Antenna wont go up

[RonE320]

just got a 94 E320 and the antenna will raise to only 6 inches.
any suggestions? do I need a new mask?
also the dashboard light that shows the fuel tank is out but I can see the speedometer...how do I change that light?

Thanks,
Ron

Don't fit a new mast, fit a new complete antenna assembly. Only 33 pounds in the UK (say $50).

before you buy a new antenna!
at the base of yur old antenna there should be 2 flat sides to remove it. undo this nut and th whole antenna should come off. there will be a plastic geared cable emenating from inside the antenna this is normal. spray the antenna with some penetrating lube like liquid wrench my favourite! and wait. later put some muscle into it and extend the antenna. if it extends use lots of solvent to clean the antenna you will find a lot of black dusty stuff on it. be careful not to bend it. if it does bent you can still use it but it wont go up and down or you can buy a new antenna(YOU WERE GOING TO ANY WAY). to put it back simply colapse the antenna and feed the geared cable into the general area where it came from It will take a hold by its self(put the antenna switch in the doun position if you have one). keep trying till it works.
good luck.

[can-do]

Greetings Ron,

Yeah, these electric antennas are a pain in the butt to keep operating. If you have a switch to control the mast on the dash turn on the radio and push the button to full extend while another person gently pulls the mast out. Some force upward will be necessary. You'll probably find there are a few spots that have gotten green with corrosion not allowing it to move freely. Once the antenna has been pulled out wipe it down thoughly with WD-40 to dissolve the corrosion. Operate antenna with WD-40 on it to dissolve internal corrosion as well. Relube the entire mast with silicon spray. Operate several times to allow the lube to penetrate down into the mast housing until it moves freely up and down, then give it another good wipe down of the lube spray. Unfortunately this little guy takes a lot of weather abuse and most often gets the least amount of attention until it stops operating. A monthly clean and lube of the mast will keep it working properly.

Charles