500 SL Antenna replacement
 

The power antenna on my 1993 SL500 died. I can pull it up manually and get good reception, so I assume I need the motor, but will probably just buy the whole unit (motor & mast.) Is this something one can easily replace? Any idea or instructions on how to do it? Suggestions for best place to buy one?

Actually, the motor may be OK. It's usually the nylon rod which breaks or one of the micro switches goes bad. Disconnect the power to the motor ( until it's repaireed ), as it will sometimes run continueously and drain the battery. They are repairable if you're up to the it. Or new ones are available from www.beckerautosound.com

450SL Antenna Replacement Story
 

Went through car wash with antenna up...broke off but was an easy fix. Found replacement part for 15bucks + shipping on ebay. It was a long nylon rope with teeth on one side. Here was how I fixed it:
1. Grab a friend
2. With the antenna down, loosen the nut that holds the antenna mast to the car.
3. Have your friend raise the antenna, as you help pull it out BUT WATCH THE BOTTOM OF THE OLD ANTENNA'S NYLON STRING...you'll need to see which direction the teeth are facing. Pull the nylon string all the way out.
4. have the replacement antenna mast pulled as far 'down' as it will go exposing all the nylon string. Insert the string in the hole until you feel it hit the motor gear. Orient the teeth in the same direction as the old antenna.
5. Have your friend lower the antenna...when you hear the motor start, slightly twist the nylon rope clockwise/counter clockwise until the motor catches...it should pull the antenna in the hole, just guide it in.
6. Once the motor stops, go ahead and tighten the nut on the antenna mast (use a rag over your wrench to prevent scratches on the nut).
7. Have your friend raise and lower the antenna a few times to make sure it works properly...but that should be it. Usually takes me less than 5 minutes now on my friends' mercedes...its very easy to do

You will need to get the broken part of the nylon teeth out before you install the new one, or it may never go all the way down. Just take the side off the motor and you will see the broken parts, remove it and go, piece of cake.

Ron

sl500 antenna
 

I think I'm missing something here. How do I replace the motor? I get no action and no sound when I turn the radio on or off. The antenna doesn't move. If I pul it up manually, the radio works fine. Should I be checking some fuse or something, or should I assume the motor is shot and get a whole new assembly? It seems like it's more than just the mast, given that there's no sound of a motor trying to do anything. Any ideas? Thanks. Bill

Check out Menu#31; it shows what typically happens and it's easy to fix. . . plus the price is right.

sl500 antenna replacement - menu 31
 

What's menu 31 and where is it to be found?

Bill,
I think Jim means 'Menu Item 31' at his site. At the bottom of his post is a link to his homepage...click and scroll down to menu/item 31.

Bob

Bill,
I think Jim means 'Menu Item 31' at his site. At the bottom of his post is a link to his homepage...click and scroll down to menu/item 31.

By the way, are you sure you've got power to the existing antenna motor?

Bob

sl500 Antenna problem
 

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure I have power to the antenna. How would I check that? The radio works fine if I pull the antenna up manually. Does that help to determine if there's power to the antenna motor? Bill

Check for "power": you should hear it trying to raise when you turn the radio on; similiarly when you turn it off

The mast is busted since you can pull it up, so the motor is most likely ok. Since the bottom portion of the antenna is broken, you MUST remove it and take it apart to remove the the broken portion. Maybe that's all that's wrong.

It's on the back fender well on the side bolted to the frame.