Can anyone post a procedure for checking out a power antenna at a auto dismantling and recycling center? I would like to replace mine with one that works, but I need to know it works before I pull it. After that I own it. Is there a procedure using a digital vom that can determine if the antenna is good?

i don't think you will find out if something is broken with a dvm, just if a wire is disconnected. you'll need to hook up some power. i would suggest you drive the car to the yard and ask if you can just connect it to the connector on your current one and see if it works. the mast is usually the problem so if it is down all the way, that is a good indication that it could be in working order, but hook it up to try.

most yards will let you bring back if it doesn't work.

Hello Everyone
Last time I needed one for an MB, the yard had a shelf with hundreds of power antennas, serve yourself, $10.00 USD each, and no guarantee, I grabbed three and two where good.
Gosh; I love living in the Motor City metro area, hundreds of salvage yards in a forty minute drive radius of my home.

Hello MS Fowler
What makes you sure that yours is bad?
I can clean and lube seven of ten MB power antennas in an hour, throw in a new mast, and it works like a new unit.

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One problem that affects most of the antennas I have had experience with is corrosion. Especially in the W123, 126 cars where the antenna is housed in a zinc metal enclosure. Water does awful things to the spring used to tension the take up reel, and bearings don't fare well either when wet for extended periods.
Water comes down the mast and accumulates in the bottom of the housing, there is a drain but it usually gets plugged up.
I suggest one open the cover and inspect any potential buy beforehand. Then take the cleanest unit out to your car and connect it to the existing plug and see if it works!
Reminds me, I need an antenna for my W124 - anyone got one?
Dieseldiehard
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 104041
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 289560
1983 300D 237490
1985 300TD 206150
1975 300D (looking for an engine)
1987 300D 250K newest addition

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