This procedure removes and replaces the power antenna motor assembly on 2011-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with automatic power antennas.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Motorcraft YL8Z-18A886-AA or equivalent
• Antenna mast retaining clips (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to ON position and use radio controls to retract antenna fully into down position
3. Turn ignition OFF and remove key
4. Open rear door on driver side (crew cab) or passenger side (regular/super cab)
5. Disconnect battery negative terminal using 10mm socket

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear interior panel
   Use panel removal tools to carefully pry out the rear interior trim panel on the appropriate side. Start at the bottom edge and work upward, releasing all plastic retaining clips. On crew cab models, this is the driver side rear panel. On regular and super cab models, access is from the passenger side rear panel. Remove the panel completely and set aside.
2. 2

   Locate and access antenna motor
   Identify the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the body panel behind the trim. The motor will have a wire harness connector and the antenna mast extending upward through a rubber grommet. Use a flashlight to verify all mounting points and connections are visible.
3. 3

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the antenna motor electrical connector and pull straight back to disconnect. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is present, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry completely.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna cable
   Locate the antenna cable (coaxial cable) connection at the base of the motor assembly. Unscrew the threaded connector by turning counterclockwise by hand. Do not use pliers as this may damage the connector threads.
5. 5

   Remove antenna mast retaining hardware
   From outside the vehicle, locate the antenna base trim ring at the roof line. Some models have a decorative cap that must be removed first. Remove the retaining nut or clips securing the antenna mast to the roof panel using an 8mm or 10mm socket as applicable.
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting bolts
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the body panel using a 10mm socket. Support the motor assembly while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. There are typically 2-3 mounting bolts depending on model year.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract antenna motor assembly
   Carefully guide the antenna motor assembly down and away from the mounting location. Feed the antenna mast down through the roof opening while pulling the motor assembly into the cabin area. Work slowly to avoid binding the antenna cable or mast against sheet metal edges.
8. 8

   Install new antenna motor assembly
   Guide the new antenna motor assembly into position, feeding the antenna mast up through the roof opening. Ensure the rubber grommet is properly seated in the roof opening. Align the motor mounting holes with the body panel mounting points. Thread mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment.
9. 9

   Torque motor mounting bolts
   Tighten the antenna motor mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Tighten in a cross pattern if multiple bolts are present to ensure even mounting pressure and proper seal against the body panel.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Secure antenna mast to roof
    From outside the vehicle, install the antenna mast retaining hardware at the roof line. Hand tighten the retaining nut, then snug with a socket. Do not overtighten as this can strip the plastic housing. Install the decorative cap if equipped.
11. 11

    Reconnect antenna cable and electrical connector
    Connect the antenna coaxial cable to the motor base by threading clockwise until hand tight. Connect the electrical connector to the motor, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug the connector to verify it is fully seated.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test operation
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position. Use the radio controls to cycle the antenna up and down through its full range of motion. Listen for smooth operation without grinding or binding noises. Verify the antenna extends and retracts fully.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify antenna operates smoothly through complete extension and retraction cycles before reinstalling trim
2. Align all trim panel retaining clips with their respective holes in the body panel
3. Press firmly around all edges of the interior trim panel to seat all retaining clips fully
4. Verify no gaps exist between the trim panel and body panel after installation

Verification

• Turn radio on and off multiple times to verify antenna extends when radio powers on and retracts when radio powers off
• Verify antenna mast extends to full height without stopping prematurely
• Check that antenna retracts completely into the housing with no visible mast segments remaining exposed
• Confirm no unusual noises during extension or retraction cycles
• Test AM/FM radio reception to verify antenna cable connection is secure and functional

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