Antenna switch added to my '91 W126

[nunnsie]

Hi,

I recently purchased a 91 560SEL with an aftermarket radio. I'm not crazy about the look but for now it serves me well. I primarily listen to an ipod and so rarely use the antenna, however it raises and lowers automatically with the radio's power. That got me thinking if I could wire an on/off switch for the antenna I'd be a happy camper.

I guess when the aftermarket stereo was installed they bypassed the fader control knob in the dash. That left a perfect spot to add an antenna switch from a W124 chassis (Part # 124 820 16 10). The switch has 5 connections, I used only 4 since all I care about is being able to raise the antenna if I listen to the radio. This is how I wired mine and perhaps this will help you if you choose to do the same.

1 - Dash lighting input (I tapped into my unused fader wiring)
2 - Did not use
3 - Antenna trigger from the radio
4 - Antenna trigger to the antenna
5 - Ground (I tapped into my unused fader wiring)

At the radio I cut the antenna trigger wire and connected wires 3 & 4 from the switch to either end. Thats it. Now when the radio is turned on the antenna will only raise if the antenna switch is in the UP position.

It's a small upgrade but it was easy and cheap and solved an issue