91SL300
I removed my radio to get access to the center console. On re-installation, I checked all the connections and the fuse. I put the theft code in and the radio started to play fine. However, the antenna stopped extending; it was working fine before I removed the radio. Are there any suggestions?

The antenna has its own own seperate power supply, however receives its operating signal to power up/down from a power wire off the rear of the radio,(works like a mini relay) normally these wires are blue for antenna. Not familiar with your model, however it seems that you may have a loose connection for this wire at the radio. I know you stated you checked all connections, but if you check your antenna wires you will be able to ascertain which colours relate to the antenna and double check their connections at the back of your radio. Too co-incidental for the antenna/mast to go out to lunch. Hope that helps.

280SL

I removed the radio pulled and pushed all connectors, and I disconnected and reconnected the blue wire several times; still no response.

Seems you are left with me if you still have the problem. As your antenna is fitted, it is earthed besides the additional earth wire coming off the unit (Black wire normally attached to body panel). To check the antenna itself, locate the Red and blue wires coming directly out of the antenna. Connect the Red to the Pos of a 12 volt battery or jumper lead then touch the blue(trigger wire) to the Pos also. If your antenna works you know the problem is somewhere in the wiring between the antenna and head unit.

I had the same problem, when I replaced the lovely "Becker" with a decent head unit, the antenna wouldn't work. Carried out all in car tests, nothing. It just died in sympathy, removed it and had it bench tested, Deceased, gone, kaput. Replaced with a new one and alls well again. Hope yours is a simple connection, however they are relatively cheap to replace. If you go the replacement, go Genuine Hirschmann, the aerial connection is brand specific and the antenna/aerial lead has a built in resistor! Cheap Jap replacements have banonet connectors and don't fit unless you butcher the antenna/aerial lead, then you have real grief.

Hope that helps.

280SL

Sounds good, I will start the troubleshooting process again, regards.

This is easy to test - buy a test lamp or a meter and see if you are getting voltage from the blue wire when you turn the radio on. Similarly, you can connect 12V to the antenna and see if it goes up.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

I powered on the radio and tested the connector for the blue wire "no reading." However, the other connectors had reading. So, I must believe the problem is in the Becker radio. Are there any suggestions out there?

"I must believe the problem is in the Becker radio. Are there any suggestions out there?"

Seems your on the right track, the blue should produce a reading and you answered the question I think from others views of the loveley "Becker" Radios on this forum. Seriously consider a nice replacement NON BECKER with either built in CD or CD changer in the boot. Finding something that looks classy and suits as opposed to the ones that look like they have neons on speed is the biggest difficulty. Alpines are probably the pick, but they are a little flashy, great sound, power and punch for your buck.Anything but Heer Becker!

Second option, rig the antenna power cable through an additional dash switch for manual operation of the antenna and keep the Becker. Sorry no other suggestions. Back to the forum.

Brian
280SL

After being without a radio antenna for about 10 months, I called Becker and the tech suggested I switch two wires; it worked! Apparently, I had switched the only two wires possible. I have an operating antenna now and all it cost was a phone call.