1997 Nissan Maxima SE Antenna Won't Go Down/Up

[vb_bn]

Hi,

I have a 1997 Nissan Maxima SE and the antenna won't go down. I hear a grinding noise from the motor. When I push the antenna down manually and then turn on my radio, then antenna won't go up all the way and I again hear the grinding noise. I don't know if the entire motor assembly is bad or just the gears? Anyway, I attempted to fix it myself but access to the antenna motor is blocked by a metal sheet that's part of the trunk. The metal sheet is near the OEM jack. It's a tight fit and I don't think I could replace the motor without somehow moving this metal sheet. Is this metal sheet movable and how can I repair the antenna problem myself?

Thanks for any responses and I apologize if this is a repeat post.

vn_bn

[qsiguy]

It's most likely just the mast which isn't to difficult to replace. I can't remember your car off the top of my head, but I doubt you need to remove sheet metal to get the antenna out.

If you just needed to replace the antenna mast it's quite simple. The problem is that most likely there is a piece of the mast inside the motor that will have to be removed, usually by taking apart the power antenna case. Once the piece is out just button up the antenna case and reinstall without the antenna in it. Once it's in just turn on the radio and wait for the motor to stop turning. Insert the new mast into the antenna until it stops and have someone turn off the radio and it will pull in the new mast. When it's all the way in it will stop. Put the nut back on and you are in business.