Removal steps
1. Park vehicle on a level surface, place ignition off, remove key/fob, and wear eye and hand protection.
2. If antenna work will expose or be near high-voltage wiring or components, have the high-voltage system disabled by a qualified technician or follow the vehicle manufacturer's HV isolation procedure before proceeding.
3. Disconnect the 12-volt negative battery terminal and follow the manufacturer's recommended wait period before touching electrical connectors.
4. Gather required hand tools and a replacement antenna, and review the vehicle's service information for access methods (if available).
5. Gain access to the antenna mounting area by removing the necessary interior or exterior trim, headliner sections, or hatch/trunk trim panels-use trim tools to avoid damage.
6. Locate and carefully disconnect the antenna coaxial connector(s) and any electrical leads, releasing retaining clips without pulling on wiring.
7. Remove the antenna mounting fasteners or retaining hardware and support the antenna assembly while freeing it from the body to avoid dropping or deforming the seal.
8. Lift the antenna assembly out, set the old part aside, and inspect the mounting hole, wiring, connectors, and surrounding area for corrosion or damage.
9. Clean the mounting surface and wiring grommet area; remove old sealant or degraded gaskets so the new seal will seat properly.
Installation steps
1. Compare the new antenna to the removed unit and transfer any required gaskets, bushings, or mounting hardware that came with the replacement.
2. Route the antenna cable and wiring into the vehicle in the same path as the original, avoiding sharp bends, pinch points, and contact with moving parts.
3. Position the antenna with its gasket/seal against the cleaned mounting surface so it seats evenly; do not force a misaligned seal.
4. Install mounting fasteners and snug them by hand, then tighten to a secure feel-use the manufacturer's torque specifications if available rather than guessing.
5. Reconnect the coaxial connector(s) and electrical plugs until they lock; apply a small amount of dielectric grease on exposed coax connections if appropriate for the design.
6. Reinstall any interior or exterior trim panels and ensure clips and fasteners are engaged and the headliner or trim sits flush.
7. Reconnect the 12-volt negative battery terminal and, if the high-voltage system was disabled, have it re-enabled by a qualified technician or follow OEM reactivation steps.
8. Power up the vehicle accessories and verify antenna functions (AM/FM, GPS, cellular, Bluetooth, satellite, or other services as applicable) and check for noise or intermittent connection.
9. Perform a water leak check around the antenna seal (spray or light stream) and re-inspect fasteners and connectors after a short road/driving test.
Repair tip
1. Replace any foam gaskets or rubber seals whenever they appear compressed or brittle, and avoid kinking the coax cable-use dielectric grease on exposed connectors to reduce corrosion.