I am having a problem with both my telescopic antannae and my rear hatch release. My antannae won't go up or down, and my rear hatch won't release. My thoughts are that they are controlled by the same electric motor. Anyone have any idea on the specifics and where I can get a replacement (if that's what I need)?

Thanks.

 

What year is your car?

 

The hatch release is controlled by a cable and the antenna is controlled by a motor, so there is no way that they could be related.

Can you hear the motor of the antenna when you turn the radio on and off? If so, you just need a new mast.

Check the cable that opens the trunk release for any kinks or breaks in it.

 

99+ hatch releases are controlled by an eletric motor. Which is why I asked him what year his car was.

 

Oh, yes. That is right. h:

Even in that case, the electric motor for the hatch and antenna are not the same.

 

That would be crazyness if they were controlled by the same motor. Turn on the radio and up comes your trunk! Woo!

Check to see if the motor for the antenna is plugged in and getting power to it.

 

They aren't, it's coincedence. What Shmoo said about the antenna is correct.

 

It's a '98 LS 3-door. When I turn the car on, I can hear the antennae motor, it just doesn't have enough ass to get the antennae up or down. The trunk release makes an electrical noise when I actuate it but doesn't release. They both seemed to break at the same time and that's why I thought they may be controlled from the same motor. Where can I find replacement parts for the antennae and what to do about the rear hatch release?

Thanks for your responses so far!

 

Sounds like a strange coincidence. I am not too familiar with the electric trunk release since I have a 96, but I have replaced the antenna mast since I had the same problem.

You can buy just the mast either off ebay for around $15, any autoparts website, or at the dealership. I bought an OEM one, just to be safe and my antenna is now functional. You need to remove the metal cap holding the mast in and then pull it out with the radio on. Feed the new one in with the teeth facing toward the rear of the vehicle and then turn the radio off and it will feed into the motor. Then put the cap back on and you are done.

 

So you have a latch in the back of your hatch that you slide to the left to open the hatch right? Otherwise you have to pop it by key?