loose wires

[vetahlk]

Well I've tackled changing my antenna. I've got it out and am ready to put the new one in, but I've got a problem I think. I need a little help, maybe alot of Help! There are two wires that screw onto the antenna(Chiltons refers to them as ground plane terminals) both are attached at the antenna, however the end of one of the two is hanging loose and I don't know if it was this way before I started or if I somehow it pulled loose. The loose end seems to be headed toward the front of the car. The other lead seems to go into the harness for the tail lights. Help!!!!!!!!!
John

 

[vetahlk]

By the way before I started this project every thing electrical worked fine.
John

 

[Rabbit]

Looking at the antenna configuration for a 95 I see two wires going to the ground plane terminal. The one opposite is for the ground strap.

I think the wires are part of the antenna reception scheme. Each wire shud be cut to the length of the antenna (31 1/2) inches & are draped in four different directions. They are left open on one end..

I don't know anything about antennas & just gleaned this from the manual. Hope it makes sense to ya.

 

[vetahlk]

Rabbit
The loose wire is about that legnth, so your observation seems to make sense. It must have been loose when I started and I just didn't notice it. If I have time between going into the office and attending a wedding this afternoon I'll put the new motor in. If not I'll get it sometime this weekend. We'll see how it all works. Thanks and I'll keep you posted.
John

 

[vetahlk]

Well, I got the whole thing back together again. It now works like a charm and the loose wire must be for the purpose rabbit describes.:Twist
I've got to thank the people at who have done the antenna change and posted valuable information and advice on this job.
I not only now have an operating power antenna, but my sun shake now operates.
If I can offer the one most valuable tip is to remove the tail lights to really get at the antenna. If you do this you do not have to jack up the car and remove the wheel well.
Thanks again everyone. This is really a helpful place.
John