Aftermarket Power Antenna Installation

Covers:

• 1989-1992 2.2L 4-Cylinder Engine
• 1989-1992 2.2L 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine
• 1990-1992 3.0L V-6 Engine

Adding an aftermarket power antenna is a quick and relatively inexpensive procedure. Replacing the OEM standard antenna is a nice appearance and convenience modification, while replacing a damaged OEM power antenna with an aftermarket one will save you a considerable amount of money. Most aftermarket power antennas are the same and are a pretty direct fit. Even if you have the standard whip antenna, all the wiring is already in place so you don't have to do any major wiring yourself. I installed a Harada model MX-22 power antenna in all three of my probes.

Tools Required

• Metric sockets

• Adjustable wrench or pliers

• Wire Cutters/Strippers

Removal

1. Remove the rear hatch cover.

2. Remove the right side upper and lower truck trim.

3. If you have a standard antenna, use an adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers to unscrew the outer nut at the base of the antenna. Disconnect the main antenna wire from the socket connection to the right of the strut tower (Image 2 below). Remove the antenna from the vehicle.

4. If you have a power antenna, use an adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers to unscrew the outer nut at the base of the antenna. Disconnect the main antenna wire from the socket connection to the right of the strut tower (Image 2 below), and the 4-wire harness connector in front of the strut tower. Remove the bolts holding the motor in place as well as the plastic drain tube. Remove the motor from the vehicle.

Installation

1. Depending on the make of the antenna you purchased, you should have gotten a contour adapter to allow you to adjust the angle of the antenna to the contour of your car to keep it angled straight up. Most antennas come with a few different adapters to choose from to best match your vehicle. Place the antenna in position and try a couple different ones to see which one fits best. See Image 1 below.

2. Push the top of the new antenna through the antenna opening. Holding the new motor in place, install the washers on the outside the the body, over the antenna fitting. Install the contour adapter and the retaining nut. Hand tighten the nut just to get the antenna snug in place.

3. There should also be a metal bracket to strengthen the support. Tighten one end of it to the motor body and screw the other end of it to an existing bolt hole in the car's body. See Image 3 below, figure A.

4. Find the main antenna wire connection to the right of the strut tower and connect the power antenna's main wire to it. See Image 2.

5. Attach the antenna's ground to good location. See Image 3 below, figure B.

6. Find the 4-wire connector in front of the strut tower. Do not confuse this with the connector which is for the Strut Actuator for the Programmed Ride Control. Both connectors are located in the same spot. The power antenna harness should have four wires: blue/white, black/yellow, white, and blue/red. Connect the positive wire from the antenna to the blue wire with the red stripe. Connect the trigger wire from the antenna to the white wire.

7. Turn the ignition to the 'accessories' position and turn the radio on. Make sure the mast goes up.

8. With the mast fully raised, check the front/back angle and the left/right angle of the antenna. Make sure the antenna points straight up (or tilted back if you prefer). If it's not right, loosen the nut on the base of the antenna and turn the contour adapter until the antenna is where you want it.

9. Tighten the nut with an adjustable wrench or pliers, but don't over tighten.

10. Reassemble your trunk trim and replace the hatch cover.

IMAGE 1: Contour Adapters

IMAGE 2

IMAGE 3: Completed setup in the LX

IMAGE 4: Outside on the '91 GT.