electrical

Power Antenna Motor

for 2017 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.0 h

Tools

Steps

🔍Draft — verification in progress. This procedure was built from OLP's spec database on September 13, 2026 and is queued for line-by-line review by Chris Hackleman — master technicians with 20+ years each. That review typically completes within 3 days of generation, and this banner changes to a verified badge the moment it does. Until then, cross-check every torque value and fluid capacity against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. If something looks off, report it below — a real person reads every report.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including trunk trim access and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

⚠Disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning electrical work to prevent short circuits.

ℹ️The antenna mast may be extended or retracted; note its position before removal for easier installation.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Trim panel removal toolsEssential

Flashlight or work light

Electrical contact cleaner

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
Open trunk and ensure adequate lighting for interior work
If antenna is extended, turn ignition to ACC position momentarily to retract (before disconnecting battery)

Procedure

1
Access trunk interior trim
Open the trunk and locate the left rear interior trim panel where the antenna motor is mounted behind the driver-side rear quarter panel. The power antenna motor on the 2008 Viper is accessed from inside the trunk area.
2
Remove trunk side trim panel
Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the left rear trunk side trim panel. Check for plastic push clips or fasteners securing the panel along its perimeter. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips. The panel should release once all retention points are freed.
3
Locate power antenna motor
With the trim panel removed, locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the inner fender or body structure. The motor is cylindrical with the antenna mast extending upward through the body panel and an electrical connector attached to its base.
4
Disconnect antenna electrical connector
Locate the electrical connector on the power antenna motor body. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. If corrosion is present, spray with electrical contact cleaner before disconnecting.
5
Disconnect antenna lead cable
Unplug the coaxial antenna cable from the base of the power antenna motor. This connection typically uses a push-on or threaded coupling. If threaded, turn counterclockwise by hand to remove.
6
Remove antenna motor mounting fasteners
Remove the mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the body. These are typically 10mm bolts, with 3 bolts holding the motor bracket to the body structure. Support the antenna motor while removing the final fastener.
7
Extract antenna motor assembly
Carefully pull the power antenna motor assembly away from the mounting location. Guide the antenna mast through the body opening if necessary. The entire motor, mast, and mounting bracket assembly should come out as one unit.
8
Install new antenna motor
Position the new power antenna motor assembly into the mounting location, ensuring the antenna mast aligns properly with the body opening. The mounting bracket should seat flush against the body structure.
9
Install mounting fasteners
Install the 3 mounting bolts and tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure. Tighten securely but do not overtighten, as this may crack the motor housing or mounting bracket.
10
Reconnect antenna connections
Connect the coaxial antenna cable to the base of the motor, ensuring it clicks or threads securely. Then connect the electrical harness connector to the motor, pressing firmly until the locking tab engages with an audible click.
11
Test antenna operation
Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to the ACC position and then ON position to test antenna extension. Turn ignition OFF to verify retraction. The motor should operate smoothly without binding or unusual noise.
12
Reinstall trunk trim
Position the trunk side trim panel back into place. Press firmly at all clip locations to secure. Verify all edges are properly seated and the panel is flush with surrounding trim.

Reassembly

Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
Verify antenna mast extends and retracts fully without obstruction
Check that trunk trim panel is secure and all clips are engaged

Verification

Turn ignition to ACC and ON positions multiple times to verify antenna extends smoothly
Turn ignition OFF to verify antenna retracts fully into the fender
Check radio reception to confirm proper antenna cable connection
Inspect trunk interior for proper trim fitment with no gaps or loose panels