antenna problem, constant run!!

[corvetteDan]

And yet another problem from the ragtop 88. I noticed recently that the antenna generally will not turn off. This is when the car is off and antenna is down. ( you can hear the motor run and run). At times this can be taken care of by turning the key to off/ on a few times. It got to be frustrating, so now I simply disconnected the power to it and leave it in the up or down position.

Any ideas why I would be getting a constant singnal for power to the antenna? I've not gone into the fix yet, but seems the antenna would not be the problem. But more along the lines of an electrical problem sending a constant signal to the unit.

I'm not a electrical wizzard, and therefore the fix may be to install one of those hidden street rod antennas that do not go up and down. However, at the same time I am a traditionalist and would like to keep the car as original as possible. Hence the concern.

Dan

 

[corvette184]

i recall reading about this problem..........it was a bad relay that caused this...i will double check and repost if indifferent

 

[Moonunit 451]

The only time that i've heard of this trouble is when the antenna "ribbon" is damaged (broken). Then the antenna doesn't go down, never heard of the relay thing, but it sounds possible I suppose. There is some sort of relay, I think in the antenna body (under the car that stops the motor at the end of the antenna travel in either direction. If you need to remove the unit , I can point you to the proceedure. It's no fun

 

[WhalePirot]

a search on this forum revealed:

Get the repair kit for Eckler's or MidAmerica or someplace. I have done this twice, so far for the continuous running issue. It is far from rocket science. The removal of the assembly takes a bit to learn; is the worst of it.

The stock unit is rivetted together, so nuts and screws (not supplied) will be required to reassemble the unit.

This is most likely the fix:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26344&highlight=antenna


Mike

 

[Moonunit 451]

And some additional info
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=194008#post194008

 

[Edmond]

The antenna is only supposed to be up when I'm listening to the radio right? If I'm listening to the tape or CD player, the antenna should be down right?

 

[Moonunit 451]

When ever the power to the head unit (on- off) is on the antenna is up.