Power Antenna Won't Work

[gladden]

My 1987 300SDL's power antenna won't extend. The fuse is ok. Is there a manual method of extending the antenna? What other than the fuse could be broken?

[LordNikonXTC]

It is possible to do this without taking out the antenna but it is a little tight. Anyway all you need to do is (if it is an orginal Antenna) open the case of the antenna. Once open, you will notice that there is a small copperbased circuit board on top of the machanics. That printed circuit board is usually the probem. Most of the time you can go and purchase one from a good local Benz repair place for about $10-$20 bucks, you might be able to find one on line. Anyway once you remove it.. you will have, if I remember three leads which connect to that board. It is a 12 volt system, one is ground and the other two is for the up and down motion if my memory serves me correct. I replaced mine about three months ago and it works like a champ. did not even need to adjust it. I have a 1988 300 SE with 230,000 miles on it..... If you still feel unconfortable you can purchase a file from this guy here. http://www.repairflix.com/cart.php?cat=Mercedes+123+Chassis+Procedures he has several videos that may help you. I purchased several and thay all helped me with exception of the instrument removal one. There is a better way... In the picture, right where he is adjusting the antenna is where the circuit board is. Good luck ....

[donbryce]

You'll get more responses in the audio section. Do a search for antenna and Hirschmann. Lordnikon's advice will work if the motor is OK, and you might just have a mechanical issue with the mast or gears. These are easy to fix for the avg DIY'er, but removing it from the car is step 1 in most cases.

[meltedpanda]

probably only need a new mast, if you have help you can reinsert the new mast without removal from the car, that is providing your motor is good.
can you hear it?
make sure your antenna switch is not in the "in between" position and not fully engaged to either off , mid or full