Power Antenna Motor

Remove and replace the power antenna motor assembly located in the rear quarter panel area of the 2005 Dodge Viper.

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. Disconnect battery negative terminal to prevent electrical shorts.
3. Allow vehicle to sit for 2-3 minutes to discharge any residual electrical charge.
4. Gather all tools and new power antenna motor assembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear interior trim panel
   Open the driver-side door and locate the rear interior trim panel on the driver side. This panel covers the rear quarter panel area where the antenna motor is mounted. The trim panel is secured by trim clips along its perimeter. Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry the trim panel away from the body starting at the bottom edge, working your way around to release all clips without breaking them.
2. 2

   Remove rear trim panel
   Once all clips are released, pull the trim panel away from the body. Check for any electrical connections (such as courtesy lights) that may be attached to the panel. If present, disconnect any electrical connectors before fully removing the panel. Set the panel aside in a safe location where it will not be scratched or damaged.
3. 3

   Locate antenna motor assembly
   With the trim panel removed, use a flashlight to locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the inner quarter panel structure. The motor is a cylindrical unit with the antenna mast extending upward through a guide tube toward the roof. Note the orientation of the motor and the routing of the antenna cable and electrical connector.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the power antenna motor. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight off the motor terminals. Ensure you do not pull on the wires themselves, only the connector body. Position the connector away from the work area to prevent it from interfering with motor removal.
5. 5

   Disconnect antenna lead from radio
   Trace the coaxial antenna cable from the motor to where it connects to the radio receiver (typically behind the center console area). Unscrew the antenna lead connector from the radio by turning it counterclockwise. This allows the entire motor assembly with cable to be removed as one unit.
6. 6

   Remove antenna motor mounting fasteners
   The antenna motor is secured to the quarter panel bracket with 3 mounting bolts accessible from inside the quarter panel cavity. Using a 10mm socket, remove all mounting bolts while supporting the motor assembly with your other hand to prevent it from falling. Keep track of any washers or spacers on the mounting bolts.
7. 7

   Remove antenna motor assembly
   With all mounting bolts removed, carefully lower the antenna motor assembly down and maneuver it out of the quarter panel cavity. The antenna mast will need to be guided down through its mounting grommet in the body. Work slowly to avoid bending the mast or snagging the coaxial cable on any sharp edges. Once clear, remove the assembly completely from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting area and mast
   Examine the mounting bracket and body opening for any corrosion, damage, or debris. Clean the mounting surface if necessary. Inspect the antenna mast on the old motor - if it is bent, broken, or shows excessive wear, the new motor assembly should include a new mast. Check the rubber grommet in the body opening for cracks or deterioration and replace if needed.
9. 9

   Install new antenna motor assembly
   Guide the new power antenna motor assembly into position by first feeding the antenna mast up through the body grommet and mounting hole. Carefully maneuver the motor assembly into the quarter panel cavity, ensuring the coaxial cable routes properly without kinks or sharp bends. Align the motor mounting holes with the bracket on the quarter panel structure.
10. 10

    Secure antenna motor mounting bolts
    Install the 3 mounting bolts with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Thread each bolt by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten them in a crisscross pattern using a 10mm socket. Use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting bolts to 27.0 Nm (20.0 lb-ft) to ensure proper clamping force without distorting the motor housing.
11. 11

    Connect antenna lead to radio
    Route the coaxial antenna cable toward the radio receiver location. Thread the connector onto the radio antenna input by turning it clockwise until finger-tight, then snug it an additional quarter-turn. Do not over-tighten the coaxial connector as this can damage the threads or center pin.
12. 12

    Connect antenna electrical connector
    Locate the electrical connector for the antenna motor and align it with the motor terminals. Push the connector firmly onto the 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.
13. 13

    Test antenna operation
    Before reinstalling interior trim, reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten to the manufacturer-specified battery terminal clamp torque (typically ~8 Nm / 6 lb-ft — verify against OEM spec). Turn the ignition to the accessory or run position and turn on the radio. The antenna should automatically extend fully. Turn the radio off and verify the antenna retracts completely. Listen for smooth motor operation without binding or unusual noise. If the antenna does not operate correctly, recheck all electrical connections and mounting alignment.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall rear interior trim panel
    Position the rear interior trim panel back into place, reconnecting any electrical connectors for courtesy lights or other accessories first. Align the panel with the body and press firmly around all edges to re-engage the trim clips. Work systematically around the perimeter, ensuring each clip seats fully with an audible snap. Verify the panel sits flush with no gaps.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim clips are fully engaged and the panel sits flush against the body.
2. Verify battery terminal is tight and free of corrosion.
3. Test antenna operation multiple times to confirm reliable extension and retraction.

Verification

• Turn radio on and off multiple times, verifying the antenna extends fully when radio is on and retracts completely when off.
• Listen for smooth, quiet motor operation with no grinding, binding, or hesitation.
• Check that the antenna mast extends straight without wobbling or leaning.
• Verify interior trim panel is secure with no rattles or loose clips.
• Test radio reception to confirm proper antenna function and coaxial cable connection.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle