Power Antenna Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

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 negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
3. Ensure ignition is in OFF position
4. Lower rear passenger window completely for easier interior access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Rear Passenger Interior Trim Panel
   Use trim panel removal tools to carefully pry off the rear passenger side interior trim panel. Start at the bottom edge and work your way around the perimeter. There are typically 6-8 plastic retaining clips. Pull the panel away from the body to access the antenna motor mounting area.
2. 2

   Disconnect Antenna Motor Electrical Connector
   Locate the antenna motor electrical connector attached to the motor housing. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary.
3. 3

   Disconnect Antenna Mast Cable
   Locate where the antenna mast cable enters the motor housing. There is a plastic retention clip holding the cable in place. Squeeze the clip tabs and carefully pull the cable assembly away from the motor housing. Note the routing of the cable for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove Antenna Motor Mounting Bolts
   Remove the three mounting bolts securing the antenna motor to the body using a 10mm socket. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Carefully lower the motor assembly down and away from the mounting location.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Extract Old Antenna Motor
   Carefully maneuver the antenna motor assembly through the opening in the body panel. The motor housing may need to be rotated slightly to clear surrounding structures. Avoid pulling on the electrical harness. Once clear, remove the assembly completely from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Inspect Antenna Mast and Cable
   Examine the antenna mast for bends, kinks, or breakage. Check the drive cable for fraying or damage. If the mast is damaged, it should be replaced along with the motor. Verify the new motor assembly includes the appropriate cable length for this vehicle application.
7. 7

   Install New Antenna Motor Assembly
   Position the new antenna motor assembly into the mounting location, routing the mast cable through the body opening first. Align the motor housing with the three mounting holes. Insert and hand-tighten all three mounting bolts before torquing to ensure proper alignment.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect Antenna Mast Cable
   Insert the antenna mast cable into the motor housing until the retention clip locks into place. Ensure the cable is fully seated and the clip is engaged. Gently tug on the cable to verify it is secure.
9. 9

   Connect Electrical Connector
   Align the electrical connector with the motor housing receptacle and push firmly until you hear and feel the locking tab click into place. Tug gently on the connector to confirm it is fully locked.
10. 10

    Test Antenna Operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal using proper torque specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position and turn the radio on. The antenna should extend fully. Turn the radio off and verify the antenna retracts completely. Listen for unusual grinding or binding noises during operation.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall Interior Trim Panel
    Verify all clips are properly positioned on the trim panel. Align the panel with the body and press firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Ensure the panel sits flush against the body with no gaps.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
2. Ensure the antenna mast extends and retracts smoothly without binding
3. Check that interior trim panel is properly seated with all clips engaged
4. Confirm battery terminal is torqued to specification and connection is clean

Verification

• Turn radio on and verify antenna extends fully to its upper limit
• Turn radio off and confirm antenna retracts completely into housing
• Check for smooth operation without grinding, clicking, or hesitation
• Verify radio reception is comparable to pre-repair performance
• Inspect interior trim panel for proper fit and secure attachment

More procedures for this vehicle