ANTENNA REPLACEMENT/STEREO REMOVAL

[countrygrl]

My 1993 Q45 has a rear power antenna. I can hear the motor running, but the antenna is loose at the base and feels broken. My FM reception is sporatic, and so is my stereo. When I am listening to a stations, sometimes is just goes quiet. Cassette does not work.
First... how do I replace... either the power antenna or just the mast? I bought a universal antenna (non-powered) but have no idea how to access the antenna connections. Would like to keep it stock and use the power one!
Second... how do I remove the stereo to fix the cassette?
No owner's or service manual. I went to your site for FSM and '93 is not listed. It starts with '94.
Your help and comments totally appreciated!! Thanks in advance!
Countrygrl

[Q451990]

The FSM for the '94 should be good enough in terms of the antenna. The mast can be purchased separately from the dealership... if the plastic guide for it is broken off, you may have to fish it out of the antenna assembly.

As far as the cassette deck... I don't know if anyone fixes those any more or not. These guys might be able to help.

http://www.carstereohelp.com/infiniti.htm

Heath

[maxnix]

The head unit ifs a Harmon Kardon. Check Heath's source above as I know they do repair the Bose amps in the speakers.

By the way, had to access the door stays by removing the front door speakers. A very nice unit.

[goody90q45]

My 1993 Q45 has a rear power antenna. I can hear the motor running, but the antenna is loose at the base and feels broken. My FM reception is sporatic, and so is my stereo. When I am listening to a stations, sometimes is just goes quiet. Cassette does not work.......Countrygrl

The antenna is only for AM reception, the wires built into the rear window are for FM reception so the problem with your stereo is not antenna related. If you don't listen to AM get the antenna seated in the down position and unplug it. Most of the problems with broken masts occur when it gets frosty or icy and binds when raising or lowering. Access to the motor is pretty easy. Just remove the trim piece from the trunk (plastic screws) and you'll see it all. If you're hellbent on replacing the mast they're available on ebay for about $20 plus shipping. It sounds like you may be ready for a new head unit and amps which are mounted to each of the 4 speakers. There's a 93 being parted out in the parts forum now which could be a good source for these parts.

To get to the head unit pry off the trim surrounding the shifter and then there's 6 screws to remove to get the trim piece surrounding the head unit out- 2 below the shifter, 2 below the ashtray and two above the ashtray once its removed. Once the trim is off there's 4 bolts holding the Bose head unit in place. Easy stuff! Good luck.

[qship96]

Some misinformation in above posts.

the factory head unit was produced by clarion, not Harmon Kardon

the antenna mast actually DOES provide FM reception, not just AM. The tuner is diversity antenna equipped, meaning there is a microprocessor that measures signal strength continually from both the mast antenna and the rear window element, and switches between the 2 antennas continuously based on which one is currently providing the strongest signal.