Antenna

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the antenna mast and base assembly on the 1994-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Antenna mast assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna base gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna cable (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent radio memory loss or airbag deployment if working near interior trim
3. Determine antenna location (typically right front fender area near cowl on this generation Ram)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove antenna mast
   Unscrew the antenna mast by turning counterclockwise. If seized, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes. The mast should thread off the base completely by hand or with light wrench pressure on the base of the mast only (do not use excessive force).
2. 2

   Access antenna base mounting
   From under the hood on the passenger side near the cowl, locate the antenna base mounting hardware. On some models, you may need to remove the windshield washer fluid reservoir or reposition it for better access. The antenna base is typically secured by a single mounting nut accessible from underneath.
3. 3

   Remove antenna base mounting hardware
   Using the appropriate socket (verify size, commonly 10mm–13mm), remove the mounting nut securing the antenna base to the fender. Keep the washer and any spacers in order for reinstallation. Note the position of the ground strap if equipped at this location.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna cable
   From inside the vehicle, remove the right front door sill trim and lower A-pillar trim panel if necessary to access the antenna cable routing. Trace the cable from the antenna base to the radio connector behind the dash. Disconnect the cable at the radio by pressing the release tab and pulling straight back. Note the routing path and any retention clips for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove old antenna assembly
   Pull the antenna base up and out through the fender hole while feeding the cable through from inside. Remove the old gasket from the fender mounting surface and clean any debris or corrosion from the mounting area using a wire brush. Inspect the cable for damage, kinks, or wear.
6. 6

   Prepare mounting surfaces
   Clean the fender mounting surface and antenna base contact area thoroughly. If a ground strap is present, clean both the fender contact surface and the strap terminal using sandpaper or a wire brush to ensure bare metal contact for proper grounding.
7. 7

   Install new antenna base
   Feed the new antenna cable through the fender hole from the exterior. Position the new gasket on the fender mounting surface. Place the antenna base over the gasket, ensuring proper alignment. If equipped, position the ground strap between the base and the mounting nut.
8. 8

   Secure antenna base
   Install the mounting washer and nut from underneath. Hand-tighten first to ensure proper alignment, then snug the mounting nut to approximately 4-5 Nm (3-4 lb-ft) — do not overtighten into the sheet metal. Verify the base sits flush against the gasket with no gaps. The antenna base is secured by a single mounting nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Route and connect antenna cable
   Route the antenna cable following the original path, securing it in all factory retention clips to prevent rattles and interference with moving parts. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the radio connector end. Connect the cable to the radio unit until it clicks into place, ensuring a secure connection.
10. 10

    Install antenna mast
    Thread the antenna mast onto the base by hand, turning clockwise. Tighten until snug but do not overtighten. The mast should be secure without requiring tools to tighten it onto the base threads.
11. 11

    Reinstall interior trim
    Reinstall the A-pillar trim panel and door sill trim, ensuring all clips are fully seated. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the clamp securely (approximately 5-8 Nm / 4-6 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all interior trim panels are fully seated and secure before testing
2. Verify antenna cable is not pinched or kinked anywhere along its routing path
3. Check that antenna mast is vertical and properly aligned

Verification

• Turn ignition to ACC or ON position and power on the radio
• Tune to a known strong local AM station and verify clear reception without static
• Tune to a known strong local FM station and verify clear reception
• Test reception while moving through various channels to confirm consistent signal quality
• Verify no rattles or wind noise from antenna area at highway speeds during test drive

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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