Power Antenna Motor

Remove and replace the power antenna motor assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including access through the rear quarter trim and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts
3. Lower antenna mast to fully retracted position before disconnecting battery if functional
4. Allow vehicle interior to cool if parked in sun

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear quarter trim panel
   Open the rear hatch or access the passenger side rear quarter panel area. The power antenna motor is located behind the right rear quarter trim panel on the passenger side of the vehicle. Identify the trim panel covering the antenna motor location. Note: Socket set (SAE/imperial, with metric as needed)
2. 2

   Remove rear quarter trim panel
   Locate and remove the trim panel fasteners securing the right rear quarter trim panel. Check for push clips along the panel perimeter and any visible screws. Carefully pull the panel away from the body using trim tools to release retaining clips without breaking them. Work gradually around the panel perimeter to avoid cracking the trim.
3. 3

   Locate antenna motor assembly
   With the trim panel removed, identify the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the inner fender or body panel. The motor will have the antenna mast cable/drive assembly attached and an electrical connector. Use a flashlight to clearly see the mounting arrangement in the confined space.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the antenna motor. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight away from the motor. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If the connector is corroded or stuck, gently wiggle while applying outward pressure.
5. 5

   Disconnect antenna lead cable
   Locate where the antenna coaxial cable attaches to the motor assembly base. Unscrew the coaxial cable connector by turning counterclockwise. Support the motor body while loosening to prevent spinning the entire assembly.
6. 6

   Remove antenna motor mounting hardware
   Remove the 3 mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the body panel. Use a socket with extension to access the bolts in the confined space. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Extract antenna motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the antenna motor assembly out through the quarter panel opening. The mast and cable assembly will exit with the motor. Be careful not to snag wiring or scratch painted surfaces during removal. If the mast is extended, it may need to be carefully fed through body openings.
8. 8

   Install new antenna motor assembly
   Position the new antenna motor assembly into the mounting location, carefully guiding the antenna mast through any body openings. Align the motor mounting holes with the body panel mounting points. Ensure any rubber grommets or seals are properly seated.
9. 9

   Install mounting hardware
   Install the 3 mounting bolts and hand-tighten initially to allow for alignment adjustment. Once all bolts are started, torque them to specification in a crossing pattern to ensure even seating of the motor base.
10. 10

    Reconnect antenna connections
    Thread the coaxial cable connector onto the antenna motor base and hand-tighten, then snug with fingers only (do not overtighten coaxial connections). Connect the electrical connector to the motor, ensuring it clicks fully into place and the locking tab engages.
11. 11

    Reinstall quarter trim panel
    Position the rear quarter trim panel back into place, aligning all mounting points. Press firmly to engage push clips around the perimeter. Install any screws that were removed during disassembly. Verify the panel is fully seated and flush with surrounding trim.
12. 12

    Test antenna operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten snugly until the clamp is secure and cannot rotate on the post. Turn the ignition to accessory position and turn on the radio to activate the antenna. Observe that the antenna extends smoothly and fully. Turn off the radio and verify the antenna retracts completely. Listen for unusual noise during operation that might indicate binding or misalignment.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked before testing
2. Verify trim panel clips are properly engaged and panel is flush
3. Check that antenna mast extends and retracts without binding or excessive noise

Verification

• Antenna extends fully when radio is turned on
• Antenna retracts fully when radio is turned off
• No unusual grinding or binding noises during operation
• Trim panel is secure with no rattles or gaps
• Radio reception is clear without static or interference

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