Power Antenna Motor

Remove and replace the power antenna motor assembly on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. This procedure involves accessing the antenna motor mounted in the rear quarter panel area.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Chevrolet trim clip assortment
• Antenna motor grommet seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
3. Identify antenna location on rear quarter panel (driver side)
4. Mark or photograph trim panel clip locations before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear cargo area trim panels
   Open the rear hatch. Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the driver side rear cargo area trim panel starting from the bottom edge. Release all retaining clips and disconnect any electrical connectors if present. Set panel aside in a safe location to avoid scratching.
2. 2

   Access antenna motor compartment
   Locate the antenna motor housing behind the removed trim panel in the rear quarter panel cavity. Remove the protective cover or access panel if equipped by removing the retaining screws. You should now see the antenna motor assembly and wiring harness.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the antenna motor electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight off the motor. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary. Mark the connector orientation if not keyed.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna mast from motor
   Locate where the antenna mast connects to the motor drive mechanism. There will be a retaining clip or set screw securing the mast to the motor gear. Remove this fastener and carefully detach the antenna mast from the motor assembly. Support the mast to prevent it from falling into the quarter panel.
5. 5

   Remove motor mounting hardware
   Locate the antenna motor mounting bolts (typically 3 bolts securing the motor to the body bracket). Remove these mounting bolts while supporting the motor assembly. Note the orientation of any ground straps or washers for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove antenna motor assembly
   Carefully extract the antenna motor assembly from the quarter panel cavity. Maneuver it past any obstructions while feeding the wiring harness through. Remove and inspect the rubber grommet seal - replace if cracked or deteriorated.
7. 7

   Prepare new antenna motor
   Remove the new antenna motor from packaging and verify it matches the removed unit. Install a new or cleaned grommet seal onto the motor body. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the electrical connector on the new motor.
8. 8

   Install new motor assembly
   Position the new antenna motor into the quarter panel cavity, ensuring the grommet seal seats properly against the body. Feed the wiring harness through to the connector location. Align the motor mounting holes with the body bracket.
9. 9

   Secure motor mounting bolts
   Install the motor mounting bolts finger-tight, ensuring any ground straps are positioned correctly between the motor and body. Tighten the mounting bolts in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Verify the motor is seated flush and secure.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect antenna mast
    Align the antenna mast with the motor drive mechanism and reconnect. Install the retaining clip or set screw to secure the mast to the motor gear. Ensure the mast moves freely without binding.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector firmly onto the new antenna motor until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to confirm it is secure.
12. 12

    Reinstall access cover and trim
    If equipped with an access cover, reinstall it and secure with the retaining screws to specified torque. Reinstall the rear cargo area trim panel, ensuring all clips are properly aligned and fully seated. Press firmly around all clip locations until you hear them snap into place.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position. Test the antenna operation by turning the radio on and off - the antenna should extend and retract smoothly. Listen for abnormal noises during operation.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panel clips are fully seated before considering the job complete
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the quarter panel cavity
3. Check that the antenna mast extends and retracts to full travel without obstruction

Verification

• Turn radio on - antenna should extend fully within 3-5 seconds
• Turn radio off - antenna should retract fully within 3-5 seconds
• Cycle the antenna 3-4 times to confirm consistent operation
• Verify no rattles or abnormal noises from the quarter panel area
• Check for proper radio reception compared to before replacement
• Inspect trim panels for proper fit and secure attachment

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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