Power Antenna Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, including disconnecting the battery, removing interior trim panels, and installing the new motor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna mast (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Open hood and disconnect negative battery terminal, allow at least 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Lower tailgate for access to cargo area
5. Remove any cargo or items from right rear cargo area

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt and remove the cable from the battery post. Secure the cable away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove right rear cargo trim panel
   From inside the cargo area on the right side, use trim panel removal tools to carefully pry out the trim panel fasteners. Start at the bottom and work upward. Remove the plastic cargo panel to expose the antenna motor mounting area behind it. Set panel and fasteners aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Locate and access antenna motor assembly
   With the trim panel removed, locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the inner wheel well area. You will see the motor housing with the antenna cable extending upward and the electrical connector attached to the motor body.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the electrical connector attached to the antenna motor and pull the connector straight off. If the connector is difficult to remove, spray electrical contact cleaner around the connection and work it gently to avoid breaking the locking tab.
5. 5

   Remove antenna mast from motor
   If the antenna mast is extended, manually push it down into the fully retracted position. The mast connects to the drive cable inside the motor housing. Gently pull the mast and cable assembly straight up and out of the motor housing. The cable should slide out smoothly - if resistance is felt, do not force it.
6. 6

   Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the body bracket. There are typically 2-3 bolts holding the motor. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old antenna motor assembly
   Once all mounting bolts are removed, carefully extract the antenna motor assembly from the mounting location. Guide it out through the access area, being careful not to damage any nearby wiring or components. Inspect the mounting bracket and clean any corrosion or debris from the mounting surface.
8. 8

   Install new antenna motor assembly
   Position the new antenna motor assembly into the mounting bracket, aligning the mounting holes. Thread in the mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, tighten them to specification using a torque wrench in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install antenna mast and cable
   Take the antenna mast (new or existing if in good condition) and carefully feed the drive cable down into the motor housing opening. The cable should slide in smoothly and seat fully - you may feel it engage with the drive mechanism. Ensure the mast is properly seated before proceeding.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the antenna motor until you hear or feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and test antenna operation
    Return to the battery and reconnect the negative terminal. Tighten the battery terminal bolt to specification - do not overtighten as this can damage the terminal. Turn the ignition to the ON or ACC position and verify the antenna extends. Turn off the ignition and verify it retracts fully.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall cargo trim panel
    Once antenna operation is verified, position the right rear cargo trim panel back into place. Push the panel fasteners into their respective holes until they click and seat fully. Ensure all edges of the panel are properly aligned and secured.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panel fasteners are fully seated and the panel is secure
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the cargo area
3. Test radio reception to confirm antenna is functioning properly

Verification

• Turn ignition to ACC or ON position and verify antenna extends fully and smoothly
• Turn ignition off and verify antenna retracts completely into the housing
• Test AM/FM radio reception to confirm proper antenna function
• Check that cargo trim panel is secure with no rattles or loose fasteners
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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