'87 w126

The power antenna will go up to the halfway position, but no more. There are at least 2 sections still in there, and AM reception is pitiful. The switch on the dash has to be in the "max" position to get it to halfway- if the switch is in the middle, I only get one section of the antenna up. Otherwise, it operates normally, retracting all the way in.

The sections are probaby jammed. While someone at the controls activates the switch or turns on the radio grab the end with your fingers and give it a little manual help to get it to fully extend. Make sure the antenna switch is at the fully extended position. Then thoroughly clean it with WD-40 on a rag. Keep using clean portions of the rag wetted with WD-40 and wipe it down until no more dirt comes off on the rag.

Check the antenna for burrs and dress them down with some fine sandpaper and wipe the antenna clean of any remaining grit.

Then cycle the antenna up and down a couple of times giving it a little manual help if needed. If you can't free it up, you'll probably have to replace the mast.

I clean the antenna this way with every wash, and I am still on the original mast. It's jammed a couple of times, but I've always gotten it working again with this technique.

Once you have it working, keep it clean.

Duke

John,
If the teeth are gone you can get an insert for them. You do not have to get the whole new unit.
m

__________________
Martin Ingram
Colorado Springs
2005 320 CDI
2006.5 VW Jetta TDI
1991 560SEL (179000 Sold)
1972 280SEL 4.5 ('The Lead Sled' 320000 miles when sold.)
1972 220D (225000 when sold)

I agree with Duke. Winter salt can take a toll on power antennas. I have sucessfully freed-up a couple stuck antenna sections using two pairs of pliers (one on each section and twist). Do this only as a last resort because it is easy to crush and ruin the mast if you use too much force. I use a couple wraps of electrical tape so the pliers don't scratch the finish. Once you get it unstuck, work it by hand, then clean and lubricate it.

Well I tried to pull the antenna up last night manually, but no luck. I guess I'll have to go back with pliers to unstick it. I really hate to do that but before I do- does anyone know whether the mast itself is replaceable, or will I need a whole new antenna?

I have taken the antenna out of my 450slc a couple of times and it is dead easy. Mine is held in place by one small bolt and the nut around the antenna shaft. Unplug the power and the antenna lead and out it comes. The cover comes off with 4 screws and there are the guts. Mine had water in it. I also installed a new mast, a bit of oil and it was back going. Youcan cycle the antenna using a battery charger as a 12 v supply.

the mast is replaceable very easy and fairly cheap.

m

__________________
Martin Ingram
Colorado Springs
2005 320 CDI
2006.5 VW Jetta TDI
1991 560SEL (179000 Sold)
1972 280SEL 4.5 ('The Lead Sled' 320000 miles when sold.)
1972 220D (225000 when sold)