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Topic: Power Antenna Help Updated and solved. (Read 1237 times) previous topic - next topic

Power Antenna Help Updated and solved.

My power antenna on my '83 'Bird quit working, checked the switch, has power to and from the switch. I the procedded to remove the antenna, and found it to be a thermal fuse (UMI 250v 2a 110C). I searched with no luck in finding a replacement part to fix my antenna. The part number from my antenna is E3SF-19A018-AB. I did find a new antenna on ebay. The one on ebay is listed as part number E5SZ-B. I don't know how ones in other (newer) vehicles work, but I have a switch in the center stack to raise and lower my antenna. My question is is the one on ebay compatible with my car? It looks a little different only in respect to where the antenna wire enters into the antenna. From what I can tell, the power wires look to be the same color (red and green) and the power connector looks to be the same. Any help would be greatly appreciated as the auction ends about 3 days.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160162151630

Power Antenna Help Updated and solved.

Reply #1 –
Hmmm...that fuse isn't available at Radio Shack?

Otherwise I would think you'd be alright with the new assembly. I don't recall there being any major differences in the wiring harnesses between the 1983-84 and 1985-88 cars. In fact I once retrofitted a 1988 power antenna into my old '84 with zero issues. The power harness was right there behind the radio, just plugged it in there, and used the 1983-84 lighter panel with the factory power antenna switch...worked like a charm.

Just FYI, I had roughly the same problem as you a few years ago, on the convertible. I was convinced that the switch was fine, I just had intermittent power to the antenna. Finally it quit working altogether...I dropped $110 to get the last one at Green Sales. Put it in, and after wiring issues (note: never run your mass air harness wiring through the hole that the power antenna cable goes through...d'oh!), I discovered that the new antenna didn't work either. It was the switch. So if you have a spare I always suggest that you try the switch, although in your case it seems like you have a handle on what the problem is (fuse).

Power Antenna Help Updated and solved.

Reply #2 –
ford partsbook-
83-4---E3SZ 18850A
85-88 before 6/85--E5SZ 18850A
after 6/85--E5SZ 18850B

might still work though-its only 35.00
ill bet it superceded to the E5 #

in 1999 that antenna listed for 153.00
he has had those antennas on more than once
i should buy one too--and yes the 83-88 all use
the switch in the dash--irv

the E3 # was not replaced or updated according to my
ford dealer





a

Power Antenna Help Updated and solved.

Reply #3 –
did you order one? i see there were only 3 left
this morning. i f you did let us know how it looks.
in my old mitchell crash book i found last night
they had the E5 listed for the 83-6 even though
my parts guy didnt list it that way in the osi list.
keep us posted.--irv

Power Antenna Help Updated and solved.

Reply #4 –
Yeah, I ordered one. I figured it won't hurt any thing to have a spare laying around. I tried to replace the thermal fuse in mine with a new fuse I got from radioshack, and the antenna still didn't work. It was getting power though.

Power Antenna Help Updated and solved.

Reply #5 –
So my new antenna arrived Friday, I opened the box ran out to the car, plugged it in, hit the switch, and the antenna went up and down. I did this several times as it has been about 6 years since I used the antenna. I then proceeded to unplug the antenna and start removing the inner fender, old antenna was still out of the car so I ran the wires mounted the antenna, plug it in, and it didn't work. So the trouble shooting began. Turns out, when I unplugged it from the harness in the car I broke a wire in the plug inside the car. So then I get the wire out of the plug, get the little piece of connector out of the plug, and solder it back together. Plug the antenna back in, and still doesn't work. Once again the trouble shooting began. This time the culprit was the switch. Luckily all it needed was taken apart and the contacts cleaned. So what should have been a 30 minute project turned into 1.5 hours. But atleast I have a working antenna now. I did find a replacement fuse for my old antenna, but when you hit the switch the motor inside only turns about 1/164 of an inch. I can turn it freely by hand, so I am not sure what the problem with it is.
 

Power Antenna Help Updated and solved.

Reply #6 –
alls well that ends well. at least that is what im finding
out with the escapades with the cougar.--irv