Radio antenna replacement

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Introduction

Guide written by forum user Delux.

I performed this procedure on my 54 plate convertible, but it's the same procedure for hardtop and older versions.

Old antenna removal

Figure 01 - Disconnecting the old antenna cable from the extension cable

• First step is to disconnect the old antenna cable from the extension cable.
• If your car has its original aerial, you will find there is a small extension cable between the end of the aerial cable and the back of the stereo head unit.
• It is usually under the dash next to the centre console on the drivers side (UK Jimnys).
• The point where the antenna cable and the extension cable connect is in the fat, black cylinder in the centre of the picture.
• Cut the cable tie off and give it a pull, aerial cable should unplug from the extension cable.
• I mention this because someone was asking about reception problems and they commented that their aerial was (apparently) OK.
• If corrosion is in this plug, your radio reception will be rubbish!

Figure 02 - Releasing the old antenna cable from the vehicle

• Anyway, follow the antenna cable along, this one runs along the under dash bar thru some reusable cable ties.
• Follow it along until it disappears into the roof pillar to make sure it is free all the way along.
• Its hard to picture - it leads over the top of that black box into the pillar.
• Easier to feel than show!

Figure 03 - Preparing a way to be able to install a new antenna cable

• Next, tie a bit of string round the antenna cable.
• You can tape a bit of wire to it, but a string is a better solution, as you can tie it securely and its harder to accidentally pull off!

Figure 04 - Removing the entire antenna assembly from the roof

• Now you can unscrew the aerial base and carefully pull it out the pillar.
• As mine is a convertible, the aerial base is on the pillar facing forward.
• On the hard top the base is kinda above the front corner of the door, but the procedure is the same.
• As you pull off the cable from the vehicle, make certain that the "service" string which you had attached to it has enough length to remain hanging in the passenger cabin after the entire antenna assembly is removed from the vehicle's roof.

Figure 06 - The moment of happiness when the entire antenna assembly is completely removed

• Keep going, gently until this (hopefully) happens.
• I just pulled a bit off the end of a big ball of string.
• After the entire assembly is removed, disconnect it from the string, but first make certain that one end of the string remains hanging from the roof and the other end hanging in the passenger cabin!

New vs. old antenna comparison

Figure 06 - Old genuine antenna (top) vs. new aftermarket antenna (bottom)

• Anyway, my aerial (white, on the bottom) is from Ebay (about £20).
• Its lead is much longer which makes it easier to refit.

New antenna installation

Figure 07 - New antenna after installation is done

• Securely tie the roof end of the service string to the radio connector of the new cable.
• Feed the aerial plug in first through the hole in the roof, gently pulling the string in the passenger cabin back thru.
• Don't pull too hard - some jiggling may be required.
• You may need to fish the new plug out the hole in the pillar.
• Once it's completely thru, bolt it back on.
• The one I bought was slightly thicker, so I could not use the original screws.
• Luckily it was supplied with its own screws which were fine.

• As this aerial has a longer cable, it will reach the head unit.
• I will remove the extension cable and run it straight into the head unit.
• Just not today as I forgot my radio pins!

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Page last edited on 4/01/2019 by user Bosanek