
Slide the assembly tool (4) over the contractor (5) in order to compress the fingers. The assembly tool is included in the replacement parts package.
Slide the mast assembly (3, 4) over the rod assembly (2) and into the stationary tube (9) past the contractor fingers.
Remove the assembly tool.
Install the bottom mast into the stationary tube (9). The threaded top of the rod assembly (2) must be above the top of the inner rod assembly (3).
Install the insulator stop (5).
Install the mast tip (1).
Return the fuse.

If you send me an email..there'* some pics that go with it and might be helpful

Looks like an awful lot of work to replace the cable. Takes less than 15 minutes to replace the enitre antenna assembly with one from a junkyard, and the only helper you need is a can of Mt Dew.

I'm with Boosty, I'm impressed with how you removed the motor. My old one is sitting on my workbench in my (cold) garage. I dinked around with it for a few quick minutes and didn't get it apart. Yet. I'm waiting for 70* temps before I go back out there.

And, for future reference, if your cable breaks your antenna motor will run continuously, night & day, key on or off. It'* special.

On a 77 Cutlass I took the power antenna motor out of the front fender several times. There was some problem with it. The area factory rep for Olds found me a replacement antenna and left it at my Cincy dealership for me to pick up. I had the thing apart several times.

I vote for just replacing the whole thing.

Pick and Pull in Calgary off of Barlow Trail has TONS of GM H body cars, including a few Bonnevilles....you can get something there im sure for probably 5 bucks...if you want to go that way...

Awesome. Thanks Matt. I will have a look tomorrow.